COSMOPOLITAN April 2004 Section of COSMOPOLITAN: FASHION WORKBOOK Page 112

Title: HOW TO: GET THE PERFECT FIT

Who do we call in a fashion emergency? Joana Lichi, owner of Sew Special Here are her tips to making any item look tailor-made

• UP YOUR SIZE: “When you can’t find a perfect fit on the rack, always go a size bigger rather than smaller. You always take an item in, but there isn’t always enough fabric to let something out.”
• DANGER ZONES: “Avoid altering elaborately-constructed pieces like layered chiffon dresses. I t will take hours to do and can cost a lot.”
• FIND A PRO: “If you need more than basic hem or straight seam, find a tailor who really understands fashion.”
• LINE IT UP: “If a dress is too transparent, reline it so it’s opaque.”
• EXTRA MEASURE: “If you’re altering garments because you lost or gained weight, get your tailor to leave a seam allowance so you can alter it back if your weight changes again.”
• GET THE LENGTH RIGHT: “When altering pants or s skirt, take the shoes you’ll wear most with the item with you.”