High School Formals

Will your dress last the night?

20 July 2011 by admin in Fashion, Homepage, Latest, Uncategorized

What to know before you sew

By Jacquie Byron

We know how important it is to have the right look, hair and fabulous frock for the big night! We also know that making it through the night and looking just as good when you leave are essential part of the success of any dress!

The fabric buyers at Spotlight have provided valuable tips and secrets for perfect formal night dressing.

Whether you are sewing the gown yourself or collaborating with a parent, friend or dressmaker, some classic warnings should be adhered to. You want to end up with a look that ‘functions for all functions’ whether that be pre-parties at a friend’s house, the limo ride to the venue, a glamorous presence at the official ‘do’ or some serious moves on the dance floor in the night.

There is nothing glamorous about a skirt splitting when you sit down or not being able to walk up stairs because a train is too long or a frock too narrow. (Think Beyoncé at the recent Costume Institute Gala – she needed two security men to help her up the stairs because she couldn’t walk. Shoot the stylist!)

The real reason to make your own gown is to stand out, express yourself and show off the real you. Starting from scratch, with fabric and pattern, or ‘up-styling’ or renovating an existing gown from a vintage store, the op shop or a friend’s wardrobe, is THE ONLY WAY you can guarantee you’ll be a truly unique belle of the ball.

Don’t forget:

1. Start simple as far as the gown’s construction and silhouette goes. You can always add personality with embellishments later on.
2. Practice embellishments on scrap fabrics before you apply them to the real gown. Speak to your Spotlight store team members for ideas and tips. Explore the trims aisle.
3. Two panels, front and back, is the simplest type of frock to tackle; this applies to renovating existing garments or creating from scratch.
4. Take into account your body shape. Most pattern packs will give recommendations of the sorts of ‘bods’ the various dresses will best suit.
5. Consider a simple, fashionable dress in a wild fabric.
6. Practice sitting in the dress before the big night. Make sure you have the right underwear or support in the dress to leave you feeling comfortable about body parts not escaping.  Visible panty lines (VPLs) become more visible when sitting for a length of time.
7. Consider some Hollywood double sided tape for extra scaffolding.
8. Don’t forget the anti static – some polyesters stick to you like glue!
9. Silk will always leave a water mark if you spill something on it – so be careful around drinks.
10. Change the look of existing frocks by altering the length, removing straps or adding new BLING versions or changing a long sleeve to a cap sleeve.
11. Buy coordinating fabrics and make your own accessories – unique clutch purses, phone holders, head bands and more.
12. Great fabrics to work with: heavy weight delustered satin is best as it does not slip.  Crepe and stretch crepe are brilliant to sew and give a great finish. Full covered lace is easy to sew and can give a great look over a contrasting fabric.
13. As the fabrics become more sheer they also become more challenging to sew – but are brilliant for wraps and scarfs etc.
14. Be careful of Jersey, although it can look great it also can show all your lumps and bumps that you do not want exposed; try using a print if you’re at all worried.

Be the most confident and special version of yourself. Be unique. Have fun