View Full Version : Quick dress question
Peaches
12-11-2006, 07:32 PM
I've got an evening gown that I was planning on modifying to make it danceable. Shortening the hem, shortening the train to the length of the hem (so it'd be more like a gore, instead), and putting a thigh-high slit in the front since it's a column dress.
2 questions... 1) What's a good length for the dress to be? 2) Where should the slit be placed. I'd assumed on the right side, but where on the right side (centered over thigh, slightly to inside, slightly to outside)?
Can you post a picture of the dress? :)
What are you wanting to use the dress for? A social? A performance? What type of dance will you use it for mainly? That will help me give you better ideas. :)
I've got an evening gown that I was planning on modifying to make it danceable. Shortening the hem, shortening the train to the length of the hem (so it'd be more like a gore, instead), and putting a thigh-high slit in the front since it's a column dress.
2 questions... 1) What's a good length for the dress to be? 2) Where should the slit be placed. I'd assumed on the right side, but where on the right side (centered over thigh, slightly to inside, slightly to outside)?
Peaches
12-11-2006, 09:05 PM
No pic, unfortunately. It's a couple of years old, so it's not online and I don't have a digital camera. Hmmm...how to describe... It's a black velvet column dress--high neck, princess seams, ankle length. The back is pretty much open in a very deep, wide V on top. Across the front necline (gathered at the shoulders) is a white chiffon (?) sash-y thingy, which frames the back and is gathered at the bottom of the V. On the bottom of the back, it splits into a white chiffon train. That's the best I can do to describe it. It's not particularly in style now, but it's also the type to never really be out of style--very very classy.
I'd be looking to have it as a dress for formal dance socials, but still usable for non-dancing socials (so I don't want to ruin the lines too much). Mostly looking to be able to dance ballroom in it (although I'm sure I'd find a way to do AT in it).
fascination
12-11-2006, 09:08 PM
well, if the fabric is not forgiving and you don't put some godets in, you're gonna have to have that slit be right down the middle front IMO if you plan to dance standard or smooth...otherwise you'll have to insert a few godets or you simply won't be able to get your legs or his where they need to go...IMO
Length: ankle, probably, if you'll be wearing heels.
Slit: slightly outside of center thigh.
Peaches
12-12-2006, 06:39 AM
OK, guys. Now I've got 2 competing opinions from 2 knowledgeable (sp? why can I never spell that word?!?!) people regarding slit placement. Do either of you care to comment on why you think your answer is better relative to the other's? Please?
SlowDancer
12-12-2006, 06:52 AM
I'm not one of the knowledgeable people you are referring to, but I have two dresses that sound very similar to yours. One has a front slit and the other has a side slit and both are quite danceable. I danced latin and rhythm in my first competition in the one with the front slit and it worked very well--even got a compliment from a prominent coach/judge on my (off the rack) dress!
Peaches
12-12-2006, 07:00 AM
Mine's a gorgeous dress. I've never gotten so many comments on a gown in my life as when I've worn it. I had perfect strangers coming up to me to comment, bizarre. But happy!
It definitely wouldn't work for latin/rhythm, especially not in competition. With godets I have a theory that it could work for smooth/standard, if I competed.
If it makes a difference, the material is stretch velvet.
fascination
12-12-2006, 07:27 AM
well the stretch will help, BUT, if you are going to compete in it, particularly in standard, go w/ godet, IMO, not slit....
Doesn't sound like competition is in the cards, so I think slit is okay. My reasons for placing the slit further to the side than center is simply modesty...you're less likely to flash something.
fascination
12-13-2006, 06:54 AM
oh, I misunderstood, I thought she was implying a competition, if not then yes, slit is mor fun, but its still got to be close enough to the center to be effective IMO...but yea I get the whole modesty thing, course it would be my second priority to being able to get my leg between his
Peaches
12-13-2006, 09:29 AM
oh, I misunderstood, I thought she was implying a competition, if not then yes, slit is mor fun, but its still got to be close enough to the center to be effective IMO...but yea I get the whole modesty thing, course it would be my second priority to being able to get my leg between his
I thought your second priority was to get his leg between yours. ;-)
Thanks, guys, for the clarification and suggestions!
samina
12-13-2006, 09:31 AM
would love to see pix, peaches...
Peaches
12-13-2006, 09:48 AM
Not possible...see earlier reply...
samina
12-13-2006, 10:09 AM
ah, yeah... read that. still would love to see pix. sounds really nice.
and123
12-13-2006, 11:46 AM
Generally what determines "slit placement" for me is where the existing seams are so I can just open one or more of them up rather than slicing a new one into the dress ;). Slits up both sides of the legs have seemed to work well for me.
Peaches
12-14-2006, 06:47 AM
Thought of that...the front is all one panel, so no readily available seams.
Then you can feel free to cut wherever you like sans guilt! :)
vBulletin® v3.8.1, Copyright ©2000-2012, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.