How to create your own unique plus size dresses with embellishments

With fashion being mass produced by a few major companies, with all of them following the same high street trends, clothing has become boring and run-of-the-mill. Fashion is about expressing one's unique individuality and commonplace clothing are fast becoming incapable of its very function of expression. We're here to save the day by sharing how to make your dresses uniquely yours. With a little DIY, you can make plus size dresses available in the market your own. Here we teach how to pick, where to place, how to DIY, fabric considerations and how to care for your creations!

Step 1. Choosing Embellishments

There are many different types of embellishments that can help you elevate the dress you have on hand. Consider using these embellishments: 

• Beads & Sequins – Ideal for adding glamour to formal wear.
  
  Lace & Appliqués – For adding a vintage or feminine touch.
  

• Rhinestones & Crystals – Suitable for a delicate touch to plus size formal dresses.
  

• Embroidery & Patchwork – A creative, easy and fun way to add your own style.
  

• Fabric Flowers & Ribbons – For texture and a romantic touch.
  
  

Step 2. Deciding Where to Place Embellishments

Where you place your embellishments can make all the difference. Here’s how to highlight your best features:

• Neckline – Drawing the eye towards your face and collarbone.
  

• Waist – Adding attention to your waist. When employed correctly, slims the waist down.
  

• Hemline – Who said hemlines have to be the same clean cut? Show off your unique touch by adding a fringe, lace or a contrasting fabric at the hem.
  

• Sleeve – Frequently overlooked, the sleeve is a strategic point to show off your unique touch.
  
  

Step 3. How to DIY the Embellishments

Select the method of DIY according to your degree of capability and type of embellishment chosen: 

• Hand-Stitching – The most secure method for adding beads, lace, or appliqués.
  

• Fabric Glue – An easy and quick fix for delicate embellishments without needle and thread.
  
  Iron-On Patches – For plus size girls who prefer it easy. Simple use a hot iron to iron on patches on to the dresses.
  

• Hand-Painted Accents – Use fabric paint or dye to paint your own art onto dresses.
  

• Heat-Set Rhinestones – Add sparkle with a professional rhinestone applicator. Adding rhinestones to simple plus size wedding guest dresses will make it brand new looking, like a new dress ready for your next wedding!

Step 4. Be Careful about Your Dress' Fabric

Some fabrics are too delicate for heavy duty embellishments. Follow this fabric guide:

• Cotton & Linen – Suitable for embroidery and appliqués because of the toughness of the fabric.
  

• Silk, Chiffon & Satin – Due to their delicate nature it is ideal to choose
  

• Velvet – Due to its thicker and tougher nature, velvet allows a whole range of embellishments from heavy gems and baubles to thick embroidery. A simple velvet chinese dress can use some big oriental floral embroidery or detailed pearl work around the collars for a truly unique appearance.
  

• Stretch Fabrics – Opt for embellishments that allow for movement. For example, crystals aren’t suitable as stretching the fabric can rip the sewing.

Step 5. How to Care for Your Embellished Dresses

Your customized dress requires your care to last: 

• Hand wash or use a gentle cycle so embellishments won’t come loose.
  

• Store intelligently by using hangers to avoid snags.
  

• Spot clean when necessary to maintain the integrity of delicate details.
• Reinforce embellishments occasionally by resewing or applying extra adhesive.
  
  

Final Thoughts

Adding embellishments to your plus-size dresses is a fun exercise of creativity and a cheap and effective way to boost the individuality of your dress. With our simple 5 step guide to adding embellishments, it is ultra easy to add your own touch. Warning - creative plus size women may get hooked and start getting creative storms when shopping for dresses moving forward!