How can I alter this dress?

[hidinginthenightgarden]

I think it looks okay but it looks much better with the zip down. How could I alter it with no sewing skills at all?

Pic!

No sewing skills at all? I think I would look for another dress. Unless you take it to a professional, I don't think there is anything you can do that would look decent.

Gorgeous dress and I can tell that the style really suits you. Without being rude....could you just buy one size up... If I haven't misunderstood the original question. Apologies if I have. You can't let it out without sewing skills and there probably isn't enough material to do this. Alternatively you could lace up the back...but you would still need to add some material to cover the gap at the back.

Its too tight

If it looks better with the zip down are you meaning that it is too small and needs taking out? You won't be able to do that with no skill, and even a seamstress might struggle if there isn't much fabric in the seams.

Really, really nice dress, but seems too tight at the top. I'd agree with PP, if you have no sewing skills at all then you're not going to be able to do much to it as it needs letting out a bit. Was the next size up too baggy?

It’s in a closing down sale. There is no other size. I did think lace back as the zip only goes halfway up the back anyway so probably not too hard to do....if you can sew!

The type of material will show anything so even if the seams are generous you will see the unpicking and holes where the previous stitches were.

It's beautiful, but with no sewing skills and that fabric, I'd put it down and walk away.

@woodymiller is 100% correct. That type of fabric is very challenging to work with and will show everything. This is not the dress for you.

I think the only thing you could do is chop the top off and make it into a skirt.

I already bought it
It was reduced from £159 to £10 and DH was insistent it looks fine and is just £10 so I got it.

Well, since it was nearly free it's not too much of a gamble! Since you got such a bargain, maybe taking it to a seamstress might be worth it.

Oh for £10 have a go! What does it matter?

To be honest I'd be worried about eating / drinking anything or sitting down in it! It's lovely and suits you but very tight. Is it a satin type material? I think it would be hard for a seamstress to do anything that didn't damage it..

Just a thought that might work - lose the bodice and keep the bottom as a skirt, that could look really nice?

I could wear it as a skirt but would then have to find a top to go with it which wouldn’t be easy.

Agree - you need to find a local seamstress who will be able to suggest what can be done. One possibility is that a seamstress might be able to insert a long V-shaped piece of material into the centre of the bodice (in a pretty but complementary fabric) that would give both shape and individuality to the dress while making it more comfortable to wear.

I would wear it undone with a top over the top half. So keeping the bottom part as that looks nice.

I’m probably only ever going to wear it once and that is for my birthday so I only need a superficial fix.

I'd turn it into a skirt too. Would look lovely with a knitted top

Can you take a pic with the zip in?

Do you have a picture of the back so we can see ?

What about a shrug?

Making a dress larger is going to involve getting panels added, which is going to cost quite a lot of money as they'd be more or less remaking the dress. There isn't a "superficial fix" to add extra space.

Honestly, if the shop has closed down then put the dress on Ebay.

Not a great picture but here is the back.