Hacks For When Your Dress is Too Small

Why did I think that this dress was too small? Because it was hugging my curves instead of skimming them. Yet sometimes I think we err on the side of wearing our items too big. As we all know, too big can be thought of as sloppy.

But I digress. Let me share the hacks I used when my first response was this dress is too small.

1- Add a Topper

Any kind of topper can camouflage when your dress is too small, but a long kimono is certainly the easiest way. The kimono will give that flowiness to the body-hugging item and work against the focus on the tight dress.

I also took advantage of adding in brighter accessories with the whimsical necklace and the same color sandals.

This kimono? It’s from a local online boutique that I love to support called Naomi and Ruth. Recently this summer, I wore it with a yellow dress belted although I have shown other options of what to wear under a long kimono in the past.

2- Style a Top Over the Dress

It took me years to realize that just because I was wearing a dress, didn’t mean I could layer a top over it instead of just a cardigan or jacket. This was the idea when we showed how the same dress could be seen as either a top OR a skirt many years ago. By adding a different shirt over your dress, you see only the skirt of the dress.

Truthfully, this wasn’t my favorite combination of colorways, but it showcases the idea. AND my hope is always not just to give you inspiration with my exact outfits, but to learn how your closet can be much more versatile than you think.

Insider tip: Many tops are quite boring when left hanging as is. That’s exactly why I used an elastic to “tie” a knot in front. It also adds an asymmetrical element to the look.

3-Craziness with Layering

We layer tops and jackets all the time, so why not layer skirts? I’ll be the first to admit that this seemed a tad crazy when I first read about it, but now I understand the brilliance.

Not only is it a great hack for when your dress is too small, but think about how it can work wonderfully if you have a stain you also need to cover up. In fact, this is one reason why I think a dress is a good option to take on vacation.

BTW, I know many of you are thinking this works ONLY if you are slim. BUT, it’s just not true. I talk about that and some other myths in this post.

So for this post, I added a maxi (although I could have also layered a midi skirt) over the tight dress and then I also added a belt.

Insider tip: My leopard cami is actually a Ruby Ribbon demi bra as described in this post.

Now there's ONE MORE idea to think about when your dress seems a tad tighter than normal. I discuss it on my blog along with a pep talk. It involves a little confidence and a lot of positive self-talk!!