Dress Up a Boring Gown With These Tips

How to Make a Plain Gown Stunning

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!

01
of 12

Add Costume Jewelry

Jenna Ortega
Steve Granitz / Getty Images

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 cocktail ring, and watch your outfit suddenly shine.

02
of 12

Get Creative With a Brooch

Miley Cyrus
Kevin Mazur / Getty Images

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!

03
of 12

Carry a Bright Bag.

Woman with a red clutch
Getty Images

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.

04
of 12

Make Your Shoes the Outfit Centerpiece

Cocktail dress with flashy shoes
Getty Images

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.

05
of 12

Create a Dramatic Makeup Look

Katy Perry
Katy Perry's rainbow eye shadow is easy to copy for prom!. Getty Images

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.

06
of 12

Indulge in Nail Art

nail detail
Becky G's funky nails. Jason LaVeris / Contributor / Getty Images

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.

07
of 12

Go All out With Your Hair

formal hairdo
Getty Images

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.

08
of 12

Add a Headpiece or a Hat

Fascinator Hat
Getty Images

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.

09
of 12

Experiment With a Belt

Emma Watson fashion
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

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.

10
of 12

Add Your Own Embellishments

Close-Up Of Artwork On Dress
Amelie Ackemann / EyeEm / Getty Images

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 hip or an old silk scarf that could be crafted into a bow. A plain dress is a perfect opportunity to play designer.

11
of 12

Have It Hemmed

A young seamstress works behind her sewing machine.
EMS-FORSTER-PRODUCTIONS / Getty Images

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.

12
of 12

Add Funky Tights

funky tights
Actress Jenna Ortega shows off her funky tights at the Hollywood premiere of Disney's 'Moana'. Barry King / Getty Images

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!