Stylists advise
Who, if not stylists, can tell us girls how to transform an old dress. It turns out that it is not as difficult as it seems at first glance. You just need to decide how many centimeters the skirt will go down. Possible stylish options:
- loosen the hem, steam it through gauze and tuck it back to the desired length;
- add lace;
- run a strip of other material;
- make a yoke;
- add shuttlecocks of different directions: vertical, horizontal, diagonal;
- form folds;
- make a translucent case.
Let's look at each possible option in more detail.
How to lengthen a dress with lace
Lace has been the main trend for several seasons in a row. Moreover, light colors are popular: beige, cream, white - and no flashy, daring colors. A dress elongated with lace always looks impressive, stylish and feminine.
Be sure to match the lace to the dress or in contrast. A lace insert can be added to the bottom: carefully sew to the hem.
Stylists do not recommend using lace at the waist, since visually this part of the body will appear larger.
The lace part can be decorated with scattered pearls or sequins. With the fashionable lace trend, the field for experimentation is always open.
Extending the hem with your own hands. Recommendations, tips
Of course, when lengthening a short dress, it is best to have relevant experience in sewing and repairing clothes, but even without it, simple operations can be done by the most ordinary women.
Using contrasts
A fabric that is contrastingly different from the main one (for example, a combination of red/black, black/white, etc.) can modify an out-of-fashion model and restore its lost attractiveness. Short sleeves are also sometimes subject to lengthening; in these cases, it is important to adhere to the harmony of the lines and the overall design of the outfit.
Lace
When choosing the right lace for the job, you can additionally use beads, rhinestones, and palettes, this will make the outfit original.
The waistline is especially important for women. When lengthening the dress in this part, it is not recommended to use lace; it visually increases the volume.
One of the elegant results, but labor-intensive to complete, is dividing the dress at the bottom of the hem into two sections, between which a strip of lace of the required length is inserted. Sometimes you can use several such inserts, diversifying the tonality and width of the parts, which transform the model and make it original and interesting.
Plume
The use of flounces in the form of a train can dramatically change a short dress, turning it into an evening or ball gown. In this case, wide strips of guipure fabric or lace are used. This option is often used to lengthen wedding dresses, decorate clothes for balls, and corporate parties. Tastefully selected shoes, jewelry and accessories will help complete the look.
Game of contrasts
It is possible and even necessary to lengthen the dress with the help of additional stripes. If you need to add 10-20 centimeters to the length of the dress, then this option is definitely for you. Take the same fabric in a different color. For example, choose a white or scarlet stripe for a black dress, and a black stripe for a red one. You can fantasize as much as you like. Tip: use the color wheel and you will immediately understand which color harmonizes well with which.
Method 1 – at chest level:
- a brooch in the shape of a creative stylish bow or flower;
- patch pocket;
- sew on buttons, pre-cover them with fabric from the insert.
Method 2 – transforming the sleeves:
- add an insert similar in color to the one running along the hem;
- replace or add cuffs;
- add buttons to the sleeves.
Use your imagination and creativity!
Selecting a strip to lengthen the hem
For example, a woolen dress will look extremely ridiculous if you add a strip of guipure to it. In the case when you need to lengthen a short dress, and the material from which it is made is chintz, denim or knitwear, it is best to use identical or similar material.
The technique for adding the necessary centimeters for a dress with flounces or several petticoats is similar to that previously described:
- Steam the hem of the top of the petticoat.
- Smooth thoroughly using an iron. It is advisable to use a device that performs smoothing using steam.
- The prepared strip of fabric is sewn on.
- The lower cut part is carefully hemmed.
- The procedure for smoothing out scars is repeated.
Highlighting the waist
If you decide to lengthen the dress at the waist, then this is quite difficult. However, the interest in completing the work overcomes any upcoming difficulties. One simple option is to cut the dress at the waist level and place an insert of contrasting fabric there. Then connect the upper and lower parts.
The lower part should be larger than the upper, since there is a transition to the hips.
Ways to add length
Sometimes it seems that stylists have no limits to their imagination. Every season, new and most unexpected variations of dresses and skirts appear on world catwalks.
Tulle skirts worn over dresses, creating a delicate image, warm knitted sundresses, complemented by light and weightless lace, the list can be endless . But how to make such beauty at home? This is what we will talk about.
Extend with lace
Lace is a universal and quick option to transform an old outfit:
- simply sew over the skirt in one or several layers;
- divide the skirt into several sections in which lace will alternate with the main fabric;
- letting the lace into the waistline.
The first two options will help create a sweet, sensual and extremely feminine image. The third is more suitable for fatal beauties who are not used to remaining in the shadows.
To lengthen the skirt by alternating lace with the main fabric , you need to cut off a certain amount and then re-stitch along with the lace. The technology is quite simple, and the effect is simply amazing.
We follow approximately the same principle with the third image. Clearly measure your waistline and which area you would like to replace. Carefully cut out and reconnect the parts of the dress with the insert.
Important! There is no point in “cutting from the shoulder.” It’s better to think and check several times before cutting. Remember, after that, nothing can be returned.
Using contrasts
Contrasts are in fashion now and you can easily follow this trend too. To do this, you should compare materials or textures that, at first glance, seem to contradict each other.
If you have a dull, monochromatic dress, feel free to add a frill of ribbon decorated with ornaments or a pattern in an ethnic style. Folds, flounces or ruffles will not look out of place.
Thin ribbons of lace will add restraint and romance to an overly colorful and bright outfit.
Important! When combining incompatible things, it is important to stick to one concept. Materials must have differences, but also similarities at the same time, be it color, texture, decorative elements, etc.
Highlighting the waist
What gives a woman’s image a delicate and sensual outline? That's right, waist! So if you want to make a midi or maxi dress, definitely consider this option.
Want a more revealing look? Then give preference to light fabrics and translucent lace. If there is no need for excessive frankness, and a couple of extra candies are treacherously reflected on the sides, then make inserts from dense fabrics or rough lace that holds its shape.
Important! A harmonious image in which a woman feels comfortable is much more beautiful and sexier than the most revealing outfits. Don't chase fashion, be yourself!
Add flounces and frills
Perhaps there is nothing more romantic than frills and flounces. They give the female image lightness, innocence and romance.
Select fabrics that match the color and texture and cut the desired length. Learn, you need to take a couple of centimeters with a margin so that when hemming, the dress does not “jump” again.
Frills and flounces, especially if you are an amateur seamstress, are best done separately . Initially, assemble and secure the masonry of the required width using sewing pins. Attach them to the dress to check how harmonious they look and only then sew them on.
Thanks to this trick, you can create real masterpieces quickly and efficiently.
Important! Frills and ruffles visually make the silhouette larger. If you are already curvy, then it is better to give preference to fringe or contrasting inserts.
Create a translucent case
Dresses and skirts with a transparent sheath are now at the peak of popularity. Sort of like a city Cinderella bride. And no matter how difficult it may seem to repeat such a masterpiece, in fact everything is simple:
- To start, choose a translucent fabric . It is best to give preference to organza or tulle. Measure the required length, not forgetting the allowances.
- Finish the edges of the sheer fabric . This is very important so that in the future the finished product has a neat appearance. You can do this by pre-stitching the edges, or use a quick method - adhesive thermal tape with a spider web.
- Connect the edges of the future skirt . There are two connection options. The first is that you take a piece of fabric across the full width and you just have to join one side to get a case. Secondly, you divide the required width into floors and, after cutting the fabric, sew it together.
It is worth noting that the second option is more correct and aesthetically pleasing. The first one is convenient when you need to lengthen the dress here and now:
- Now we sew the top of the skirt at the waist. Before using the sewing machine, we advise you to quickly baste it so that at the time of sewing, the top of the skirt does not become a wave.
- You can decorate the joint area with ribbon, lace or a small amount of sequins. But, remember, the image of a sparkling New Year tree is not in fashion now.
Let's be on trend: add waves
With the help of flounces you can not only lengthen the dress, but also completely change it. So, let's start creating a new style of dress. Fabric for flounces must be selected according to the following principle: a plain dress - a variegated material that matches the color scheme, and vice versa.
Options:
- Sew the flounce from the bottom, and use the same fabric to make a belt or facing for the sleeves.
- Cut the product along the waistline and completely modify the bottom of the dress.
- The frill for the bottom of the product can be made from several fabrics. For example, contrasting in color and the same as on the dress.
The second option involves sewing a simple skirt (tatyanka or sun shape). Then attach it to the bodice. This way you can adjust the required length of the spectacular new dress yourself.
The third option will require certain sewing skills. The length of the multi-tiered skirt will depend on how much main fabric you take. The result is a midi-length dress with a full skirt or a floor-length evening dress.
What length to choose
- Front short long back
This dress is suitable for both young beauties and older women. Many people consider this model extremely interesting, since the asymmetrical skirt looks quite impressive and interesting.
Depending on the extreme “high point” of the skirt of this model, it can be worn for everyday walks, as well as worn to the office. It is desirable that this dress be made of a fairly dense material, or, on the contrary, too light, “flyable”. Both will help in creating an extremely stylish look.
- To the floor
A floor-length shirt dress gives its owner some zest. With such a dress it is easy to create a retro look, filled with femininity and some kind of romanticism.
The dress can have buttons along the entire length of the outfit, which is also extremely impressive. For example, a floor-length black shirtdress will be an excellent evening option. It can be combined with both high-heeled shoes and classic ballet pumps. You can complement it with a small matte clutch on a thin strap and a cozy scarf made of dense material, which can be used as a light cape at any time.
Translucent case
For a translucent case, it is best to purchase chiffon or organza. A rectangular piece of fabric needs to be stitched along the edges and sewn to a thick elastic band. The unaesthetic quality of the elastic band can be covered up with a decorative belt.
Nowadays, wrap skirts are popular. Why not wear a sheer wrap skirt with a wide belt that accentuates your wasp waist? It looks very original and gentle.
Lengthening a knitted dress
Knitwear wears out quickly and stretches. Therefore, you need to lengthen a knitted dress through a cut at the waist and make an insert from the fabric or carefully lengthen the hem.
Immediately pay attention to the fabric that will be the insert. It should not be heavy, as the knitwear will not hold up and will sag. It is necessary to sew using a special needle for knitwear. Otherwise, holes will form, from which arrows will appear.
If the knitwear is natural, such as linen or sundress fabric, then the fabric for insertion should not be artificial. If you need to add only a few centimeters, then lace will look impressive and practical. Both stylish and fast!
Nowadays, staple dresses in the Russian style are in particular demand.
If you are a needlewoman yourself and know how to crochet, then the outfit in your hands can turn out to be designer. Use the hem threads as a base and tie lace to the required length. Pay attention to Irish lace technology. Individual knitted elements are assembled according to the layout, creating a unique pattern.
Making inserts on the skirt (leather, simple, straight)
Fashion designers recommend several methods that allow you to lengthen a leather skirt and hide ripped seams or needle punctures.
Hard tulle, thick guipure, and mesh are selected for the skin. To hide the holes that appeared when opening the seam, a decorative element is sewn on the front side of the product.
Read more ► How to pack a suitcase without wrinkles: packing a dress, skirt, suit, shoes
The hem spacer is performed with great care to prevent damage to the fabric. Having applied the decorative part, carefully stitch it, trying to ensure that the stitching follows the existing holes.
An original option for lengthening is decorating the hem with thick fringe
The extension strip is fixed not only to the hem, it can also decorate the middle of the product. To do this, you need to carefully measure and cut off a few centimeters from the bottom of the product and carefully sew in the insert.
It is not recommended to sew a yoke onto a leather product, since when sewing the parts together with a needle, holes will appear that will spoil the appearance of the outfit.
An original option for lengthening is decorating the hem with thick fringe or thick lace. For the latter, you don’t need to use a machine; special glue will handle this process well.
Crocheted lace from the hem will also lengthen the product.
For a simple skirt, different methods of lengthening are suitable. An additional strip is placed in the place of the yoke, sewn in the middle or stitched to the hem of the product or to the lower edge of the lining.
An elongated straight skirt looks good with an inserted yoke. First, open the darts and seams on the sides to the middle of the thigh. Cut out the yoke and sew it on.
Alluring train
How can you lengthen a dress only at the back? Quite a common question that girls ask. If there is a harness at the back, then you can insert a wedge from it. After which this element is modified into a lush train. If desired, you can complement it with flounces. However, this option is more suitable for evening wear.
The simplest option is to make a case from translucent fabric (chiffon) and simply shorten it at the front.
If the dress is a fish style and you have a petticoat lying around at home, then the “tail” is extended with flounces and fixed on the petticoat.
A spectacular train can be pulled out from the waistband of the dress. It is necessary to gradually increase the tiers of fabric. For example, we place narrow tiers at the top, and attach wide tiers to the hem. Below the edge of the skirt they need to be narrowed. The result will be a kind of lush rhombus.
The ideal train option is presented in the form of a removable skirt. It can be with a slit in the front, with an asymmetrical hem, or with flounces. Any. This skirt is relevant for several seasons in a row. Mostly this element can be found on an evening dress.
Among the materials for a removable train, you need to choose guipure, chiffon, pleated fabric, and lace.
Regarding color: the removable skirt should perfectly match the tone of the dress. A belt in the form of a satin ribbon or a decorated belt can act as an accent.
Sewing a train is quite simple. The base is a rectangle. You will need two widths of canvas. Gather evenly around the waist, sew on a belt with hooks or a ribbon. If an asymmetrical version of the dress is intended, then it is necessary to fold the fabric in half and smoothly round the bottom line.
Choose the shape of a sun as the basis of your layout. In this case, you need to leave the seam open and round it to the main length. Make folds in the waist area, opening the legs slightly. Voila, a spectacular outfit is ready!
Denim dress
Jeans is a unique material of all times and peoples. It will probably never go out of style. And there are so many options for denim clothing that it’s dizzying. Skirts, sundresses, dresses, shorts, trousers, etc. amaze with the variety of styles in women's fashion.
Long denim dresses with lace look very impressive. This is one of the possible options for transforming the style. We can safely highlight other changes in style:
- sheath dress (lace at the top);
- A-line dresses, and add colored lace to the hem;
- if the skirt is asymmetrical, then lace inserts can be inserted onto the sleeves and along the waistline;
- decorate a semi-fitted sleeveless product with lace elements along the bottom of the product;
- Add lace to the hem for a V-neck dress.
The dress, which is elongated at the back, adds a touch of adventurism. Lace can be inserted along the square neckline of the dress.
Lace elements can be of different shapes and sizes.
In any case, lace adds charm to the look. It all depends on your imagination.
