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?

yes, wear the zip down. Then you need something to stop it flappign at the back.
either, tuck the sides of the back edges in, so you make the V wider.
or, tack a V of lace across the V (not sure how you get in and out though)
or put a strip of elastic as PP suggested
or make 5 eyelet holes up each side, in the double thickness where the zip is, and thread a long ribbon through to make a corset style.
I would check that the waist fits Ok with the zip down and doesn't dig in

It is a lovely dress and for £10 you should definitely give it a go, maybe tie a contrast belt/scarf/sash around you waist to disguise the fact the zip is undone. You could also get a handy seamstress to sew a thin strip of the same material over any teeth that show in the bodice.

One thing that's making me chuckle is that your opening photo looks like you have no feet and that you're floating

I think, I'd see in a v of "powermesh" fabric right down the back, probably with a ribbon across the top to hide the raw edge and hold the top back at a fixed distance.
It could be sewn to the zip fabric so really not damage the dress at all.
But you would have to have a stick on bra
And it would be a challenge to get into.

Sew in..not see

Steppemum - good point about having to get in! I think I’ll maybe put some elastic at the bottom and the top. If use safety pins someone can do it after I’m in so at least it is on!

Here are some more pics. It has a hook at the top so if I do the zip to the base here is what it looks like from the front and the back.

Honestly, it looks bad. I know it was a bargain but it's not a bargain if you have to pay loads to fit it properly.
It just looks too small and tight and shiny.

I have to agree op I'm sorry, the top just looks too tight, the shiny makes it worse. It's not flattering and you can't just leave it open at the back as it's gaping. ☹️

Sorry but it’s not a nice fabric at all and doesn’t fit well, even with the zip down. By the time you’ve spent money getting someone to alter it it won’t be such a bargain anyway
I’m not sure you would have bought it if it had just been £10 and not reduced by so much down to £10

The pic made me laugh as I couldn't see any legs lol
It's a nice dress suits your figure but it is a little tight like u say
If it looks good with teh zip down and u only want to wear it once just diet the month before a little. Problem solved

Jesse the event is in 9 days!

What about shape wear. I'm not trying to insult u by suggesting you need to change your figure but u can get some that take a few inches off so the dress would be less tight
The diet idea could also work if u were strict I reckon

OP do you actually love the dress? Or do you love the fact its a designer bargain? I'd put it on ebay and make a few £ on it, or stick it in the back of the wardrobe to wear at New Year or Xmas party after losing a few lbs (if you want to of course). I don't think it's going to work any other way right now.

Is it gaping because you are holding your hands up to take the pic?

Try letting the top fastening be wider- maybe with an elastic band or safety pin just to test.

That may help. It may soften everything when the neck isn't so tight.

I don’t care about designers. The other dress I have is from quiz but I’m not keen on that either.
I’m panicking to be honest because I have only 9 days to find a dress and my son is unwell so going shopping over the weekend isn’t an option. I found this one on my lunch break.

Use toupee tape to adjust the back to a deep v, folding the edges in and taping to the inside, then tape to your back (unhook the hook too!)???

It's way too small and unflattering.

I would return it OP.

Order loads online then send the ones u don't like back

I've just bought this thanks to trying to see how quickly online stuff could be ordered 😳

I do feel for you if your son is ill and you are trying to find something you like.

Some online stuff is brilliant for quick delivery - Amazon has Coast, Ted Baker etc and boohoo, pretty little thing all do quite good deliveries.

Maybe turn it into a skirt and wear with a black t shirt and DMs for daytime?

This is my other option.
Th light is terrible and my mirror is filthy!

Ok. How about this?

Sew one edge of this heavy lace trim to the zip. Sew hook and eye hooks to the other side of the zip. Once in the dress, use the hooks to catch the lace in the right places to give you the best cover.

You'll need a friend and some time to experiment, but it might work! Needs to be a heavy guipure lace.
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/237524035/12-venice-lace-trim-elegant-black-lace?ref=plasimilarrlistingtop-4

That’s a nice idea but the only way to get it on is that zip at the back so I might not be able to get it on. 🤔

Can I ask a rude(ish) question, but were you wearing a padded bra when you tried it on? It is tight across the chest so I was wondering if a less padded bra would work.

It is a lovely dress and you have a lovely figure, so I can understand why you would want to wear it.

Pixel, the first pick had a wired bra but not really padded. I have tried it with no bra and it is slightly better.

Other dress is really nice