If you’re a fashion-forward person, you might have experienced the frustration of discovering that your new dress is too long. This can be a bummer, but don’t worry – there are plenty of ways to make a long dress work for you. In this article, we’ll provide you with tips and tricks on how to style a long dress and make it work for your body type.
Description
A long dress can be a beautiful addition to your wardrobe, but it can also be a challenge to style. Whether it’s too long because you’re shorter than the average person, or the dress itself is just too long, there are ways to make it work.
How to
The first step is to determine how much shorter you want the dress to be. Take the dress off and put on the shoes you plan to wear with it. Stand in front of a full-length mirror and hold the hem of the dress up to where you want it to hit.
Next, decide what method you want to use to shorten the dress. Here are some options:
Step by Step
Option 1: Hemming the Dress
Step 1: Pin the hem where you want it to hit.
Step 2: Turn the dress inside out and use a sewing machine to sew a straight line along the pinned hem.
Step 3: Cut off the excess fabric.
Step 4: Flip the dress right-side out and try it on again to ensure the length is correct.
Option 2: Cutting the Dress
Step 1: Use a measuring tape to measure the length you want to cut off the dress.
Step 2: Mark the length with a fabric pen.
Step 3: Use fabric scissors to cut along the marked line.
Step 4: Use a sewing machine to hem the new edge of the dress.
Option 3: Using a Belt
Step 1: Put on the dress and determine where you want the hem to hit.
Step 2: Use a belt to cinch the waist of the dress at the desired length.
Step 3: Tuck any excess fabric under the belt.
Tips
When deciding how to shorten your dress, consider the fabric and cut of the dress. Some fabrics, like silk or chiffon, may require a different type of hemming or cutting than a cotton dress. Additionally, if the dress has a flared or A-line shape, you may want to consider shortening it at an angle to maintain the shape of the dress.
You can also consider pairing your long dress with heels or wedges to add height and elongate your legs. This will make the dress appear shorter without having to physically alter it.
FAQ
Q: Can I hem a dress without a sewing machine?
A: Yes, you can hem a dress by hand if you don’t have a sewing machine. Use a needle and thread to sew a straight line along the pinned hem.
Q: Can I use fabric tape instead of sewing?
A: Yes, fabric tape can be used as a temporary solution to shorten a dress. However, it may not hold up as well as sewing.
Hair Care
When styling a long dress, consider how your hair can enhance the overall look. If you’re wearing a bohemian-style dress, try loose, wavy hair. For a more formal dress, consider an up-do or sleek ponytail.
Now that you know what to do if your dress is too long, you can confidently rock any length of dress. Whether you decide to hem it, cut it, or use a belt to shorten it, you’ll look great in your new outfit.
