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Dress Alterations in London: How to Shorten a Dress That Works with Both Heels and Flats


If your planning to wear both heels and flats? here's how we alter dress length so you look elegant and stay comfortable all night long. Shortening a Dress for Heels and Flats: The Tailor's Secret You Need to Know

At IMAGE Tailors in London, we see this every week, especially with occasion wear, bridesmaid dresses, or wedding guest outfits.

Recently, 3 women came into our shop, one after the other, with the same issue. They all had stunning, layered dresses fresh from an online order, and all needed the length shortened. But 2 of them added something important,


by the evening, most likely you’ll be dancing, chilling, kicking off your heels, and finally just enjoying the night.


That changes everything when it comes to altering the hem of a dress. Why the Right Hem Length Matters

If you plan to switch to flat shoes later in the night, a standard hem adjustment won’t cut it. If you shorten the dress while wearing heels, it might look perfect, until the heels come off. Then? It’s dragging on the floor, catching underfoot, and becomes a tripping hazard when dancing or walking.


Hemming backwards is the key! it's the method to keep your dress looking perfect — whether you’re in stilettos or sneakers.

Here’s how we do it:

  1. We start with flats or bare feet. We pin the dress length so it gently hovers just above the floor — not dragging, but softly "kissing" the surface.

  2. Then we check the fit with heels. When the customer puts on their high shoes again, the dress naturally lifts, revealing just a subtle glimpse of the shoe underneath — still elegant, still balanced.

This way, you avoid stepping on your hem later in the night. And your dress still looks perfectly tailored when you're in heels earlier on.


Tailoring That Works for Real Life

Great tailoring isn’t just about standing still in a mirror. It’s about how your clothes move with you — from arrival to after-party.

Whether it's a:

  • Wedding guest dress

  • Bridesmaid gown

  • Prom or evening dress

  • Online purchase needing adjustments

…we tailor it to suit your lifestyle and movement, not just a one-size-fits-all approach.

This kind of thoughtfulness is what sets expert tailoring apart from quick fixes.


Looking for Dress Alterations in London?

If you’ve recently bought a dress and it’s too long, or you know you’ll be switching shoes on the big day, bring it to IMAGE Tailors in North London.


We’ve been altering and perfecting garments for over 30 years. Our experienced team will guide you through the best options for:

  • Shortening dresses for heels and flats

  • Multi-layer dress alterations

  • Occasion wear tailoring

  • Professional hemming and length adjustment


Because when it fits just right, you don’t just look good — you feel free, confident, and completely yourself.


📍 Visit us at IMAGE Tailors, North London

IMAGE Tailors shopfront in Islington N4 near Finsbury Park London
IMAGE Tailors Alterations and Repairs Specialist for Events. Established Since 1995 by Munever.

👗 Book a fitting or learn more: https://www.image-tailors.co.uk/ladies-alterations

 
 
 

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