I think I tailor at least 60% of the clothes I buy. They’re very simple tailoring, no changes to the design, just to make it more figure flattering. I’ve only posted it once before, but since I do so many tailoring on my clothes, I thought I’d share one I did recently.
I got this adorable maxi dress from here, and everything fit, except for the waist. The before/after photo:
*This dress has a side zipper and this alteration will only work for you if you have a side-zipper, pleated dress.
What you’ll need:
-Side-zip pleated dress
-Sewing machine or needle & thread
-Thread. (preferably matching but not necessary since you won’t see it.)
Directions:
1. Put the dress on and while looking in the mirror, pinch one side and measure how many inches you need to take in.
2. Turn the dress inside out.
3. On the zipperless side, take in the inches by sewing on the waist part. Make sure to backstitch.
4. Turn the dress right side out and you’re done!
lovely photographs by Jessica Peterson
Estimated time: 5 minutes
Budget: free!
Skill level: beginner
Would you want me to post more of these series from now on?
gabriellekamalei says
you should definitely post more things like this!
Fashionary Monster says
I totally agree with the top comment! Thanks for sharing this useful tip!!
http://fashionarymonster.blogspot.com/
Mariska says
So you only take in the orange part, nothing else? That looks amazing – such a small adjustment, such a big impact. Would love to see more posts like that. Thanks for sharing!
The Crafty Housewife says
Yes Please! Thank you for sharing with us how to do this!
Jodi Ann says
Seriously, I love your blog…both the family part and these posts. you always inspire me!
K Blue says
What a gorgeous dress and perfect shoes! I can't believe you just sewed that little bit to create a perfect fit. Would love to learn more!
Kari says
I would love to see more posts like this. This is exactly the sort of practical, quick sewing that I'd love to have more solidly in my repertoire!
Jennifer Urias says
Nice dress! I would love it for you to post more things like this. I never realized how such small alterations can make a huge difference. Slowly I am getting better with the sewing machine and seeing you post things like this inspires me to keep at it π Can't wait to see what you have for us next!
Emily says
WOw those shoes are such a perfect match with the dress. Love this tip Sarah thanks!
Amanda Triplet says
Shoe info, please? They're perfection.
Christine@ Projects Around the House says
I love this post! Please post more. I feeli like I take in a lot if the clothes I buy. It doesn't seem like a big change but a small alteration is the difference between liking an item and not wanting to wear it π
ballroomdancer92 says
This is great! Yes yes, do more posts like this!!
Serap Tan says
it looks wonderful with this new condition π
Jola says
You look gorgeous in it!
Girlie Little Things says
I love the whole outfit! your shoes are amazing:))
nice match…
greetings from Istanbul – Burcu π
http://girlielittlethings.blogspot.com/
Karima says
Great dress and so simple alterations!
Katri Hakes says
I love the alterations. Please post more π
Shiloh says
I love that dress! Isn't it great to be able to fix your own clothes to your own size.:)
Talitha says
Great idea! I'm attempting to alter a skirt that is a bit stretched now, so will use this idea.
Btw those heels are amazing!!
Talitha xx
Lauryn Clemmer says
shoes and dress. wow so so amazing. i love your style and your posts! thanks for sharing!
{love} lauryn @ lovenotesbylauryn.blogspot.com
Barbara von Tannenberg says
Great! with the shoes!!! the colors are fantastic!
Sarah says
Thank you. They're from Zara.
Sarah says
Yes, just the orange part! Since it's pleated, it drapes on the side really well. If it wasn't pleated however, you would need to sew the skirt part as well. I'm sure I'll have a tutorial for that later on. π Thank you for your comment!
Sarah says
Oh, thank you so much, your comment means a lot to me!
Julia says
Hey Sarah! You are my favourite!!! <3 Yesterday I saw that shoes in Zara but from where did you get that nice dress?
Carrie @ My Favorite Finds says
Very, very nice! Thanks for sharing at Handmade Tuesdays.
Sarah says
Thanks, Julia! The dress is from Romwe.com but I believe it's sold out now.
Just Jaime says
So pretty! Great job, it is much more flattering!
megan says
Great job!! That dress is gorgeous!!
Ruth Mares says
the outfit is so beautiful!! I wish I had found your blog earlier so I could have purchased the dress π if you find something similar to it can you please post it up?
Sarah says
Yes, it is sold out now! π If I come across something like it, I'll let you know!
Katie says
You are so talented!!! This looks amazing! I featured you today on Sew Woodsy!
Keukenprinses says
the shoes!!! oh lady!!!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
What a gorgeous dress and the alteration really made a big difference! Thanks so much for sharing at Mom On Timeout!
SupaFlowaPowa says
this dress is beautiful! it doesn't look momo friendly though, did you wear a nude shirt underneath? I've contemplated shirts with see through sleeves but always think.. another layer? ugh.
Sarah says
Thank you! I usually wear a scoopneck modbod type black top under it. In these pictures though I'm not, because I totally forgot to bring it to the photoshoot haha.
Sarah says
Thank you so much everyone, I appreciate it so much!
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