Make It Yours

Make the dress yours

You don't need a custom gown to have a dress nobody else has. A store dress, a secondhand find or your mom's dress can all be changed, one detail at a time. Each project here comes with real write-ups and videos from brides and seamstresses who've done it.

• Add sleeves or straps

  Detachable or sewn in, on a strapless dress.

• Add lace, beading or pearls

  Turn a plain dress into one nobody else has.

• Add a bustle

  American, French or ballroom, and how many points.

• Add pockets

  Hidden in the side seam, even through tulle.

• Add a cape, overskirt or train

  A ceremony look you can take off for the dancing.

• Change the neckline or back

  Illusion necklines, lace-up and corset backs.

• Dye it or add color

  Blush, blue or a dip-dyed hem, and which dye for which fabric.

• Remake your mom's dress

  From a few changes to a whole new design.

• Make it fit

  Hems, straps and taking it in. Every project starts here.

Where to start

Get the fit right first, because sleeves, lace and a bustle are all placed on a dress that already fits. Then pick one change and do it well. If you'd rather not sew at all, each page says who can do it for you, and the Makers page lists small studios that make custom pieces.