How to Make a Plain Gown Stunning (2024)

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How to Make a Plain Gown Stunning

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    ByCassandra Morris

    Updated on 10/03/17

    Have a simple one-color gown that fits well but could use a bit of a… lift? Whether it’s adding some sparkle, creating a dramatic hair and makeup look or even altering the hem, it’s actually pretty easy to dress up a plain dress. Check out these tips and pick a few to boost your gown’s potential. Just… don’t try them all at once!

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    Add Costume Jewelry

    How to Make a Plain Gown Stunning (2)

    It’s amazing what a piece of jewelry can do. Add a statement necklace to your dress, whether it’s a 16-inch necklace featuring wide stones and resin pieces or long strands of gold and silver. Or, slip on a wrist full of bangle charm bracelets and a huge co*cktail ring, and watch your outfit suddenly shine.

    Get Creative With a Brooch

    How to Make a Plain Gown Stunning (3)

    An artfully placed jeweled brooch can add a bit of sparkle to your dress in an instant. Pin it at the waist of your dress, on the bust or on a wide one-shoulder strap to add detail where there was none before!

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    Carry a Bright Bag.

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    Let a stand-out bag be the focal point of your ensemble. Carry an oversized sparkle-encrusted clutch, a bejeweled purse with a chain strap or a brightly-colored purse to give your plain dress a boost.

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    Make Your Shoes the Outfit Centerpiece

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    If your dress is basic, your shoes have permission to be absolutely outrageous. Pick a pair of loud neon heels, jewel-encrusted pumps with a clear five-inch heel, or one-of-a-kind vintage wedges, and your outfit will suddenly rock.

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    Create a Dramatic Makeup Look

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    Now is the time to experiment with a fun multi-colored eyeshadow look, an excess of overly dark kohl eyeliner, or super bold lips in red, rich maroon or even purple.

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    Indulge in Nail Art

    Imagine your dress as a blank palette and your nails as a canvas. Get creative by gluing on tiny jewels, stickers, and drawing on your own nail designs. Get nail inspiration here.

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    Go All out With Your Hair

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    As far as your outfit goes, a fabulous updo can mean the difference between boring and brilliant. Skip your everyday loose style and create a curly updo, crimped hairstyle, or a braided look.

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    Add a Headpiece or a Hat

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    A vintage hat with netting that coyly covers your eyes, a jeweled headpiece wrapped around your updo, or even a 60s-inspired flower crown overflowing locks can make your outfit more stylish.

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    Experiment With a Belt

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    If your dress has a defined waist, whether it’s empire or at your natural waist, add a belt! Try wide or skinny belts, elastic or tying a silk scarf into a cute bow.

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    Add Your Own Embellishments

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    Get creative! Maybe you’re extra handy with a needle and have some extra sequins lying around—sew them into a pattern! Or maybe you have an artsy flower that you can place on your sleeve or hipor an old silk scarf that could be crafted into a bow. A plain dress is a perfect opportunity to play designer.

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    Have It Hemmed

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    A tailor can really do wonders for a worn-out frock. Have your gown shortened to a mini dress, and you won’t even recognize it! Or, have a short-sleeved or one shoulder dress made into a strapless gown, or have a tea-length gown turned into a high-low hem.

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    Add Funky Tights

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    Lacy patterned tights, wild colored tights or even knee-highs can really do a lot to an outfit. When the dress is plain, the accessories should be bold!

    How to Make a Plain Gown Stunning (2024)

    FAQs

    How to Make a Plain Gown Stunning? ›

    It's amazing what a piece of jewelry can do. Add a statement necklace to your dress, whether it's a 16-inch necklace featuring wide stones and resin pieces or long strands of gold and silver. Or, slip on a wrist full of bangle charm bracelets and a huge co*cktail ring, and watch your outfit suddenly shine.

    How to make a plain dress sparkle? ›

    The easiest way to apply glitter all over your dress is to use a glitter spray made just for fabrics, but you can also create specific designs by using a fabric glitter bond and loose glitter instead. With just a little bit of time and lots of glitter, you'll have a beautiful sparkly dress.

    How do you make a plain outfit fancy? ›

    Layered Gold Jewelry

    You can be wearing a cotton black dress, or a v-neck tee and jeans and adding lots of gold jewelry to your look will elevate it to a whole new level. From simple gold hoops, to layered gold necklaces and bracelets, and don't forget some rings, you'll look posh, stylish and cool.

    How to make a dress look more formal? ›

    Accessories are a quick and easy way to dress up a casual outfit and elevate it to a more formal look. Some ideas for formal accessories include statement necklaces, dramatic earrings, or a statement belt. You can also add some polish with a pair of dress shoes or a clutch bag.

    How do you accessorize a plain gown? ›

    Wear a boldly–colored accessory with a neutral dress.

    Whether it be a statement necklace, a handbag or your shoes, try to make one of your accessories a bright color. If your dress is a solid color, try wearing a patterned handbag or shoes. For example, you could wear a polka dotted bag with a white dress.

    How do you make an outfit less plain? ›

    Revamp your wardrobe: How to breathe life into a boring outfit. Add accessories: Accessories can instantly elevate an outfit and make it more visually appealing. Consider adding statement jewelry, scarves, belts, hats, or a stylish bag. Choose accessories that complement your outfit and add a pop of colour or texture.

    How to glam up a dress? ›

    If you want to make your simple dress a little more glam, start with eye makeup. Black eyeliner on your top and bottom lids plus smoky black eye shadow almost always does the trick. If you have light coloring, use a slightly lighter eye shadow, like gray or brown. Check out more makeup ideas.

    How do you add sparkle to a plain wedding dress? ›

    Beads, crystals, and sequins create a dazzling effect on your dress that'll have everyone oohing and aahing the moment you step down the aisle. You can work with a designer to add delicate embellishments to your gown or opt for a dress upon which the sparkle and splendor are already accentuated.

    How do you dress simple but classy? ›

    Building a wardrobe of timeless and high-quality basics is essential for simple but stylish dressing. Invest in well-made pieces like a classic white button-down shirt, a pair of well-fitting jeans, a tailored blazer, and a little black dress. These versatile staples serve as the foundation for numerous chic outfits.

    How do you dress effortlessly pretty? ›

    When it comes to looking effortlessly stylish, one of the best things you can do is stick to a neutral color palette. Some great neutral colors to consider are gray, navy, camel, and blush. These colors can be easily mixed and matched with each other, so you'll always have something new to wear.

    How to dress up a plain evening gown? ›

    To complement an evening gown, choose accessories that enhance the overall elegance of your look. Statement jewelry, such as a dazzling necklace, chandelier earrings, or sparkling bracelet, can add a touch of glamour.

    How do you make a non formal dress look formal? ›

    You can make a summer dress look formal by slipping on heels, stilettos, jewellery, accessories, blazers, and fur jackets.

    How can I make my plain wedding dress better? ›

    A simple white dress stands out with a flower crown filled with bright colored blossoms, or even a dramatic seashell crown if you're having a beach wedding. Hair jewelry offers another unique touch of exotic elegance. For the boho bride, try a wide brimmed hat with a colorful ribbon or flower attachment.

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