Help! Ball gown issues

Insomnia101

Hi all,

I was hoping that some of you lovely people could offer some advice (I've also posted this on the OS board).

I am due to attend my graduation ball in two weeks which is a formal, black-tie event. I couldn't afford to buy a ball gown and one of my friends (and I am eternally gratefull for this!), has given me a gown to wear.

The gown itself is brand new, still with the tags on (I really love my friend!). It is full lenth, with a strapless, boned top half and the bottom has some netting (not too much) so goes out a wee bit at the bottom. It's a gorgeous dress but it's very plain, with no embellishments and it's black (which can make me look very pale). I thought about acessorising but due to it's length you can't see my feet (so no coloured shoes) and I can't for the life of me find even a shrug that I could put on with it to add colour.

Does anyone have any ideas? I don't have a sewing machine but I can hand sew and make lots of my own clothes. I think I'm have an artistic block at the moment so any advice is really, really appreciated!

Thank you for any help!

lostinrates

Don't rule out coloured shoes because of the length, as you move around, negotiate stairs and sit down their will be delightful little flashes of colour, which you can pick up in jewelery and what ever you find as a cover up...shrug/stole/pashmina and a clutch bag.

With the pale issue, what about the rest of your colouring? Can you play on this with simple eye make up and a red lipstain/stick?

Insomnia101

Thank your suggestions.

I have pale skin and naturally very dark (nearly black) hair. I as thinking of going down the red lip/smokey eye route

I stuggle with pashminas, with the holding them up anyway so was trying to find a shrug with short sleeves that would stay up on its own. I think I've been in every shop imaginable and still can't find one that is remotely suitable.

I'm not adverse to doing something to the dress itself but just don't know what to do! I'm normally great at stuff like this, don't know where my imagination has gone! Thanks again.

WolfSong2000

how about a think ribbon, tied around the waist with long ends (not sure how else to put it)...for added drama you could mix two colours (either plait, entwine or just let them lie next to one another). It would be simple but striking with a plain dress...maybe even have one plain ribbon and then another, secondary patterned one?

Am I making any sense? You could have a lot of fun with colour combinations, depending on what look you're going for...if you're worried about looking pale I would aim for more paste-orientated colours to warm your complexion a bit...maybe peach and gold? or a soft pink and cream? I am just throwing out ideas...it all depends on how bold you want to go, but it could make a big difference. Would still keep the dress simple and elegant, but with a fash of colour.

For makeup/hair, you could then maybe add a ribbon (same colour) to your hair, or try and match lipstick to ribbon if going for a pink/reddish colour. If not, keep your lips neutral and maybe do a colorful smokey eye? (smokey eyes don't have to be black and grey!).

If you want any more advice feel free to PM me. I am a colour fiend when it comes to clothes. lol.

Just re-read the post and had some more thoughts (I'm obviously on a roll. lol).

If you like pashmina's, but not wearing them the standard way, then how about having one around your neck, over your shoulders then under the arms where it can be tied (or maybe safety-pinned witha corsage or something to cover it and look a little different) at the back. Would be an alternative to the sash around the waist.

Also, if you're pale, wearing a black dress with black hair, bright red lips and smokey eyes will enhance the paleness, so you'll look striking, but rather goth-like (not sure if this is the look you're aiming for?).

Insomnia101

Thank you wolfsong, what an amazing post! So many ideas.

With regards to the pale/dark hair thing, it's sometimes easier to play it up than hide it if you know what I mean?

I love the plaited ribbon idea....could have 3 colours! I would probably go bold, maybe red with something, any ideas?

I have really short hair so can't tie a ribbon in it but a friend (I love my friends!), got me a mini-top hat thing thats black with pearls (very goth but incredibly cool), so I might wear that as I can't do much with my hair.

I'd add pics of the dress if I knew how but I think I'm too new to post them

I'm about to PM you. Thanks again.

scottishminnie

First of all congratulations on your graduation.:T


Brilliant idea about tying a thick ribbon around the waist. If you have a large statement brooch you could add it to the ribbon waistband as a feature. I'm sure you could find a big showy brooch in a charity shop which would fit the bill - I've seen this done and whilst I would never have worn the brooch on a jacket as it was a bit grannyish it looked stunning on the waistband.

The other thing which can be very eye catching is a shiny patent clutch bag - again charity shops are a good source and you can customise them too. I once took a simple black patent clutch which had a plain silver chain and replaced the chain with a fab string of fake pearls I'd picked up in a charity shop. I wish I had a £ for everyone who asked where I got the black bag with the pearl strap. If only they knew!

enjoy your night

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

Red costume jewellery - I would suggest blood red - still Goth but quite suitable, perhaps with pearls included, plus some thin matching red ribbon and some thin lace ribbon matching your eye shadow colour (eg, grey, green, whatever), pinned around the top hat thingy?

Plus deep red nails, perhaps with silver tips?

Insomnia101

Thank you all for all your advice.

After much deliberation and thought I decided that by the time I get all the things I need to try to 'fix' the dress, I'd be as well trying to get a cheap new one.

Went to a vintage shop and managed to pick a full length purple gown in chiffon with short sleeves that is absolutely beautiful, just what I imagined, and was only £20

Once again, thank you everyone for your help and I'm sure I'll be able to use your advice in the future when I get to wear the black dress