Episode 3: Converted Closet supercycles a big black dress

In Episode 3 of Converted Closet I supercycle Julia’s long, heavy black dress into a little black dress with sass and edge.

The dress – before

Julia had a long black dress that she never wore because she felt she was drowning in it – it was too long, too heavy and the frill at the top was too overwhelming for her petite frame.

The challenge was to make it smaller, whilst retaining elements of interest that Julia felt comfortable with and that suited her figure.

The conversion

• The first thing we did was reduce the volume going on at the top. We removed the big frill at the front and replaced it with two beautiful black silk flowers from VV Rouleaux to add volume and interest.
• We kept the frill running diagonally across the back but narrowed it slightly to the width of the shoulder to make it less overwhelming.
• We sewed it down at the seam where the frill joined the waist so it was no longer visible from the front. This created a clean silhouette and added a lovely surprise detail to the back.
• We took in the bodice so it fitted Julia’s waist and torso perfectly.
• We took up the hem and turned the skirt into a tulip shape by adding little pleats all the way along the hemline.

The dress – after

The dress was a success! Having reduced the length, taken in the bodice, removed the frill from the front and added the flowers the dress fitted Julia perfectly and suited her personality. It was great to retain some of the frill as a nod to the dress’ former life and to add a bit of fun when she turned around. 

I know Julia will wear this dress and that’s what this is all about – getting more wear out of the clothes we already own.

What do you think? Do you like the conversion? Let me know below.

If you have a long dress that swamps you, this could be the perfect conversion to make it wearable once again. If you need any advice or ideas, leave me a message below and I’ll do my best to help!

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