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Tie Dye Dress Inspired by Anthropologie

I saw a tie dyed tank at Anthropologie for over $200; I decided to DIY a tie dye dress version for less than $20 – it’s very easy to do!

Skills Required: Beginner. Tie dye is really easy, albeit slightly messy. If you’ve never used it before, make sure to cover your work surface and follow the directions exactly. This dress is very forgiving (such is the nature of tie dye).

Tie Dye Dress Inspired by Anthropologie

A few weeks ago I was window shopping on Anthro and came across this gorgeous embellished and tie-dyed top. The $228 price tag pretty much blew my mind, but it also got my wheels turning about how I could remake this fashion craft for myself.

That thought evolved into making a dress which evolved into making the swim cover I’m going to show you today! I love everything about this tutorial.

First, it’s all so simple to do. Secondly, by using tie dye you always get a one-of-a-kind fabric. Finally, the price for this sucker blows Anthro’s out of the water.

The whole tie-dye dress was well under $20! Adding that little pom-pom detail takes the whole thing to the next level of cuteness. It’s all so good and the result is you looking adorable at the beach. Here is how I did it:

White maxi dress with a tie dye kit and pom pom trim

What you need:

White maxi dress wrapped with rubber bands

Directions:

1. Fold your dress according to the tie dye pattern you desire. For the effect I got, I folded the dress like an accordion, then twisted it and secured a rubber band every 1-2 inches.

White dress wrapped in rubber bands covered in tie dye

2. According to your tie-dye directions, apply the tie-dye to the dress. The tie-dye I used was one step, so you just add water and squirt on the fabric. Piece of cake!

Tie dyed dress laying in plastic wrap drying

3. Wrap dress in plastic wrap and let set for 6-8 hours or according to your tie dye directions.

Removing the rubber bands from a tie dye project

4. Remove rubber bands and wash according to your tie dye kit directions. For me this was just tossing the dress into a hot washer separately. Let dry.

Attaching pom pom trim using fabric glue

5. Once the dress completely dry, attach the pom poms to the neckline. I did this using fabric glue in the glue gun and it was SO simple. You can also just run it through a sewing machine. That’s it! You’re done!

Tie dye a maxi dress
How to tie dye a dress

You are going to be so cute and COMFY all summer long. Now get to dyeing! and be sure to come visit my sister and me as we blog about style, food, and the things we love over at The Pretty Life Girls.

Tie dye slip dress
DIY tie dye dress
Tie dye slip dress
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5 from 1 vote

Tie Dye Dress

Learn how to tie dye a dress with this simple tutorial! This beautiful tie dye maxi dress can be made on a budget; perfect for beginning crafters.
Prep Time15 minutes
Active Time30 minutes
Dry Time8 hours
Total Time8 hours 45 minutes
Type: DIY Fashion
Yield: 1 dress
Cost: $15

Equipment

Materials

  • White dress
  • Tie dye kit
  • Pom pom trim

Instructions

  • Pre-wash the dress to remove sizing. Dry without a dryer sheet or fabric softener.
  • Fold the dress according to the tie dye pattern you desire. Secure rubber bands every 1 – 2 inches.
  • According to package directions, apply the tie dye to the dress.
  • Wrap the dress in plastic wrap and let set for 6 – 8 hours.
  • Remove rubber bands and wash according to the package instructions.
  • Once the dress completely dry, attach the pom poms to the neckline with fabric glue or a sewing machine. Trim to finish.

If you enjoyed this DIY tie dye dress, I’d love for you to check out these other posts I think you’ll fancy:

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