If your dance skirt looks a bit boring, it’s probably not the skirt itself.
Because these skirts…are basically the same base.
I just changed a few small details, and it completely transformed the look!
In this video, I’ll show you 3 simple fixes to make your skirt look more interesting and more professional!
And don’t worry, these are mostly beginner-friendly, even if you’re just starting out. Let’s get started!
3 Ways to Make a Dance Skirt Look More Expensive
Fix 1. Ruffles
The first thing that makes a huge difference is ruffles.
And the type of ruffle I love using is called a flounce.
It’s just a circle shape cut from fabric, and when you open it up, you get these soft, beautiful waves.
No gathering needed, so it’s actually very beginner-friendly. I’ve used this type of ruffles in so many of my skirts.
For example, I took this plain mermaid skirt and added ruffles just along the slit.
And instantly, it adds more movement and makes the skirt feel more dynamic.
Another option is adding ruffles to frame your godets.
When you sew the godet in, you simply sandwich the ruffle between the skirt and godet panels and stitch everything together.
It’s a small detail, but it adds so much volume and drama.
Or, you can go all out and add ruffles throughout the skirt.
This one might look complicated, but it’s actually built on a very simple base.
At the core, it’s just an A-line skirt.
By slicing the pattern and inserting flounces, you can create layers of ruffles like this, and that’s what gives you that dramatic, wow effect.
If you want to try any of these, I’ve linked the tutorial here.
3 Creative Ways to Sew Perfect Ruffle Skirts
The next thing that can instantly upgrade your skirt is this.
Fix 2. Cutouts
Cutouts are such a fun way to make your skirt look more unique and designer.
For example, these small cutouts are actually very easy to make.
First, draw the cutout shape you like onto a piece of interfacing, and sew it onto your fabric. I recommend starting with smaller shapes if you’re new.
Then cut out the shape, flip the interfacing inside, and stitch it down.
And just like that! You get clean, cute cutouts. You can try this on a skirt you already have!
If you want to take it a step further, try adding side cutouts. Again, these are quite simple to make, but they instantly make a plain skirt feel more stylish and interesting.
Or you can go even further and add cutouts in more places – front, side, and back.
It might look a bit revealing, but it’s actually designed to be very wearable. The skirt is high-waisted, and the cutouts are placed carefully so your lower belly stays covered, and your underwear won’t show.
The key is placement. Where you put the cutouts makes all the difference.
So cutouts are a really fun way to add personality and elevate your skirt design. You can find detailed tutorials below if you want to try these cutout designs.
Aurora Convertible Skirts – Making side cutouts
Warda Mermaid Skirts – Making multiple cutouts
And finally, here’s one more thing you can do to take your skirt to the next level.
Fix 3. Layering Textures
Plain skirts can be versatile, but if you want your skirt to really stand out, layering textures makes a huge difference.
And the key here is not just adding one thing, but mixing a few different elements.
For example, this skirt is made with velvet, and I layered it with appliqués, straps, and rhinestones in similar shades and a few in complementary shades.
And you can see how all these textures together add depth and richness to the overall look.
You can also experiment with things like beads, mirror pieces, lace-up details, or even use fabrics like shiny Lycra or stretch lace.
There are so many options, and you can mix and match depending on what inspires you!
Even adding just a couple of these elements can instantly make your skirt look more sophisticated and three-dimensional.
If you’re not sure where to start, I recommend placing embellishments around the waistband or along key features like slits, seams, or cutouts if you have them.
Outlining these areas is an easy way to make your design look more intentional and polished.
And if you want to learn how to design and make a high-waisted mermaid skirt like these, from start to finish, I’ll be teaching it inside my brand new course, where you’ll create a beautifully shaped silhouette made to your measurements, so it fits your curves perfectly.
You can add cutouts and slits, or keep it simple; it’s completely customizable.
The course is launching next week, so make sure you’re on the waitlist so you don’t miss it.
I hope you’re now ready to turn your skirt from plain into something truly eye-catching!
If you want to add even more sparkle, watch this video next, where I show you how to rhinestone dance costumes step by step.
And in my next video, I’ll take you behind the scenes and show you how I design and decorate a skirt like this.
Thanks for reading, and keep sparkling!
P.S. Pin this on your costuming idea board!
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