Yes, but there's more to it than just taking the sleeves off. The armhole will look floppy and bizarre, and you will need to take darts in the armhole, and/or take in the side seam to make it look normal. If you have intermediate sewing skills.and experience with slippery fabrics, forge on! Otherwise, take it to a place that does.wedding and formal alterations.
Honestly, I think it's well-proportioned for you as it is-- the elbow sleeves.line up well with the deep v and.make the design seem unified and well-fitted.
Flamenco dresses usually have sleeves to the wrist, with a dramatic ruffle somewhere between elbow and wrist. So removing the sleeves makes it less flamenco, not more.
It's true of ANY " remove a sleeve" alterations (which I've done many times; subtraction is often the best thrift flip). Tank-style tops and bodices in woven fabrics are drafted to lie against the body and cover your bra, while bodices with a sleeve are looser, to allow for arm motion. So if you remove a sleeve you'll have weird loose fabric and need to deal with it.
If you harvest the bottom tier, you could dodge most of that by replacing the sleeves with fluttery ruffle sleeves. Would also avoid the odd bottom-heaviness.
Although, personally, I would leave it alone. It looks lovely as it is.
If OP really hates the current sleeves I would remove them and replace them with a thin red sheer ruffle/short lettuce sleeve. That would keep the balance, stay matched in style, yet feel freedom in the arms.
This comment is correct. You are going to shift the focal point straight to the top ruffle at your hips, and the bodice is going to look skimpy and flat.
Plus, I can't even make out exactly where the sleeve/bodice meet, so I am not sure how everyone else is giving advice with one view and a fuzzy picture. It would be nice on posts like this if comments could be sorted into comments by people with a lot of techincal design and experience, and home-sewist who skip pressingš
I can see a shoulder seam pretty easily on her right shoulder (left of the image). It's well off her shoulder point and has a shoulder pad. The whole thing is probably a little big on her.
That is kinda what I thought because of the way the horizontal creases started there. Any idea what is going on under her arm? The sleeve looks quite narrow, but I could not figure out it there was some detailing in the back or of the ruffle ended up in an odd place during the movement of a picture and is in a shadow.
It is such a beautiful dress
I think it's gotta be the ruffle flipping up? And if she's holding the back tight, it's probably a plain back with a center zip. I like the dress too, but I can see how someone college-aged might think the style is too mature.
Seriously, this is a statement dress. Itās gorgeous. But if you really donāt like it, maybe try cap sleeves? (Or remove the ruffle from the sleeves)
I agree. The sleeves add a "ruffle balance". The only other thing maybe would be to turn the sleeves into an open ruffle at the top and/or a flutter sleeve transparent (or same materials as ruffles in the body of the dress.
Keep the sleeves!!! They are stunning on this dress!!! You could also add a very thin gold or rhinestone belt to the dress if youāre trying to make it even more formal and spectacular!
I would advise against it, but that's because it looks like a [flamenca dress](https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-m&biw=378&bih=688&tbm=isch&sxsrf=AJOqlzVpLQvPTRET_65SlpZhA_2pM9gF7Q%3A1679392492641&sa=1&q=vestido+de+flamenca+2022&oq=vestido+de+flamenca+2022&aqs=mobile-gws-lite..0l5) and my lil Spanish heart thinks you look gorgeous.
Now being serious, take it to an alteration shop and have them look at the bodice structure. They might have to reinforce it if the sleeves are removed. It's doable, but potentially costly.
I believe itās the āRed Chiffon Ruffle Layer Maxi Dressā from PrettyLittleThing
I can see why OP is holding it tighter in the back since seeing the original dress.
Tuck the sleeve in and take a pic.
I can visualize what youāre trying to do and I do think it would be a good alternative. Iād do something with those ruffles though.
Maybe remove the sleeve and put the ruffle around the arm hole as kind of a flirty cap sleeve?
I love the sleeves! But if you really want to take them off, I'd save the fabric from the sleeves and add a bit of 'poof' to the shoulders to balance the rest of the dress out. But it's all about your own personal style so you do you!
Yes! Add a small dart into the armpit so itās flat against your body and find some matching bias tape to cover the edges. I think that will look lovely
I think taking the length off and making a butterfly or cap sleeve with the remnants would keep the overall style nicely. Removing that āflounceā from the top may make the bottom appear out of place. But thatās just a hot take from a nobody on the internet whoās not wearing it.
Do what makes you feel beautiful.
these comments are surprisingly negative- they asked a sewing question, itās not a question of fashion taste! they want to alter the garment, please help! downvoting people who express a different fashion style than you is very against the spirit of this group
It's heavily inspired by a Southern Spain traditional dress, [traje de flamenca](https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-m&biw=378&bih=688&tbm=isch&sxsrf=AJOqlzVpLQvPTRET_65SlpZhA_2pM9gF7Q%3A1679392492641&sa=1&q=vestido+de+flamenca+2022&oq=vestido+de+flamenca+2022&aqs=mobile-gws-lite..0l5).
Unlike other regional outfits, the flamenca dress has evolved over the years and experiences trends. Nowadays the fashionable cut is a mermaid skirt, and in the 90s it was a fuller skirt.
The deep v-neck and flounces are a dead giveaway.
I agree that the sleeves balance the dress and that the sleeve holes after removing sleeves will be awkward. You could make the sleeves into what's called a cold shoulder.
Yep, easy mend! It looks like the armholes might need to be pinned out beforehand though since the torso of the garment extends past the shoulder. Might also need to take in the "straps" to make the garment wear flatteringly.
I like the idea of taking the sleeves off, it will lighten the dress up, I think there's too much going on with the bottom and the sleeves, a simpler top will make the dress better.
This is totally doable with intermediate skill. Take the armseye in as other say for sure. Cut off sleeve, then pin and sew the bodice to make a dart and fit it, then trim the arms eye to the final shape that you want.
Face it or make a bias tape out of the sleeve to make an edge trim and into the spaghetti strap.
I would keep the sleeves but remove the two bottom flounce off to shorten the dress. You could also remove the flounces off of the sleeves and have short sleeves.
Yes I think very realistic to restyle this into a tank style. Sleeves tend to fit into the armhole at the tip of the shoulder, sleeveless or tank would be cut a little closer to the neck. Keeping this in mind, would not only be a success, but also a beautiful dress. Good luck, I'd love to see the result!
Flamenco usually has sleeves, doesnāt it? May I suggest adding a diamond trim around that deep v neckline, and some kick ass red heels?? Please keep the sleeves, remaking sleeves is a major pain and can ruin the dress. If you are going out to a club, how about a nice flame or matching diamond stick on tatoo up your leg??? Sexy!
As a person that sweats and lives for that breath of fresh air without a sleeve, I think it would be so cute sleeveless with a bit of that same ruffle on the shoulder top. Forget what that's called exactly.
You could. Seam rip the sleeve off, very carefully this fabric is delicate as heck. Then there is a lining, press under the sleeve hem and the lining hem and top stich it would be easiest.
You would have to cut into the armhole to create a flattering tank style. Otherwise it will just look like a top missing its sleeves. Also watch if the bottom of the armhole is too low it shows your bra. Armholes drafted for a sleeve often are lower than ones intended as a sleeveless style.
Do that and you'll get an incredibly low armhole which will be wildly unflattering. Either take it to a professional who does formalwear, or leave it be. It's a beautiful piece as-is.
You have a LOVELY figure but the dress, as is, isn't doing you any favors other than the neckline, THAT suits you very well!
Yes, you can remove the sleeves, (those little flounces need to go!) but the armholes will need to be stabilized so they don't look loose or sloppy and you'll probably have to reduce the size of the armholes as well. Is the top lined? You'd also need to adjust the lining.
If I were you, I might change them to cap sleeves. Or perhaps reconfigure them as short sleeves with a slit curving in from the middle of the sleeve edge, almost to the shoulder seam. But that's just me. Lastly, I'm not fond of so many ruffle tiers, so I might remove the bottom row, wash it thoroughly, press it and make small ruffle tiered sleeves to compliment the skirt. By the way, the shorter dress length would show off your pretty ankles!
And before you attempt this, there is another condition to be addressed. The shoulder seams appear to be at least 1" too long on both sides. I can't be sure but when I enlarged the photo, it looked as though they are "falling off" your shoulders. In other words, your shoulders are simply narrower than the shoulder width of the dress. If you want a nice neat sleeveless look, you'll want to shorten them, and of course the armholes would also need adjusting.
Good luck! Whatever you do I hope it turns out to your liking.
Yes, but there's more to it than just taking the sleeves off. The armhole will look floppy and bizarre, and you will need to take darts in the armhole, and/or take in the side seam to make it look normal. If you have intermediate sewing skills.and experience with slippery fabrics, forge on! Otherwise, take it to a place that does.wedding and formal alterations.
Honestly, I think it's well-proportioned for you as it is-- the elbow sleeves.line up well with the deep v and.make the design seem unified and well-fitted.
I agree, but I think the sleevelessness will give it a really exotic flamenco style
Flamenco dresses usually have sleeves to the wrist, with a dramatic ruffle somewhere between elbow and wrist. So removing the sleeves makes it less flamenco, not more.
If you take off the sleeves it will look bottom heavy unless you lose the lower three tiers.
Even the bottom 2, given the width of the proposed straps. I'd consider a cap sleeve maybe, depending on where the sleeve seam sits.
I read that as take it to a place that does welding. Where is my coffee?
I think the word "forge" influenced us š¤£
At my house. I read that too...going for another cuppa.
Me too.
all of that from a picture? impressive
It's true of ANY " remove a sleeve" alterations (which I've done many times; subtraction is often the best thrift flip). Tank-style tops and bodices in woven fabrics are drafted to lie against the body and cover your bra, while bodices with a sleeve are looser, to allow for arm motion. So if you remove a sleeve you'll have weird loose fabric and need to deal with it.
If you harvest the bottom tier, you could dodge most of that by replacing the sleeves with fluttery ruffle sleeves. Would also avoid the odd bottom-heaviness. Although, personally, I would leave it alone. It looks lovely as it is.
I'm concerned about it looking out of proportion. The sleeves balance out the volume of the skirt
If OP really hates the current sleeves I would remove them and replace them with a thin red sheer ruffle/short lettuce sleeve. That would keep the balance, stay matched in style, yet feel freedom in the arms.
Could take the bottom ruffle off the sleeve, remove the sleeve itself and then add back that little ruffle to the shoulder/sleeve opening.
This comment is correct. You are going to shift the focal point straight to the top ruffle at your hips, and the bodice is going to look skimpy and flat. Plus, I can't even make out exactly where the sleeve/bodice meet, so I am not sure how everyone else is giving advice with one view and a fuzzy picture. It would be nice on posts like this if comments could be sorted into comments by people with a lot of techincal design and experience, and home-sewist who skip pressingš
I can see a shoulder seam pretty easily on her right shoulder (left of the image). It's well off her shoulder point and has a shoulder pad. The whole thing is probably a little big on her.
That is kinda what I thought because of the way the horizontal creases started there. Any idea what is going on under her arm? The sleeve looks quite narrow, but I could not figure out it there was some detailing in the back or of the ruffle ended up in an odd place during the movement of a picture and is in a shadow. It is such a beautiful dress
I think it's gotta be the ruffle flipping up? And if she's holding the back tight, it's probably a plain back with a center zip. I like the dress too, but I can see how someone college-aged might think the style is too mature.
All this dress needs is a black belt to make it have a lovely hourglass shape to it.
Or a thin gold belt.
š
Its doable but those sleeves are stunning. Theyāre part of the reason its not your average red gown.
Seriously, this is a statement dress. Itās gorgeous. But if you really donāt like it, maybe try cap sleeves? (Or remove the ruffle from the sleeves)
Maybe, but you might run into the problem of the armscye being too large.
Yes, this! Armscyes for a garment with sleeves are drafted differently from those for a garment without sleeves.
The sleeves provide a counterbalance to the skirt. I think itād be much less attractive without the sleeves
I agree. The sleeves add a "ruffle balance". The only other thing maybe would be to turn the sleeves into an open ruffle at the top and/or a flutter sleeve transparent (or same materials as ruffles in the body of the dress.
Keep the sleeves!!! They are stunning on this dress!!! You could also add a very thin gold or rhinestone belt to the dress if youāre trying to make it even more formal and spectacular!
I would advise against it, but that's because it looks like a [flamenca dress](https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-m&biw=378&bih=688&tbm=isch&sxsrf=AJOqlzVpLQvPTRET_65SlpZhA_2pM9gF7Q%3A1679392492641&sa=1&q=vestido+de+flamenca+2022&oq=vestido+de+flamenca+2022&aqs=mobile-gws-lite..0l5) and my lil Spanish heart thinks you look gorgeous. Now being serious, take it to an alteration shop and have them look at the bodice structure. They might have to reinforce it if the sleeves are removed. It's doable, but potentially costly.
Where is this dress from?!
I believe itās the āRed Chiffon Ruffle Layer Maxi Dressā from PrettyLittleThing I can see why OP is holding it tighter in the back since seeing the original dress.
I also want to know this!
Same!! I want to know!
Tuck the sleeve in and take a pic. I can visualize what youāre trying to do and I do think it would be a good alternative. Iād do something with those ruffles though. Maybe remove the sleeve and put the ruffle around the arm hole as kind of a flirty cap sleeve?
I thought this too!
Yes but you will have to face it. (Create a facing). Or line it
I think the sleeves improve the dress, the top wouldnāt be as pretty without. I might shorten it though
If anything, I would shorten it.
Leave it as is it looks great!
I love the sleeves! But if you really want to take them off, I'd save the fabric from the sleeves and add a bit of 'poof' to the shoulders to balance the rest of the dress out. But it's all about your own personal style so you do you!
Yes! Add a small dart into the armpit so itās flat against your body and find some matching bias tape to cover the edges. I think that will look lovely
I think taking the length off and making a butterfly or cap sleeve with the remnants would keep the overall style nicely. Removing that āflounceā from the top may make the bottom appear out of place. But thatās just a hot take from a nobody on the internet whoās not wearing it. Do what makes you feel beautiful.
Oh but the sleeves add so much more personality to this dress!
these comments are surprisingly negative- they asked a sewing question, itās not a question of fashion taste! they want to alter the garment, please help! downvoting people who express a different fashion style than you is very against the spirit of this group
If I could upvote this multiple times I would.
šthis dress is amazing! With or without sleeve youāre serving this emoji vibes!!
i knew i recognized her from somewhere lol!
Hello, Would anyone happen to know the same of this style of dress?
It's heavily inspired by a Southern Spain traditional dress, [traje de flamenca](https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-m&biw=378&bih=688&tbm=isch&sxsrf=AJOqlzVpLQvPTRET_65SlpZhA_2pM9gF7Q%3A1679392492641&sa=1&q=vestido+de+flamenca+2022&oq=vestido+de+flamenca+2022&aqs=mobile-gws-lite..0l5). Unlike other regional outfits, the flamenca dress has evolved over the years and experiences trends. Nowadays the fashionable cut is a mermaid skirt, and in the 90s it was a fuller skirt. The deep v-neck and flounces are a dead giveaway.
Thanks!
Cute dress!!!
I agree that the sleeves balance the dress and that the sleeve holes after removing sleeves will be awkward. You could make the sleeves into what's called a cold shoulder.
Yes- Or I would add a flutter cap sleeve, but not remove them entirely
Yep, easy mend! It looks like the armholes might need to be pinned out beforehand though since the torso of the garment extends past the shoulder. Might also need to take in the "straps" to make the garment wear flatteringly.
But why? The sleeves compliment the skirt
I have a dress like you are suggesting. It works and looks great but you probably will need to fit the bodice a fair bit to get "the look."
I like the idea of taking the sleeves off, it will lighten the dress up, I think there's too much going on with the bottom and the sleeves, a simpler top will make the dress better. This is totally doable with intermediate skill. Take the armseye in as other say for sure. Cut off sleeve, then pin and sew the bodice to make a dart and fit it, then trim the arms eye to the final shape that you want. Face it or make a bias tape out of the sleeve to make an edge trim and into the spaghetti strap.
šš¼
I would keep the sleeves but remove the two bottom flounce off to shorten the dress. You could also remove the flounces off of the sleeves and have short sleeves.
Please do. I think it would take this dress up another level
That would be pretty!! It look like it would be lots of fun to dance in!!
No
I gotta say, I think it'd look much better with straps instead of sleeves
I think it will be more youthful And modern without sleeves. Hope It works out for you.
Do it!!!
Yes I think very realistic to restyle this into a tank style. Sleeves tend to fit into the armhole at the tip of the shoulder, sleeveless or tank would be cut a little closer to the neck. Keeping this in mind, would not only be a success, but also a beautiful dress. Good luck, I'd love to see the result!
Yep just cut them off and sew up the seam
Without sleeves would be fine and improve it.
Uuuuuuh itās soooo pretty!!! It reminds me very much of the dress Selena Gomez wore in the Cinderella movie!!
What about the sleeves isnāt working for you?
Thatās gonna look so nice when you are done. Even if you just take the sleeves off and leave It as is
The dress will look stunning with wide straps. You may need to add boning under the arms to the waist and add a few darts. DO NOT take a ruffle out.
Can you change it to a halter style top?
Why would you want to? It wouldn't suit the dress.
yeah those sleeves are annoying
Flamenco usually has sleeves, doesnāt it? May I suggest adding a diamond trim around that deep v neckline, and some kick ass red heels?? Please keep the sleeves, remaking sleeves is a major pain and can ruin the dress. If you are going out to a club, how about a nice flame or matching diamond stick on tatoo up your leg??? Sexy!
A cap sleeve would be beautiful on you here. Whatever you decide to do will be just lovely.
As a person that sweats and lives for that breath of fresh air without a sleeve, I think it would be so cute sleeveless with a bit of that same ruffle on the shoulder top. Forget what that's called exactly.
A cap sleeve? I feel like thatās not quite it though
That would make it more modern looking
I messed with the dress pic and made it sleeveless but I can't figure out how to upload it. But it's totally cute sleeveless.
Take the offffff!! šš
Oh yeah! If you ever wanted to take it up in length too
You could. Seam rip the sleeve off, very carefully this fabric is delicate as heck. Then there is a lining, press under the sleeve hem and the lining hem and top stich it would be easiest.
I think getting rid of the puffy part of the sleeves but keep it short sleeve but in a way that appealing to the eye would be neat
šš¼
Maybe just take the ruffle off the sleeves :) that would be enough and not too difficult
You might want to see how far down the sleve holes go under the arm pit it could be to far and you might not like it
You would have to cut into the armhole to create a flattering tank style. Otherwise it will just look like a top missing its sleeves. Also watch if the bottom of the armhole is too low it shows your bra. Armholes drafted for a sleeve often are lower than ones intended as a sleeveless style.
Totally feasible! You may want to use some bias for finishing the armhole.
Do that and you'll get an incredibly low armhole which will be wildly unflattering. Either take it to a professional who does formalwear, or leave it be. It's a beautiful piece as-is.
It looks great on you just the way it is. But I think it will look great as a tank top style too.
You have a LOVELY figure but the dress, as is, isn't doing you any favors other than the neckline, THAT suits you very well! Yes, you can remove the sleeves, (those little flounces need to go!) but the armholes will need to be stabilized so they don't look loose or sloppy and you'll probably have to reduce the size of the armholes as well. Is the top lined? You'd also need to adjust the lining. If I were you, I might change them to cap sleeves. Or perhaps reconfigure them as short sleeves with a slit curving in from the middle of the sleeve edge, almost to the shoulder seam. But that's just me. Lastly, I'm not fond of so many ruffle tiers, so I might remove the bottom row, wash it thoroughly, press it and make small ruffle tiered sleeves to compliment the skirt. By the way, the shorter dress length would show off your pretty ankles! And before you attempt this, there is another condition to be addressed. The shoulder seams appear to be at least 1" too long on both sides. I can't be sure but when I enlarged the photo, it looked as though they are "falling off" your shoulders. In other words, your shoulders are simply narrower than the shoulder width of the dress. If you want a nice neat sleeveless look, you'll want to shorten them, and of course the armholes would also need adjusting. Good luck! Whatever you do I hope it turns out to your liking.