Thread: Adding Length to a Dress

I bought this dress and I love it, but it is currently for sale because it is too short. Is there any way to add length to it? It doesn't have a hem that could be taken out and the only option I envisioned would be taking the chiffon veil it came with and doing something with that. I am not a good sewer, so I don't know if that would work. Pictures can be found here:http://www.bhuz.com/showthread.php?5...light=chyzanne

Any ideas?

how much shorter is it? if it's 1-2" too short, I say add matching feathers! :) I'm tall with curves and finding longer skirts has been a pain, so I've added feathers to the bottom of some of my costumes and it works perfectly, and adds a unique touch to it

eta: I used marabou feathers and they were small enough not to be too overwhelming but still pretty enough to look unique.

This may be a far cry, but it came with two long gauntlents. Can you use those to your advantage? It depends on the the length of the hem line and how much you will need to extend the dress.

I bought a dress that was too short, so I just made a skirt that matched the beads to wear underneath it. The edges of the dress were beaded, and I couldn’t find matching fabric to add a ruffle. There was a slit on it that was too high up for my liking anyway, so the second layer helped.

The feathers are a great idea. it would give it a ballroom dress effect. You can add some matching feathers to the arm pieces or a shoulder strap or on one or both cups to integrate the design. If you don't like feathers, maybe a ruffle arround the hem and up the slit in a matching chiffon or organza?


Another option is to select a lycra material in a contrasting color or even a coordinating colored print. Add that fabric to the hem, alont the top or bottom of the sleeves and on either/both straps (under the originals, peeking out) and/or along the top of the cups. This will integrate the new fabric and make it appear to be part of the dress design. Perhaps add fuchsia for a bright look or a citrus color for a sharp contrast. Emerald green and purple are a classic combo too.

If you don't sew, this is probably best left to a pro seamstress or a fellow dancer who is comfortable working with lycras.
Good luck! You have lots of options.

Hi!

I would use the veil to make matching ruffles (Maybe, your seamstress could do that for you?). I did it for one of my dresses and it came out beautiful.

Here is an older pic of it where you can see it quite well:


Love, Sahira.

PS: I think, ruffles would look perfect for the style of your Pharaonics dress. Marabou feathers would look nice, too, if the ruffle-thing is too difficult.

In all honesty, it is very difficult to add length to a dress with a sleek silhouette without making it scream "I was too short!" No matter how you add onto the bottom, it almost always looks like something has been added onto the bottom--especially when you are performing for other dancers who may recognize the style and know it didn't come with a ruffle, underskirt, or feathers. With this particular dress, it would probably be unlikely that you could find an exact match on the mesh insert, so maybe if you hired a seamstress to replace the mesh while adding a second upward diagonal cut to the front, you could add some length in the middle instead of the bottom. You could harvest matching sequins and beads from an accessory piece to make the design blend in a little better.

Thanks for all the ideas. I think the feather idea and ruffles are both pretty. How do you put on feathers though? Are they glued in?

Originally Posted by chyzanne

Thanks for all the ideas. I think the feather idea and ruffles are both pretty. How do you put on feathers though? Are they glued in?

I just sewed mine on. Glue would make things messier, and this way it's cleaner and if you ever sold the costume or decided to take the feathers off, you can just snip off the thread and remove it without any stains.

Originally Posted by ZanaRaqs

I just sewed mine on. Glue would make things messier, and this way it's cleaner and if you ever sold the costume or decided to take the feathers off, you can just snip off the thread and remove it without any stains.

Great, i think that sounds easier for me than making ruffles. I hope I can find the right color.

Originally Posted by chyzanne

Great, i think that sounds easier for me than making ruffles. I hope I can find the right color.

They have soooo many colors now, I'm sure you'll find the right one. There's always the internet if all else fails!