Experiment gone wrong!

Trishalee

I decided to give maxi dresses a try. After purchasing 2 from Nordstrom online I loved them both. At 5'5" I felt like I was wearing a night gown. Make up and hair were having a good day and I was wearing great shoes but felt "dumpy." Has anyone had any luck with having maxi dresses altered to knee length? I really think that would suit me better. I do really like the dresses and they fit well. I bought both dresses on sale and the cost to shorten per dress is $20.00.

12 years ago

Dressing

13 replies

Latest reply was from Trishalee

Thistle

Veteran

I feel the same way you do in maxi dresses. I just feel like I need another 6 inches or so!

I also like the concept of turning them into a high-low dress.

I am no expert in sewing. Hopefully one of the ladies that is will chime in!

12 years ago

Sarah A

Veteran

I think it can be done. The bust/waist treatment of the dress and corresponding desired hemline will be key. You will want to keep an "uneven" proportion, either the "top" portion must be longer or the bottom, if bringing the hem up makes the dress look like two even halves it will not likely be flattering. Are the dresses simple and hanging from the shoulder or do they have a defnined waist? Some pics would help to advise more carefully

Also, it may be hard to get a factory look hem if the fabric has a high stretch content... Worth considering for sure though!

12 years ago

Diana

Veteran

Like Sarah said, I think it can be done. Her advice is spot on, I think. I'd also add that you should consider fabric weight. Some lighter weight fabrics will not hang the same if you chop off half the weight, so you could end up with something poofier than the original.

12 years ago

cinnamon fern

Veteran

Also be careful if it's a large-scale print - it might not work on a shorter skirt.

12 years ago

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

A non-sewing options might be to get a fitted little knit bolero topper. Target has some cute ones. I wear them with flamenco skirts or Target maxi skirts for class and the bolero gives the skirt a nice balance and a more fitted line. More structure, less frump. Although I think you end up paying around the same as getting your dress altered, $20-30

12 years ago

Kristin L

Veteran

Before you being chopping, try pinning the dresses up to knee length to get an idea of how they will look. Can you post pics of the dresses or links to them?

12 years ago

ironkurtin

Veteran

I've turned maxis into regular dresses (not high-low). Works fine.

12 years ago

Anonymous

I've had a couple of long dresses shortened to knee length, including the dress I wore for DS's wedding last summer. Two others were pull on shifts with no waist.
LOL,@ La Belle and boleros as I feel frumpier in knit bolero toppers than in the maxi. The two together would be a disaster of frumpnormous proportions on me.

12 years ago

Anonymous

Some great advice already going your way Trish. It's definitely worth doing. Keep all the pointers mentioned already in mind and check pattern proportion, seam positions etc. Doing a bit of in my head converting to £ and I think the $20 price is fine.

12 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Hmm. Interesting. I'm only 5'6" maybe and I like maxi's. But I'm what's the word - floppy in that lounge-y California way.

12 years ago

Trishalee

Active Member

Thanks for all the wise advice. I am heading to the tailor after work tomorrow and hope for happy results. Thanks everyone!

12 years ago

Nanabear

Active Member

Good luck! If knee length is more practical and comfortable for you, go for it. Do share pics after alterations

12 years ago

Trishalee

Active Member

Thanks to everyone for all the insight. Both dresses came back from tailoring and I LOVE them! You can not tell that they were formerly floor sweeping maxis. They just look like nice summer dresses. I am discovering that I enjoy a dress over denim capris or bermudas this year. I love the simplicity of one piece, accessorize and out the door!

12 years ago

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