Making a dress out of a maxi skirt is a great way to upcycle an old item of clothing and give it a new life. To do this, you will need to gather some supplies, including a maxi skirt, scissors, pins, a needle and thread, and fabric for the bodice.
First, cut off the top of the maxi skirt, measure the waist of the skirt and then cut a bodice from the extra fabric. Sew this bodice to the top of the skirt with the two pieces overlapping slightly.
Make sure the bodice is about two inches shorter than the skirt so when it is put on, it creates the look of a dress.
Once the bodice is securely attached to the skirt, hem the bottom of the bodice and the top of the skirt. For the back of the bodice, buttonholes will need to be made in order to attach buttons on the opposite side.
This will make it easier to put the dress on and take off.
Finally, create any neckline trim you would like to add, such as ruffles or lace detailing. This can be done by stitching the trim onto the neckline of the bodice and sewing down to the skirt.
And the dress is complete! Now you have an upcycled dress that was made from a maxi skirt.
How do you wear a skirt as a dress?
Wearing a skirt as a dress is a great way to get maximum use out of your wardrobe items. To achieve a polished look, you’ll want to make sure your skirt is a midi length (hits mid-calf or lower) with a looser fit at the bottom to create a drapey effect.
You can also select skirts with a high-low hem that drape lower in the front for a more flattering dimension. A-line and wrap skirts are especially flattering for this look. Make sure that your skirt does not have a ruffle hem or too many pleats, as these may make it look like a skirt and not a dress.
When putting together your outfit, choose pieces that will elongate and flatter your body. Such pieces may include fitted crop tops, structured blazers, and tucked-in tops. Avoid wearing any items that are too voluminous, as this can make the look too busy.
Depending on the occasion, opt for accessories that will add a finishing touch such as statement earrings, block-heeled sandals, and a clutch bag. For warmer days, a pair of espadrilles and a straw hat can help you exude a relaxed feel.
Are maxi skirts practical?
Maxi skirts can definitely be practical, depending on the occasion. They are long, flowing, and lightweight, so they can be a great choice in warmer weather as they keep you cool while still being stylish.
If you’re looking for an outfit to wear to the office, a maxi skirt could be a great pick. Pairing it with a sleeveless top and some simple jewellery can give you a professional but fashionable look.
Maxi skirts are also versatile and easy to dress up or down, depending on the occasion. You can wear them with a nice blouse and heels to an evening dinner, or wear a casual tank top with sneakers for a more casual look.
Maxi skirts can also be a great choice for travel, as they are comfortable and allow you to move around easily.
Can petite wear maxi skirt?
Yes, petite people can absolutely wear maxi skirts! Depending on the style of maxi skirt, it can work well for petite-sized people. Select a maxi skirt that has smaller vertical details to break the length of the skirt and draw the eye down the body.
Look for maxi skirts with shorter hemlines that just graze the ankle. Additionally, you can pair a maxi skirt with a heel to create the illusion of longer, leaner legs or opt for a high-waisted skirt, which also has the mojo of creating a lengthening effect on petite frames.
Paired with a crop top, sandals, and a bold necklace, a maxi skirt can look great on both taller and petite women.
How can I wear a long skirt without looking frumpy?
To wear a long skirt without looking frumpy, it is important to pair it with the right top and accessories. For example, try pairing a long skirt with a trim-fit blouse or tank-top tucked in to create a more tailored look.
This will help your skirt look flattering and stylish. Adding an additional layer or accessory such as a slim cardigan or jacket can provide texture, color, and extra style. When it comes to shoes, the right choice will depend on the length of the skirt.
When wearing a shorter maxi skirt, strappy sandals or wedges can be a great choice. For longer skirts, look for ankle boots, pumps, or slip-on loafers to elevate your look. Finally, adding a belt around the waist of your skirt can be a great way to show off your figure and create a more fitted look.
What tops to wear with skirts?
When picking out tops to wear with skirts, it really depends on the style and length of the skirt. Many women prefer to balance out the femininity of a skirt with a structured or slightly oversized top.
A classic blouse is always a great option, as is a tucked in t-shirt. A fitted tank top is also an easy pairing, while a cropped sweatshirt or tee can provide a more relaxed, casual look. For an edgy style, try pairing a skirt with a boxy top, half-tucked printed blouse, or a tucked-in button up shirt.
Overall, choosing tops to go with skirts is all about experimenting with textures and proportions to create the look that you love.
How do you cinch a skirt without sewing?
If you need to cinch a skirt without sewing, there are a few common strategies you can use. One is to use a belt or sash. You can tie the belt or sash around your waist, or use a large one to wrap around your waist multiple times and secure in the back with a bow or knot.
Another option is to use a safety pin or two to gather some of the fabric together in the back. Start by folding the excess fabric inwards and pinning the sides together. Then, use the opened safety pin to pull the gathered fabric together and fasten the skirt snugly at your waist.
Finish by adjusting the length of the skirt if needed.
You can also use special ribbon to tie around the waist. Simply tie the ribbon around the waist to cinch the skirt and adjust the length of the ribbon to get the desired fit. Another similar option is to use elastic string, which will do the same thing that the ribbon does but with a bit more flexibility.
Finally, if you’d rather not alter the fit of the skirt, you can also just tuck it in to make it appear shorter. You can also press or steam the skirt to make it lay flat and hug your curves. This way, you can give the skirt a fitted look without actually snipping the fabric or changing the length of the skirt.
Cinching a skirt without sewing can be done quite easily using one of the methods outlined above. By using a belt, safety pins, ribbon, or string, you can adjust the fit of your skirt and give it a more custom look.
Where should a maxi skirt hit?
A maxi skirt should hit at the ankle. This length has the most flattering and elongating effect, creating a timeless look that complements a variety of body shapes. The skirt should hit lower than the calf if you’re taller, and nearer the ankle if you’re a bit shorter, so that the hem falls on the thinnest part of your leg.
This also helps to show off your shoes and adds a modern flair to your outfit. If wearing a maxi skirt, pair it with a waist-defining top to create an hourglass silhouette. For a less formal outfit, try pairing the skirt with a light, flowy blouse for a more relaxed look.