STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

lynnie · Chanel

getting clothes altered?

lsubatgirl · Gucci

I'm not too sure about how your dress looks but when I went to have a Bridesmaid dress altered it was $35! That was to take in the dress along the sides about 1 size and to hem the bottom of the dress and overlay. I'm not too sure how much you can cut down a size 8 to a size 4 without changing the way the dress looks.

lynnie · Chanel

I don't mind paying $35- just don't want it to be like, $80 or something. I've heard a size or two is ok, I hope its a smaller 8 (I actually haven't tried the dress on yet- its the mystery dress from South Moon Under that was found only in an 8 and I love the dress so much that I don't even care, I want it)

ILoveChoo · Hermes

they can usually take something down about 2 sizes with no major problems. I would call around and ask about pricing- it can vary SO much and depending on where you live can be pretty expensive. I just paid about $40 to have a skirt taken in a few sizes, I don't know how much more it would be for a dress but wouldn't imagine a whole lot more.

bean · Kenneth Cole

sounds like it would cost around $30-40. they might have to take the shoulders in too (bring the sleeves in closer)

Lilykind · Hermes

I had a dress taken in from a size 10 to a size 6 (my size). It was a classic black/ivory polka dot halterdress and I couldn't bear to get rid of it. I've had so many tailors do crappy jobs just trying to hem things, so I sprung for a better (more expensive) guy who did an awesome job for $35. He took in the darts at the sides and also shortened the dress...the polka-dot pattern wasn't too badly interrupted either, which was great. Now I'm just trying to find a place to wear it.

However, I wouldn't do it if the dress was more than two sizes bigger.

erin · Chanel

i alter a lot of things myself. but depending on the style of the dress, it might not be that much to get altered. my seamstress that i go to is good, but kind of on the expensive side. (i think)

if it's a simple sheath or a-line or similar, it will be inexpensive. but beyond just a straight seam, s/he may have to put in darts or adjust the zipper/etc. i bet if you brought it in, they could give you a quote.

but i think if you love it this much, it's probably worth any expense to get it altered.

lynnie · Chanel

Thanks everyone! I got it and it really isn't all that big on me, maybe one size too big, and kind of tight in the chest area. I"m a 34B and I can barely squish in. That's probably why they still had one- the dress is sooo cute but def. not an 8 in certain parts! I kind of would like it taken in around the waist though and through the bodice under the boobs so it skims my body a little more- I'd only need it taken in a little less than an inch on both sides up to the waist.