DIY ideas for a black shirt dress? - YouLookFab Forum

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DIY ideas for a black shirt dress?

Traci

Veteran

I have a simple, cotton poplin black shirt dress that I enjoy, but it just lacks something to be my style. I don't wear much solid black. I've had it for around a year and have only worn it 3 times at most because it's just a bit too pristine for me. Any ideas for a diy? I was considering tie dying with bleach and then adding colors to it. I have a feeling I'd most likely ruin the dress if I don't follow some sort of a prescribed plan that has worked for someone else in the past. Any cool diy ideas out there that you've seen for black cotton? I want it to be a little less ladylike and a little more boho.

I think it may be this exact dress, only in black.

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17 replies

Latest reply was from rae

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

This is a really cute shirtdress and I'm not a DIY type of person, but have you thought about adding accessories, as in brown here, with yours? I recall Angie having a black dress and adding some really fabulous embroidered boots to the mix.

ETA: Here's the photo of Angie I was thinking of, but I can't find the original link. Hope it helps.

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Kristin L

Veteran

I'd be hesitant about doing the diy with bleach. that can end up messy very quickly.

Like Vicki suggested, what about adding accessories to give it a boho feel? Maybe through a fun top over it or add some sandals with straps that wrap up the leg (sorry, I can't remember the name for those).

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

I would not mess with the bleach...
Black dress is a wonderful canvass to add pattern or bright colors too. How about adding a fun scarf and bright shoes?

Anonymous

If you don't care about taking a chance with the DIY dying then I would use color remover first then dye a differenct color.

You could change all the buttons to a cool boho type button - something that really stands out. You could then add some leather type trim along the collar, neck line, cuffs, and/or down the front. Really bright flowery embrodered trim would could work too (instead).

rae

(website)

Veteran

I actually like the idea of bleaching it! You can reverse tie dye first, the texture created might be enough excitement for you without adding extra color...

If you stop and evaluate and want to do more, then add color.

If you still don't like it, you can remove all the color and start over!

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Nadya

Veteran

How about adding some ribbon trim? You could go arty with black ribbon trim couched into swirls, rosettes or random squiggles - an example:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ad.....sultback=0

Or you could go more southwestern with rickrack, and pair with boots and a macramé or concho belt:
http://www.my-west.com/product.....or-it.html

Jjsloane

Veteran

Personally I'd try styling it using the formula Angie posted last week in the solid black. It's not earthy, but still could work
http://youlookfab.com/2012/06/.....t-and-bag/
If you really think you'd not wear it and are willing to take the chance some of the suggestions here would work. I seem to recall using a spray bottle with bleach for some interesting effects, but youhave to watch the drip patterns.

harmonica

Veteran

i love that dress and i actually want one in that style as well. I can see your pristine concerns. I'm not very good at DIY so bleeching seems a bit scary to me, but if you can afford the risk of a messed up dress, I'd go for it because you could turrn it into a really cool item. the safest way is of course to work with accessories like scarf, necklaces, bracelets, bags, belts and shoes

Traci

Veteran

Rae's 2nd picture is what I was envisioning with the bleach tie dye.

Maybe embroidery would be less risky and more fixable if it fails.

I know that in theory it should be a wonderful canvas for styling, but I haven't been able to style it yet in a way that felt like me. It always feels like a bit of a costume. The shape is rather different, because I can't usually wear a full skirt, and it has this wonderful sharp collar.

Asingh

(website)

Veteran

Add a floral scarf around the neck, or around the waist as a belt to add a pop of colour.

Mander

(website)

Veteran

I have a short-sleeved black cotton shirt dress that I wear a lot in summer with "southwestern" accessories: big turquoise and silver earrings, a big silver bangle, sandals, jean jacket, etc. If I were brave enough I'd try it with cowboy boots too, but I still feel a bit silly in them.

If your issue is with the shape, then I'm not sure that changing the color will help.

KikiG

Veteran

I would layer a bright cami under it, and unbutton some buttons so it would show, and add some coordinating mixed up bracelets. Bleach scares me. It doesn't just take color out, it can actually destroy the fibers.

cjh

(website)

Veteran

Kiki's idea of a cami under sounds great. Pick one of those pretty rose or plum colors you like best.

How about an obi style belt? You could make your own like this.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/10.....mpaign=GPS

Then add colorful bracelets - don't be afraid to go with another color, like bright green or salmon/peach. Gladiator sandals would top off the boho feel. Make it summery and casual.

Try on the dress with some different stuff you already own that you think DOESN'T go and see what happens. Don't forget to post photos!

cjh

(website)

Veteran

I like this bracelet

http://www.etsy.com/listing/10.....h_type=all

anne

Veteran

Oh I have always loved that dress whenever I have seen it on Already Pretty.

I can't top the advice you have been given but would tend towards accessorizing rather than bleaching.

san

Veteran

I agree with KikiG that bleach can actually eat holes in the fabric. I also think that if you are having troubles with the shape of the dress that may be the root of why you don't want to wear it. Would you want to show a pic of you wearing it so you could get feedback here?

rae

(website)

Veteran

Do you sew? If the tie dye sounds too risky, you could try draping/pleating the skirt of the dress so that it is more of a coocoon/bubble/pencil/sheath shape.