This dress is the one that made me realize I needed to sew myself an extender slip! You might remember this post in which I talked about wanting this exact dress?
Well, I got it! I bought this dress from Target this spring and I absolutely love it. It's so versatile and cute and the colors make it easy to wear with just about anything. My problem is...it's kind of short!
See what I mean? I do wear it at the length it is, it's a good length for my legs and really flattering on my body, but I'd like to be able to wear this dress to church! Preferably without scandalizing the sweet little old ladies.
So I decided that I needed an extender slip! It's a super easy project that only takes about 1/2 hour to make. You will need a dress that is too short, a slip (I got mine on sale for $1.99) and about a yard of six inch wide lace trim. I found my lace trim at Joann Fabrics. They didn't have a great selection, so when I make a black one I will look somewhere else for sure.
2. Then I measured on my slip to see where I needed to cut in order to make the slip the perfect length under the dress. Since I had 6 inch wide lace, and I wanted to extend the length of my dress by about 3 inches, I subtracted 3 from my 19 inch measurement in step 1. so 19 - 3 = 16 inches, which is where I cut the length of my slip:
I cut straight across at the 16 inch mark:
3. Then simply pin your lace to the bottom of your slip. Make sure that before you sew you try it on under your dress! I made the mistake of not doing this and I paid for it with my seam ripper. Once you're happy with the length of the lace under your dress, sew it on using a straight stitch.
That's it, you're done! Stand back and bask in your awesome sewing skillz.
I am so excited, I've already tried it on under several dresses that before the slip were only appropriate with leggings. But don't believe me, let the dresses speak for themselves:
This is my beloved Target dress, now made totally church appropriate with my new extender slip underneath! I am loving how the lace makes it both longer and a little more feminine:
This grey and purple floral dress was cute, but like the Target dress, a little too short. Now it won't show my undies when I bend down to pick up my Dude!
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One more dress made church appropriate! |
This green vintage '90's dress was so short that I originally wasn't going to post the 'before' pic at all. Good thing I love you guys enough to embarrass myself for you! (Even so, there is no way in hell I would show you the back in the before picture. No. Way.) Even with the extender slip it's still pretty short, but now at least I can actually wear it!
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Business on the right, party on the left! Whew! That dress is short. Did people actually wear them that short for real? |
~Jessica

I was eyeing that same dress at target :) I really love your extender slip!! Great job!
ReplyDeleteHeidi @ handmadefrenzy.blogspot.com
Thanks! My BFF and I actually bought the same exact dress without knowing it at the time! We do that a lot...
DeleteGood job!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteIt's super cute! I bet you feel a LOT more comfortable in public wearing those dresses now that you don't have to worry about the wind blowing!
ReplyDeleteGood for you! Awesome idea... :)
I need one in several colors! for me AND my daughters...
hugs xx Crystelle
Crystelle Boutique
You're right! Especially that green one...it was fine in the winter/early spring with leggings but there is no way that is seeing the light of day with bare legs the way it is! I am already planning several other colors too. I think a pop of mint green under that pink dress would be so cute. Maybe lace dying?
DeleteP.S. I followed you and liked you on FB!
I'm going to have to pass that idea along to my teenage daughter, who's gotten too tall for some of her favorite dresses.
ReplyDeleteTHis is great, I really need to make one of these, it would save me from having to alter almost everything i buy!
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Bethany! It does help if you're trying to be a bit more modest then a lot of dresses today allow.
DeleteI have this on my to-do list. I thrifted the cutest red print Banana Republic skirt and it is a bit too short, so I am going to give this a try. Really cute!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea! Gotta try it :)
ReplyDeleteTiffany Ima
Style Honestly
What a great idea! Thanks so much for sharing. I might have to try this! Check out our Pattern Party starts the 1st of each month.
ReplyDeleteGet Your Crap Together
I sure will, thanks!
DeleteVery cute, simple, and sweet. I think I will pull out some old slips tonight. Thanks for the inspiration.
ReplyDeletevisiting from ladybug blessings. I love this. Great.
ReplyDeleteThis is so awesome!! I think I like the dress better with the extender slip. We'll be featuring this at Someday Crafts tomorrow and we'd love if you'd stop by :)
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh thank you so much!! I will be checking it our for sure, I'm so excited! I've been following Someday crafts since you started it!
DeleteReally gorgeous idea and the new dresses are so different! They also have a romantic detail... amazing! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteZina
(New follower from Give Me The Goods Monday Link Party blog hop
efzin-creations.blogspot.com)
Thanks for checking us out! We made sure to follow you back as well!
Deleteit's so pretty! I love this idea!
ReplyDeleteLooks great! I found you via Someday Crafts. Thanks for sharing, this tall momma will certainly be able to use your tips : )
ReplyDeleteThat is really cool ~ I like the dresses/skirts better with the extender.
ReplyDeleteI'm visiting you today from Keeping It Simple. I co-host a Linky Party Tuesday (open thru Sat) and I'd love for you to link up! I hope you get a chance to stop by, link up and leave a comment, too!
~ Megin of VMG206
Join me each Tuesday for Brag About It Link Up Party
Nice job! I really like this idea!
ReplyDeleteGina
http://ginascraftcorner.blogspot.com
I'm always looking for ways to add length, and bonus--those dresses are way cuter with the slip! What a great idea. Pinning.
ReplyDeleteVery cute and a great idea - We love the cotton lace look.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you linked up with us at the BeBetsy BRAG ABOUT IT Link and Hop.
Have a wonderful week~
Sharon and Denise!
Follow us:
Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Bloglovin ~ Pinterest
This is GREAT!!! Love it!
ReplyDeleteAmazing! It really does make quite a difference, esp on the last dress <3
ReplyDeleteWould you like to follow each other via GFC? I'd love to hear from you, be sure to comment when you visit: www.fashchronicles.blogspot.com
I'd love to Abby! I will go follow you right now!
DeleteLove the extender idea! I tend to stay away from too short dresses and usually pass them up in thrift stores, but this could be the solution. Thanks for the idea!
ReplyDeleteThanks Hanna! I'm #starstruck that you stopped by, LOVE your blog!
DeleteIngenius as always! Love this idea :-) I think I might add learning to sew some stuff to my New Years Resolutions list, you make me jealous hehe! x
ReplyDeleteBells @ www.bellslittleones.co.uk
Thanks so much! Sewing is not as hard as people think it is, really. Once you get the basics down you'd be amazed at how much you can do!
DeleteThat's such a clever idea! And so simple to do, thanks for the tip :)
ReplyDeleteGreat just what I needed! I hate when dresses shrink and I can't wear them. Thanks for the tutorial!
ReplyDeleteI've totally had that happen! I actually didn't even think of them for that use, I have one dress that I loved that shrank, I should see how it looks with the slip underneath!
DeleteSuch a great idea! I pinned this for my summer sewing!
ReplyDeleteI have that same bright floral Target dress, and literally just wore it yesterday - small world! :)
ReplyDeleteI freaking love this dress...and so does Hilary! I literally have to call her and ask her if she's going to wear it that day so we don't accidentally wear it at the same time!
DeleteCUTE! I have been putting off making a few of these in fear that I will mess them up! But they look so cute!
ReplyDeleteVisiting from the DIY Dreamer linky party!
Great tutorial, and love how the extender slip adds a new dimension to the dresses you've shown. I've been obsessing over lace trims for this summer and this is so obvious - thanks!!
ReplyDeletewow! this is awesome! what a great idea!
ReplyDeletegenius!!!! and so flattering. I hate how short all the styles are now... you're right, look out for that breeze hahaha!
ReplyDeleteThat is just adorable with both those dresses! Great tutorial!
ReplyDeleteThat is SUCH a great idea! I need to make one for my daughter! Sharing on facebook! Thanks for linking up to Monday Funday!
ReplyDeleteSo Pretty!!!!!! Best idea ever!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteThanks for linking up! Be sure to grab the badge and comment :)
ReplyDelete✰Transatlantic Blonde✰
Great tutorial! Thank you! I have a dress just like the one you have, I can't pick something up without showing too much! Will try it and hope I can wear that dress more often...;)
ReplyDeleteWow, what an amazing idea! More wear out of your dresses. Thanks for sharing at Give Me The Goods Monday!
ReplyDeleteJamie @Better With Age
Super adorable and easy {as long as I can pick up my sewing skills again, lol}! It really enhances every single dress... thanks for the idea :) Stopping by from Friday's Fancies
ReplyDeleteThis idea is GENIUS!
ReplyDelete-Bethany
[visiting from Sunday Style]
Thanks Bethany!
DeleteLadies ~
ReplyDeleteI wanted to let you know that I'm featuring this on VMG206 ~ Brag About It Tuesday's Linky Party tomorrow! So, stop by and grab a Feature Button. Also, I have pinned your project to my Brag About It Features Pinterest Board. I can't wait to see what you've been working on this week!
~ Megin of VMG206
Join me each Tuesday for Brag About It Link Up Party
Thank you so much Virginia! We will be sure to go check it out and add our links from this week!
DeleteGreat idea! Im so going to do this. I hate that everything is made so short these days.
ReplyDeleteI hate that too! Some of those dresses are SO cute, but then I am no longer a 19 year old with a 19 year old's legs/butt, I need a little more length!
DeleteI have been wanting to make an extender slip for a while now. Thank you so much for the tutorial. Thank you so much for linking up.
ReplyDeleteI love how you've found so many ways to wear it, and yes, people do wear dresses that short. It's just that most of them are at an age wear giving their father a mini heart attack every time they walk out the door, is still a favorite past time. lol.
ReplyDeleteIt's true! But I really don't mind giving my father a few palpitations now and then still though, sshhh...don't tell!
DeleteI love this idea and much cheaper than purchasing a slip extender! they sell for $39!
ReplyDeleteOk, I love the slip extender, but I also love all of your shoes, especially that first pair:)!! Thanks for linking up @ the Owl's Skull this week! Have a great Wednesday! Jess (aka Alice)
ReplyDeleteI totally have that dress! Love it! I have the polka dot one too!
ReplyDeleteI've made a couple of extender slips. My recent try is just sewing to the bottom of the dress! Nice to meet you!
Carolyn
http://www.ccmcafeeperspective.com/
Dear Lizzy does this with her dresses, what popped into my head when viewing you do you're one is that I could also dye the lace to any colour I wanted to go with a dress.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the great idea! Did a mental 'well duh!' when I saw your post. It's perfect! I have a dress hanging up now that I love, but shows just a bit too much. Was planning on taking down the hem, but this is waaaaaay better. Brilliant and an excellent tutorial.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a brilliant idea-as much as I love the dress by itself it does look amazing with the slip. Great thinking!
ReplyDeleteThank you for linking up to Say G'Day Saturday. This weekend's party has just started so I hope you can join in again!
Best wishes for a great weekend,
Natasha in Oz
This is such a great way to get the dresses/skirts you want and still be modest, which is of course why we featured you at allthingswithpurpose.com on our Thursday Link Up Party! You may like our Free Modesty EBook. Have a Happy Father's Day!!
ReplyDeleteI've been wanting to make one of these for a while ... originally saw one on Pinterest. Your tutorial is easy. Good job.
ReplyDeletelove it! I'm not sure why designers think we want skirts so short? But thankful for ideas like these to give us more options.
ReplyDeleteLove this! Cute, flexible, and super helpful. :]
ReplyDeleteGreat idea!! I can not wait to make one, I have so many dresses that are just a little too short for my liking. :)
ReplyDeleteWow it works for all the dresses, fab! I've got some lovely trim from www.organiccottonplus.com, so I might try this experiment too.
ReplyDeleteSo good!! I may try this with some of my little girls dresses too! Thank you for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteSuperbly written article, if only all bloggers offered the same content as you, the internet would be a far better place..
ReplyDeleteuitstortgootsteen
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