Thread: saidi dress showing too much leg for me

So... I have a saidi dress I want to wear to a student night performance in October. (It is similar in shape to one of these: https://www.dahlal.com/default.aspx?...1&s1=1153&s2=0 ).

However... the slits come up pretty high on my legs, well above my knee, and I have Sturdy Peasant Legs. I don't usually show them; they aren't my best feature. I could use some advice. Do I...

1. Put a quarter circle of chiffon in each slit? If so what color?
2. Put a quarter circle of an opaque fabric in each slit?
3. Wear matching color leggings? I could embellish them a bit and pretend it's all one costume. ,r:;
4. Wear complimentary colored opaque hose?
5. Stitch the slits shut and walk like a penguin? ..c::

Advice much appreciated. I am short and... um... voluptuous... if that is useful info.

I had a similar issue with a dress I once owned. I had L Rose make me a pair of modified bellbottom pants to match it. It was super cute with the dress.

i don't know which one you have (the link just sends us to the general selection of saidi dresses) but can't you just sew the slit down a bit? not all the way down but to your comfort level

I have worn a closed-slit trumpet skirt under a saidi dress when I wanted more coverage. That seemed to work well.

I agree with stitching the slits down further.

Or would sheer hosiery work to make you comfortable with your legs?

Matching stirrup style tights or leggings. If tights that match the body of the dress is not feasible maybe something that matches the trim. If your legs remain a concern you could add a sheer godet so your tights encased legs are visible. Due to unsightly veins I wear stirrup tights and sheer godets whenever possible. I am more comfortable so I can focus on my music and dance.

Hmm. I will get the dress on this weekend and maybe baste the slits shut somewhat. Don't know how this will work due to the way it's cut but it's certainly worth checking out.

Sedonia, almost nothing short of denim makes me happy with my legs. They are, frankly, stumpy, pale, and blotchy. I also tend to have problems with swollen ankles due to the heat, so I'm glad the performance isn't until October!

Originally Posted by tamrahennatx

I have worn a closed-slit trumpet skirt under a saidi dress when I wanted more coverage. That seemed to work well.

That's a clever idea!

Having seen the dress on you in a pic, I would vote against the trumpet skirt unless it is super sleek. You don't want any bulges or bunches from waistbands and darts.

I was going to suggest closing the top of the slit. But since that's been suggested, I thought I'd add I've worn regular chiffon skirts under straight slit skirts, and it gives the look of chiffon inserts without the sewing.

Originally Posted by andalee-oriental

Having seen the dress on you in a pic, I would vote against the trumpet skirt unless it is super sleek. You don't want any bulges or bunches from waistbands and darts.

Noted!

one of my troupe mates gave me hot pink shorts with a little lace at the bottom that are about the length of bicycle shorts. they match my galabeya. They keep me covered especially when dance on a raised stage! I also wear them under my milaya dress.

Originally Posted by andalee-oriental

Having seen the dress on you in a pic, I would vote against the trumpet skirt unless it is super sleek. You don't want any bulges or bunches from waistbands and darts.

Good point. The one I used was a lycra skirt, not too full, and I have a belt to wear over top.

I've sewn the slits down and worn black lace or solid black leggings (my beledi/saidi dresses all have black in them).

I would either sew the slits to the knee or wear hose underneath.

This is a troupe costume we've made about 5 years ago. The side slits wear designed to be very high, so it could show the matching thigh capri pants underneath.



Qamar

Chiffon harem pants are cute under a saidi dress.


{{{HUGS}}}

I have the same problem, color coordinated thin fabric harem pants, problem solved.

I have never performed a saidi piece, so I haven't run into this problem, but I know I will.
I would also rather show as little of my legs as possible, so when I do perform saidi my plan is to wear an opaque and slitless circle skirt underneath. I might not have that option if it's a troupe performance, but if it's a solo I don't see why it should be a problem.
In fact, I think it looks pretty cute, and unique.

Originally Posted by khalima

I was going to suggest closing the top of the slit. But since that's been suggested, I thought I'd add I've worn regular chiffon skirts under straight slit skirts, and it gives the look of chiffon inserts without the sewing.

Yes, I've done this too and it does look good. Or you could wear slimmer, sheer harems.

I think it depends on the context you're wearing the costume in.

If you're actually doing Saidi style dance or beledi and going for a folkloric look, harems wouldn't seem right to me. The silhouette is just wrong, not Egyptian and not Saidi.

In that case, my preferences, in order would be:

1) Sew the slits closed down past the knee so just your calf is showing (or however far you think you need to go)

2) If the skirt is too narrow for #1, sew a piece of coordinating fabric (similar to the dress fabric, or similar fabric in a coordinating color) into the slit. I'm picturing a long, narrow triangular shaped inset.

3) If #2 doesn't work, then chiffon modesty panels would tie for a rather distant 3rd choice

3) or use narrow leggings or capris (Gia's are really cute) in a coordinating color. Doesn't feel very 'authentic' but at least the silhouette is right. I do like Gia's thigh-length capris because they remind me of a longer version of the bicycle shorts so popular among Egyptian Sharqi dancers a few years ago, so at least they feel Egyptian if not very Saidi. Like a modern take on Saidi maybe.

If you're not looking for a traditional look, you can go with whatever you find visually appealing, of course. Eman Zaki has popularized the bell-bottom Saidi costume! But hers never have dress or tunic tops.

So cute with the leggings.

Originally Posted by Qamar60

This is a troupe costume we've made about 5 years ago. The side slits wear designed to be very high, so it could show the matching thigh capri pants underneath.



Qamar

If your saidi dress is slim and trim (no flaring out) like the ones on Dahlal, then I think it seems off to add a skirt that does flare, since that changes the design of the line. Sewing the slit partially closed is a great idea! And if this leaves the trim farther up than the slit, perhaps this will give the illusion that you're showing more leg than you are. I also like the 3/4 tights look (if you do this, don't get a shiny fabric, because tight, shiny fabrics make the body part look bigger). Qamar's matching tights blend nicely into the dress. I think slim harem pants (not full ones) would be fine as well, unless you're performing in a group, then being the only one in harems would call attention to your legs.

And don't forget about leg makeup! Sally Hansen Airbrush for Legs is terrific! I have varicose veins, and it covers them very nicely. It won't help with the short, and sturdy aspects, but since saidi is in fact a folkdance, I say FLAUNT those peasant legs!

Originally Posted by zaynahcantara

Sally Hansen Airbrush for Legs is terrific!

Does it come off on costumes? Will it eventually wear off like a stain or does it wash off like makeup?

Once it's on and dry, it pretty much stays put until you wash with soap. I've had it last for several days, including through showers where I haven't soaped my legs, and patted dry with a towel.
Having said that, I probably wouldn't wear a white costume with it, as it does rub off very slightly.