thrifted style, preloved chiffon sheer dress, swim suit coverup, white Panama hat, teal cowgirl boots, boho style, teal and purple, teal duster sweater, long cardigan, Shelbee on the Edge

The Thrifty Six in Chiffon

November 17, 2025 / 12 Comments
thrifted style, preloved chiffon sheer dress, swim suit coverup, white Panama hat, teal cowgirl boots, boho style, teal and purple, teal duster sweater, long cardigan, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, preloved chiffon sheer dress, swim suit coverup, white Panama hat, teal cowgirl boots, boho style, teal and purple, teal duster sweater, long cardigan, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, preloved chiffon sheer dress, swim suit coverup, white Panama hat, teal cowgirl boots, boho style, teal and purple, teal duster sweater, long cardigan, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, preloved chiffon sheer dress, swim suit coverup, white Panama hat, teal cowgirl boots, boho style, teal and purple, teal duster sweater, long cardigan, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, preloved chiffon sheer dress, swim suit coverup, white Panama hat, teal cowgirl boots, boho style, teal and purple, teal duster sweater, long cardigan, Shelbee on the Edge

Another month has passed and another thrifty challenge has been completed. As the holidays approach, Jane chose chiffon, an elegant sheer fabric that is often used for special occasion dresses and other formal wear, as our theme.

As a lifelong lover of fashion, I have learned a lot of the lingo in my half century on earth, but distinguishing the difference between chiffon and other sheer fabrics like georgette or voile has absolutely baffled me.

In another attempt to educate myself, I asked AI to explain it to me.

I definitely know how to accurately identify tulle, gauze, and lace. And I am pretty certain that organza wouldn’t trick me. But after reading the characteristics of chiffon, voile, and georgette, I am not entirely certain which one of those fabrics I am wearing. I think my dress might be closer to georgette than chiffon due to its slightly crinkled nature but its semi sheerness might classify it as voile. Oh heavens, I have no idea!

thrifted style, preloved chiffon sheer dress, swim suit coverup, white Panama hat, teal cowgirl boots, boho style, teal and purple, teal duster sweater, long cardigan, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, preloved chiffon sheer dress, swim suit coverup, white Panama hat, teal cowgirl boots, boho style, teal and purple, teal duster sweater, long cardigan, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, preloved chiffon sheer dress, swim suit coverup, white Panama hat, teal cowgirl boots, boho style, teal and purple, teal duster sweater, long cardigan, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, preloved chiffon sheer dress, swim suit coverup, white Panama hat, teal cowgirl boots, boho style, teal and purple, teal duster sweater, long cardigan, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, preloved chiffon sheer dress, swim suit coverup, white Panama hat, teal cowgirl boots, boho style, teal and purple, teal duster sweater, long cardigan, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, preloved chiffon sheer dress, swim suit coverup, white Panama hat, teal cowgirl boots, boho style, teal and purple, teal duster sweater, long cardigan, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, preloved chiffon sheer dress, swim suit coverup, white Panama hat, teal cowgirl boots, boho style, teal and purple, teal duster sweater, long cardigan, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, preloved chiffon sheer dress, swim suit coverup, white Panama hat, teal cowgirl boots, boho style, teal and purple, teal duster sweater, long cardigan, Shelbee on the Edge

When Jane told us our theme, I had initially planned on restyling this thrifted ballerina skirt which I am almost certain is chiffon rather than georgette or voile. But don’t take my word for it. My “almost certain” means like 51% certain. There’s a 49% chance that I have absolutely no clue.

As I was beginning to brainstorm a restyle of the chiffon skirt, I remembered this newly thrifted teal and purple sheer dress. It is actually labeled as a swimsuit coverup, but I don’t really like labels so I’m calling it a dress. It is semi sheer so I wore a black slip dress beneath it for modesty and warmth.

thrifted style, preloved chiffon sheer dress, swim suit coverup, white Panama hat, teal cowgirl boots, boho style, teal and purple, teal duster sweater, long cardigan, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, preloved chiffon sheer dress, swim suit coverup, white Panama hat, teal cowgirl boots, boho style, teal and purple, teal duster sweater, long cardigan, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, preloved chiffon sheer dress, swim suit coverup, white Panama hat, teal cowgirl boots, boho style, teal and purple, teal duster sweater, long cardigan, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, preloved chiffon sheer dress, swim suit coverup, white Panama hat, teal cowgirl boots, boho style, teal and purple, teal duster sweater, long cardigan, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, preloved chiffon sheer dress, swim suit coverup, white Panama hat, teal cowgirl boots, boho style, teal and purple, teal duster sweater, long cardigan, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, preloved chiffon sheer dress, swim suit coverup, white Panama hat, teal cowgirl boots, boho style, teal and purple, teal duster sweater, long cardigan, Shelbee on the Edge

I love the striking color combination of purple and teal and was excited for another opportunity to style my teal cowgirl boots. To tie in the white embellishments on my boots, I wore my white Panama hat which I decorated with some fake and some found feathers.

I layered three necklaces together: preloved gray seashell mala beads, my purple and teal crocheted yoga necklace, and my teal key necklace that was a gift from my children. My teal teardrop earrings are one of my best flea market finds.

I wore this outfit to an outdoor concert with my husband back in September. It was already getting a bit chilly at night so I added my thrifted light turquoise duster sweater to keep warm.

thrifted style, preloved chiffon sheer dress, swim suit coverup, white Panama hat, teal cowgirl boots, boho style, teal and purple, teal duster sweater, long cardigan, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, preloved chiffon sheer dress, swim suit coverup, white Panama hat, teal cowgirl boots, boho style, teal and purple, teal duster sweater, long cardigan, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, preloved chiffon sheer dress, swim suit coverup, white Panama hat, teal cowgirl boots, boho style, teal and purple, teal duster sweater, long cardigan, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, preloved chiffon sheer dress, swim suit coverup, white Panama hat, teal cowgirl boots, boho style, teal and purple, teal duster sweater, long cardigan, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, preloved chiffon sheer dress, swim suit coverup, white Panama hat, teal cowgirl boots, boho style, teal and purple, teal duster sweater, long cardigan, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, preloved chiffon sheer dress, swim suit coverup, white Panama hat, teal cowgirl boots, boho style, teal and purple, teal duster sweater, long cardigan, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, preloved chiffon sheer dress, swim suit coverup, white Panama hat, teal cowgirl boots, boho style, teal and purple, teal duster sweater, long cardigan, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, preloved chiffon sheer dress, swim suit coverup, white Panama hat, teal cowgirl boots, boho style, teal and purple, teal duster sweater, long cardigan, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, preloved chiffon sheer dress, swim suit coverup, white Panama hat, teal cowgirl boots, boho style, teal and purple, teal duster sweater, long cardigan, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, preloved chiffon sheer dress, swim suit coverup, white Panama hat, teal cowgirl boots, boho style, teal and purple, teal duster sweater, long cardigan, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, preloved chiffon sheer dress, swim suit coverup, white Panama hat, teal cowgirl boots, boho style, teal and purple, teal duster sweater, long cardigan, Shelbee on the Edge

We took these photos at the hotel before heading off to see Greensky Bluegrass. We had such a lovely date night and I went home feeling wonderful. I was stopped by at least three strangers who complimented my outfit and that always helps a girl gain some more confidence! Thank you, kind strangers for your lovely words.

Now let’s check out how my thrifty friends have dressed for this chiffon challenge. Click on the links or images below for details about each outfit. 

The Thrifty Six is a group of international fashion lovers who meet once a month in our little space on the internet to share our thrifty outfits. On the third Monday of every month, we will all share an outfit based on a theme that features preloved wardrobe pieces. Shopping and reselling preloved clothing is so much better for the environment and you can find some of the best fashions in thrift or charity shops. The Thrifty Six are here not only to inspire you to shop second hand but to also get creative in your closets.

Emma of Style Splash
Style Splash
“Chiffon is not really on my style radar so I was thinking I’d have to find a scarf for this challenge. But then I remembered this top that I bought on Vinted a while back which not only has chiffon sleeves, but also a matching ruffle detail on the front that looks like a scarf. I’ve teamed it with a corduroy waistcoat and trousers. The tan bag (also preloved) finished off the look.”
-Emma
Jane of Preloved-Vintage-Handmade
Preloved-Vintage-Handmade
“On a windy day it’s profoundly life-affirming to stand on a hill-top in a skirt that’s completely out of control…
…to feel that sense of devil-may-care as it’s caught by a squall and could easily blow right over your head!
What is there without exhilaration, without jeopardy – life is short, fashion is fun, and chiffon is exciting to wear…
Mousseline de soie – soft yet striking, subtle yet dramatic, feminine and mysterious – surely a precious gift from the fashion gods…”
-Jane
Jodie of Jodie’s Touch of Style
Jodie's Touch of Style
“My crew decided to style chiffon scarves…in 3 different ways.
I went rogue and used my scarf as decoration on my solid colored skirt. The scarf was made by my mom from leftover material from something else she made ages ago.
The skirt was from my dental school days (we are talking the early 90s). While the skirt and scarf are not thrifted per se…both show great sustainability, right?
BTW, there is another chiffon scarf decorating my purse, and it was my friend’s who just passed.”
-Jodie
Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style
Nancy's Fashion Style
“I’ve had this pleated chiffon dress for ages. I bought it on Vinted and from the shop where I once worked. That means the quality and fit are fantastic. (Oddly enough, I don’t remember having it in the store. I guess I wasn’t crazy about pleats back then, that came later when I started blogging). I don’t wear it often, but I definitely won’t be getting rid of it. Because I always enjoy this chiffon dress. It’s the colour, the pleats, the chiffon. It has a slipdress underneath. I have to wear it in a different style, because I always wear it with brown. I just love it that way.”
-Nancy
Sally of Within a World of My Own
Within a World of My Own
“Chiffon is a sheer, delicate, high-care, very feminine fabric that doesn’t fit well with my lifestyle or personal aesthetic…but use it in a scarf and suddenly that soft sheen, lovely drape, and airy feel find their place in my wardrobe. In this casual outfit, I took two very basic casual pieces from Goodwill (a denim-blue top and red skinny jeans) that I’ve had for over 5 years and gave them added punch from the colorful ‘feels like me’ accessories: a thrifted chiffon scarf with a watercolor-like heart motif, a DIY bracelet stack with a rainbow theme, and a pair of Rocket Dog rainbow striped sneakers that followed me on Pinterest for about two months before my husband convinced me that I should buy them (retail, on sale). I especially like the juxtaposition of the floaty, lightweight chiffon scarf with the rougher, more utilitarian textures in the look (technical knit, denim, canvas). It’s a dead simple knit top + jeans + sneakers outfit that says Colorful Contrasting Casual Chic.”
-Sally
And Me!
“I found this gorgeous turquoise and purple chiffon dress on a thrifting adventure with my sister this past April. Actually, it was labeled as a swimsuit cover up, but I don’t usually adhere to labels of that sort. I wear things however I want! So I layered this sheer number over a black slip dress, added my teal cowgirl boots, a feathered brimmed hat, and piles of necklaces (some were thrifted, some were not). I wore this outfit to an outdoor concert in September and needed an extra layer in the evening as the temperature dropped so I layered on an old thrifted duster sweater in light teal.”
-Shelbee

I hope you have enjoyed our budget-friendly ways of styling chiffon. If you would like to see more preloved outfits created by this stylish yet environmentally-friendly group, please stop back on December 15, 2025, to see how we rise to Sally’s fashion challenge…Vested.

Keeping it on the edge, 

Shelbee

I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.

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12 Comments

  • Di

    November 17, 2025 at 11:22 am Reply

    Shelbee, I love the way you took your chiffon (or something very close to it!) swimsuit cover-up and transformed it. It definitely passes beautifully for a dress, and the deep, rich colors are so gorgeous! I can see how this would be a difficult challenge. Chiffon is not the most common fabric for everyday wear. All of the women came up with lovely creations. I am so in love with Nancy’s dress! it is right up my alley- Navy blue,fit and flare and pleated! And of course that swishy, flowy fabric. Hope you enjoy your week, and thanks for sharing!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      November 17, 2025 at 1:47 pm Reply

      Thanks so much, Di! Chiffon was definitely a tricky challenge this time but I love how everyone came up with totally different pieces to style. I can totally see you wearing Nancy’s dress just as well as she is wearing it!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Sally in St Paul

    November 17, 2025 at 12:22 pm Reply

    Glad I’m not the only one who wasn’t 100% sure at identifying chiffon! But this swimsuit coverup->dress has a light and airy quality that fits the bill either way. I love all the “feels like Shelbee” vibes in this outfit, and your repurposing/”being the boss of your clothes” will appeal to Jodie, for sure 🙂 I enjoyed seeing your use of non-traditional colors in a fall outfit – it’s a breath of fresh air itself!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      November 17, 2025 at 1:55 pm Reply

      Thanks so much, Sally! I am very glad to learn that I was not alone either in the proper identification of chiffon! Whichever fabrics we chose, this was a really fun and interesting challenge. I love all the different pieces we chose to style for an eclectic collection of lovely chiffon inspired outfits. I think Jodie approves any time we boss our clothes around! LOL

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • jodie filogomo

    November 17, 2025 at 2:11 pm Reply

    I love how you ignored the label that dress being a swimsuit cover up and wore it as a dress instead.
    And I had no idea those other two classifications instead of chiffon, so call me just as confused
    Xoxo
    Jodie

  • Marsha Banks

    November 18, 2025 at 11:00 pm Reply

    Shelbee, I was confused about what chiffon was, too, and I think I’m even more confused now! Oh, well, your beautiful chiffon/georgette/voile dress is perfect for your coloring. I love the pink and teal together. And, as always, your accessories are just as perfect, especially the cowgirl boots! I would never have thought of this as a bathing suit coverup!

    https://marshainthemiddle.com/

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      November 19, 2025 at 5:35 am Reply

      Aw, thanks so much, Marsha! I was really drawn to the colors on this dress. I totally winterized it but I think it will be really cute in the summer time, possibly over a swimsuit! Except I rarely don a swim suit these days. LOL

      xoxo
      Shelbee

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