Always wanted to make your own costume? Do you see yourself as slightly creative but sewing is not your thing, like to save a $1.00 or $2.00, then this is the article for you. We will discuss 5 ways to adapt that little black dress, simply, by using a hot glue gun. All it takes is a little spare time, imagination &
a sense of fun.
Don’t despair if you don’t own a black dress, you can always check out your local thrift or opportunity shop. Depending on the character chosen, look for a style which is simple and plain in design and sits either above the knee or ½ way up the thigh. We will describe in detail what style of dress is needed and keep in mind none are floor length.
You will have a gamut of characters to choose from for example; a Gangster girl, French maid, Flapper, Firefighter & Dracula’s vixen all of which you can wear to your next costume party.
Costume Idea 1: Gangster girls are generally known for their pinstripe ensembles, however here we will be using a sleeveless black dress and adding the accessories to complete the costume.
What you will need: black dress, black or white hat with contrasting band, short white tie, white beads, black fishnets, stilettos & tommy gun (optional).
Dress alterations: use either an A line or straight V neck dress (with sleeves or sleeveless is fine) and add a white collar (if you are handy, from an old shirt) or just keep the neckline as is.
Costume Idea 2: French maids are generally considered very feminine with their frilly dresses & high heeled stilettos.
What you will need: black dress, small frilly apron, lace headpiece, black fishnets, stilettos & feather duster (optional).
Dress alterations: use a V or round neck dress with sleeves, add gathered lace around neckline, sleeves and hemline by gluing or sewing.
Costume Idea 3: Charleston flappers were ladies from the 20s era, along with
Gangster’s moles who were known to titillate many of the mobsters by sometimes singing & flaunting their sex appeal in clubs and the like. Both wore similar style dresses adorned with tassels & accessorized with beads & boas.
What you will need: black dress, charleston feather headpiece, feather boa, loads of contrasting beads, black fishnets & stilettos.
Dress alterations: use sleeveless black dress; add 3 layers of contrast fringing. Start the 1st row along hemline, measure between each layer making them equal distance apart.
Tip: Try matching your headpiece, boa & beads to your fringing. This will make your dress really stand out in the crowd.
Costume Idea 4: Firefighters are the people who rescue property & lives and the field is traditionally male orientated. They have the persona of being very masculine and can be the envy of any girl. Here we have put a twist on things and have created a sexy female firefighter, which will get many a males heartbeat racing.
What you will need: black dress, red plastic helmet, black or red fishnet tights, black or red boots & wide red belt.
Dress alterations: use a straight black V neck dress with sleeves. To create bands for the sleeves of the dress simply cut out 2 strips each of 13mm wide fluorescent yellow & fire engine red vinyl (plastic) fabric, available at most haberdashery stores. Sew or glue 1st row of red fabric along each sleeve edge. Measure & glue 2nd row of yellow fabric approximately 10mm apart, repeat with 2nd sleeve. You could also try cutting & gluing 2 extra strips (same colours & width as discussed above) and attach to the neckline. Measure and keep the same distance apart or simply keep the neckline plain.
Costume Idea 5: Dracula’s vixen conjures up the image of seductiveness, darkness & mystique; however with this costume we have added a hint of sexiness.
What you will need: black dress, bat or gothic style choker, black fishnets, black boots, long black wig with white stripe, fangs, blood & puncture marks – tattoos for neck (optional).
Dress alterations: use a black round or V neck black long sleeve short dress, cut the hemline and sleeves jaggedly.
Tip: Be careful not to alter the length too much, as you don’t want it shorter.
By using any of these designs you will surely be the hit of the party, so why not give it a go and you will have a costume to keep which can be used over & over again.