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If it is a really simple gown, you can probably go down quite a bit, but generally, two sizes is the cut off; however, for my gown, I had to have it altered from a size 6 to a size 12 on top. If you have a really good seamstress, she/he can do wonders with a gown. The problem with sizing down sometimes is that it will alter to look of the gown. If I were you, I would use the two size rule.
Aw man! So some of those gorgeous size 14 and up dresses I have saved should probably be out of the question then, huh? Dang. :( Think there's any hope for me with this size 6 gown going down to mini size? Or what about this simpler one? Thanks for answering my call, btw. Haha. :)
You are very welcome :-)
The second one would be a better choice than the first, and I think it could be altered to fit you; however, with the first one, you would probably lose some of the detail. It could be done though, if you have a really good seamstress. I suggest contacting a few seamstresses and ask them if you can send them a picture, so they can tell you if they think they can alter either one of them, and if so, approximately how much it would cost.
Im Irish so Im not sure if it's the US but would you not be better getting a dressmaker to copy or design a dress from scratch? I got this done for a Justin Alexander dress as I found very hard to locate in Ireland. It is exact except for the parts that I asked to be changed! It also saved me a lot of money still cheaper than if I had bought the dress second hand? I understand that this may be different in US put you would have a perfect fit dress for half the price. Also if you have an art/design college near, you can maybe get a design student to do for even less!
What style dress are you looking for?
Have you considered purchasing a dress from China? There are tons of great suggestions from bee's here.
I'm formally trained in sewing, but rarely use my skills due to a career change. I think you should be able to alter either of those dresses. 2 would be easier, but both are doable. I bought a dress off the rack in a size 12, and I am a size 2. Its a mermaid style, keyhole back, full lace dress. My seamstress was amazing and the dress fits me vey well with no details lost!
For that first one, it looks like the lace is an overlay, so they should be able to remove the lace overlay, fit the dress and then reapply the lace. Not saying it will be a cheap alteration, though! Best of luck!
My dress was a size 14 sample gown that I had altered to fit me, a street size 2 so yes I think it can be done. I think they did a really good job of keeping the details on my dress but like everyone said, it does depend on the dress. The more boning in it, the harder it would be to keep a good shape I would think. Mine did have alot of boning and so I think it did take awhile for them to get that right but now it looks fine.
@noritake22: Thank you again. That's a great tip, I wouldn't have thought to consult a seamstress about a particular dress and attempt to get a quote before getting it from a used site. The cost could go up a lot I would think, depending on how difficult the alterations would be. Will definitely do that!
@thomasjames2005: Wow that's a great idea! One of my favorite designers, Amy Michelson, is no longer making dresses, so my only options if I want one of hers are the limited amount of used gowns out there, or having a replica made. I wouldn't have thought that going that route could be less expensive!
@kermie: I just may try out a Chinese dress shop. If it turns out to be a wreck (as, unfortunately, many do), I suppose I can just turn around and sell it. But I would probably only do this for an Amy Michelson dress, since as I mentioned, she's not making dresses now, so the ethical side of the replica thing isn't an issue. (I don't even have the option of getting one directly from the designer, you know?)
@kellybell: and @mlharrison23: YAY! There is hope for me yet! I guess I will just tread carefully, and ask seamstresses about individual dresses to see if they would or would not recommend attempting to size them down drastically. Thanks for sharing your experiences!
I love the second dress you posted, and think it shouldn't be too hard to size down, though I'm no pro. Usually it's easier to go down than up, if that makes you feel better :)
I can't see the dresses..but i would consider the cost for alterations. What is the point if you're going to end up spending just as much in alterations. Hope it works out for you. =)
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I will more than likely be buying a used gown. (Preownedweddingdresses.com, and the like, pretty much did me in -- designer gowns for half price, or better? Yes please.)
As some of you may know, I am miniature sized. 5'3"(ish) and 92 pounds (and counting!). So I will probably be needing to make significant alterations to whatever dress I end up getting. But my question is, at what point is a dress too big to size down to a 0? How many sizes can you typically go down? Any seamstresses out there? Noritake? ....Bueller? :P