YLF seamstresses: Convert a strapless dress into a high-waisted skirt?

Murph11

I've worn this lovely dress to 3-4 events and was ready to pass it on when I had an intriguing idea: Could this be converted to a ball skirt? I love the look of a fancy skirt with a crisp white blouse or close-fitting sweater. I haven't figured out how my Nordstrom alterations notes work, but it may not be a costly fix. What do you think? Fun idea, or just let it go?

Nordstrom

Eliza J Strapless Taffeta Dress

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10 years ago

General

10 replies

Latest reply was from Murph11

Diana

Veteran

I've done this (by hand! I don't even own a sewing machine.) on a cotton dress and it worked out well. I haven't done it on a formal item, so I would say you need to check if the dress has lining, boning, or other things that might make it more difficult. The dress I cut up did have a lining but only in the skirt portion so it wasn't an issue. The other main issue may be the zipper. It will probably have to be shortened or replaced if it goes through the bodice and waist. (Not a big deal, but it's good to know about.) I cut through the zipper on mine and it still works fine.

ETA: So basically I'd remove the bodice part, then take the existing waist band and fold it down however low you want it. Depending on how much fabric there is you might have to cut some of the waistband off.

And by the way, if I could do it that means it's probably a pretty easy alteration! I am by no means skilled.

10 years ago

Maneera

(website)

Veteran

I agree with Diana. It's a great idea....I've done this too on casual cotton dresses. I've also done it on a lined chiffon dress by hand. I have zero sewing skills and no sewing machine. Apart from a running stitch and fixing buttons, I know nothing. But I had cut up the bodice, folded down and done a running stitch, and put in a thick elastic to create a new waist (I can't wear high waisted items). It's fairly simple.

10 years ago

Murph11

Veteran

Thanks, Diana and Maneera for the quick response. You are two brave souls! I sew a bit, but would leave this alteration to the professionals. The dress has side boning, but stops before the waist detail, and the zipper would need to be replaced. I have 3 upcoming events, and this solution would give me some fun options!

10 years ago

Anonymous

Or, just wear a blouse under the dress as is. Here's a photo of one being worn under a strapless Valentino. Kinda cool!

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10 years ago

JAileen

Veteran

I had a slightly different method, due to the zipper. I would remove the skirt from the top. The waistband looks like it is quite wide, and could be cut in half lengthwise, allowing some flexibility in making a new waistband. I would not have a seam in the front, but at the sides, and then you'd have extra for overlap in the back. The reason I would do this is I think you have to replace the zipper (experts please chime in) and so I would use a traditional zipper installation technique. Basically, you would be making a skirt from scratch. I learned how to do this in 6th grade, so it's definitely not rocket science. Good luck!

10 years ago

barbaraq

Active Member

Cutting off the zipper would not be a huge problem. Make sure the stop is at the BOTTOM of the zipper, and leave enough at the top so when you sew the new waistband on, it will catch the zipper at the top so the stop doesn't go off track. (Safety pin the stop to the skirt while you are working on it.) The thing I am wondering about is the waistband. Is it truly a waistband or is it two pieces of gathered fabric caught up in the side seams of the bodice? If so, that complicates things. Not that it couldn't be done.

10 years ago

kerlyn

Veteran

Great idea! I've also done this with a cotton dress and got a lot more wear out of it as a skirt. I've leave the details to the experts, though. I'm not much of a seamstress myself.

10 years ago

Anonymous

It could definitely be done. Whether this would involve a lot or a little work would be down ton how difficult it is to create some sort of waistband. The ruched detail at the waistline may be just an overlay. if it is then it could be taken off and then the flat fabric underneath would easily turn over to create a skirt band. Any boning on the inside could be pulled from it's channels or unpicked out, depending on how it's been fixed in place. I also agree with Barbaraq that there is no need to take out the zipper, as you can just cut it down as long as the zip pull is down at the bottom first. A few overcasting whip stitches across the zipper teeth at the level of the skirt waistline with a needle and thread would stop the zip pull from coming right off.

10 years ago

Beth Ann

Veteran

Great idea! Make sure you use some interfacing in your newly formed waistband -- otherwise your waistband will crumple!

10 years ago

Murph11

Veteran

Thanks so much for all the info! Armed with my new-found knowledge and solutions from those in the know, I'm taking the plunge (w/ a professional)! After all, I won't wear it again in its dress state... What do I have to loose? I promise to report back on my "new" skirt. And maybe with my first-ever WIW pic.

10 years ago

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