Kelly Ripa Reveals How She Repurposed Her ‘Off-the-Rack’ Wedding Dress from Her 1996 Nuptials (Exclusive)

Kelly Ripa, the well-known talk show host, recently revealed a fascinating fashion secret – she has been re-wearing her wedding dress almost 30 years after her Las Vegas elopement with husband Mark Consuelos. Ripa, who is featured in this year’s World’s Most Beautiful issue by PEOPLE magazine, shared the story of how her ‘off-the-rack’ wedding dress from Barneys New York has become a versatile piece in her wardrobe.

Rather than keeping her wedding dress locked away as a memento, the 54-year-old TV personality has found new ways to incorporate it into her daily style. She confessed to PEOPLE that she removed the tags from the dress on her wedding day and has since repurposed it as a beach cover-up. Despite the dress costing her a significant sum at the time of purchase, Ripa has certainly made the most of her investment by giving it a second life.

In a candid interview alongside her daughter, Lola Consuelos, Kelly Ripa reminisced about how she never initially bought the dress with the intent of it being a traditional wedding gown. Instead, she was drawn to its beauty and affordability, as it was under $200 when she was working on the show All My Children. This forward-thinking approach paid off, as Ripa has worn the slip dress on multiple occasions, including on her 20th-anniversary vacation with Mark Consuelos.

Ripa’s fashion choices have evolved with age, as she now has a list of items she prefers not to wear, including miniskirts. She emphasized the importance of dressing appropriately for her age, especially since she spends much of her time seated. Despite this, her daughter Lola praised her mother’s style as chic and authentic during their joint interview with PEOPLE, highlighting Ripa’s timeless sense of fashion.

The story of Kelly Ripa’s wedding dress serves as a reminder of the sentimental value and practicality that can be found in repurposing clothing items. Ripa’s decision to continue wearing her dress in different ways showcases her creativity and sustainable approach to fashion. It also reinforces the idea that personal style is not defined by the price tag or conventional norms, but by individual expression and confidence.

As Ripa and Consuelos celebrate nearly 30 years of marriage this year, their enduring relationship is mirrored in Ripa’s reimagining of her wedding dress. The dress, once a symbol of a joyous occasion, now represents a lasting connection to cherished memories and a testament to the timeless nature of personal style. Kelly Ripa’s fashion journey serves as an inspiration for individuals to rethink their approach to clothing and find new ways to enjoy and appreciate their wardrobe staples.