You know, when I selected the dresses for the fashion lab, I wasn’t even thinking about issues concerning halter dresses. No, I was simply thinking about prints, not having to have my picture taken, and the myriad other things that have been on my mind this week (like trying to make time for blog improvements).
But when Wendy brought up the undergarment issue, I remembered this: Adding Bra Cups to a Halter Top or Dress at the Sewing Divas, a blog I’d truly be inspired by if I were doing any sewing (it’s there in the back of my mind, it just never gets to the top of the to-do list). The technique may not work for you Susannahs, but us Trinnys could certainly get by with it.
A couple of other halter dress dos and don’ts:
- Do sew it up a little if the front neckline is too open.
- Do make sure there is enough fabric on the sides/underarms.
- Don’t wear a halter dress to sit in a church pew. Unless, of course, you wish to appear naked to everyone who sees you from behind.
What would you add to the list?
You could also sew in a little insert with a coordinating fabric. Not too difficult, just hem a little triangle along one side and stitch it in.
That would work! I never would have thought of that. Especially with the ones that were already sort of a combination of print and solid, or like a border print.
Thanks Oxanna!
😉 I think perhaps I’ll just stick with wrap dresses!
Do not let thy cup runneth over as it looks super tacky!
That’s good advice!
I have had cups sewn into 2 formal style backless or spaghetti strapped dresses – it is a SUPER trick that you can have done by any tailor for next to nothing. I had an apron style bodice dress for a friend’s wedding and then a spag strap for sister’s and not having to mess with a specialty undergarment is SO worth it (and I am more top-heavy than Susannah – it can still be done with the right cup and a good tailor).
I’ve seen women at church wearing the style of shirts/halter-top dresses and I’ve also seen them hanging out (practically) when they leaned to take a baby from someone, and on one occasion the white cup was practically flopping out and I felt so bad but didn’t know what to say (she was obviously aware of it, trying to fix it but had a wiggly toddler in her arms!)…
I think it’s too much skin, personally. I see these tops and they whisper “sexy”…I certainly don’t think they belong in church, and I wonder if they belong anywhere other than at home for your comfort and dh’s viewing pleasure. But I do know that I’m old-fashioned and not in the latest “fashion” know.
I really love the looks of the dresses though, and if I had one, I’d wear it with a light cardigan-style sweater…something to hide my shoulders and back. My viewpoints on clothing and how we dress were really affected when I read Created to Be His Helpmeet. I had my eyes opened big time on how the way we dress affects the man in the pew behind us. We can’t let ourselves “cause a weaker brother to stumble”.
Agreed! It’s appropriate to wear halter dresses to formal places like Church….if you cover up with a nice shrug or wrap. 🙂
I don’t go to church, but I’m still on the lookout for a cute, warm, thin knit, black bolero sweater that has a classic clasp in front (or hook eye enclosure). Plus it’ll keep my arms warm on chilly summer nights without being too much.
Another way to wear a halter.. would be to wear a thin tank top or a thin camisole underneath the halter. It may be too bulky looking – but no harm in trying, no? 🙂 But still not appropriate for church – shoulders showing…