Wedding Dress Restyling & Remodelling in London
Wedding dress restyling means changing the design of a gown, not just its fit reshaping a neckline, adding or removing sleeves, shortening a train, or modernising a dress from another decade.
At our Islington studio, bespoke tailor Richard Thompson and his team restyle gowns for brides wearing a mother’s or grandmother’s dress, brides who’ve found something vintage, and brides whose new gown is nearly right but not quite.
Restyling is the most technically demanding work we do, and the most rewarding. Book a consultation and we’ll tell you honestly what’s possible with your dress.
Can I wear my mother's wedding dress?
Usually, yes and it’s some of our favourite work.
Most gowns from the 1960s onwards can be restyled into something contemporary while keeping what made the original special. Common changes include removing heavy shoulder padding and puffed sleeves, reshaping a high neckline, taking in a full skirt, shortening a train, and replacing yellowed lace or trim.
Two things determine what’s possible: the condition of the fabric, and the seam allowance the original maker left. Silk and satin from the 1950s to 1980s often survive beautifully. Fabric that has yellowed unevenly or become brittle is harder, though not always impossible.
Bring the dress in and we’ll assess it honestly. If restyling it isn’t realistic, we’ll tell you sometimes the better answer is using the lace or a panel from the original in a new gown.
What we can restyle
Necklines
Reshaping a high neck into a sweetheart, V, square or bateau; lowering or raising a back.
Sleeves
Adding, removing or redesigning. Cap to long, long to sleeveless, or new sleeves made from matching lace.
Straps
Shortening, replacing, or converting to off-the-shoulder, halter or strapless.
Bodice and bust
Reshaping for a better silhouette, adding structure, boning or cups.
Skirt and train
Shortening a train, removing layers for a lighter shape, or adding volume.
Backs
Converting a zip to a corset back, adding buttons, or opening up a closed back.
Lace and beading
Removing dated embellishment, adding new, or relocating original lace onto a reshaped gown.
Modernising vintage gowns
Updating the overall line of a dress from any decade while preserving its character.
before you visit us
FAQ
Still unsure about something? Call us on 020 3651 4390 or email info@exclusivealterations.co.uk. We’re happy to talk it through before you book, and there’s no charge for asking.
How long does restyling take?
Allow three to four months for a full restyle. Restyling takes longer than standard alterations because the work is structural and often needs to be done in stages. Vintage gowns may also need cleaning or repair before restyling can begin.
If you’re wearing a family gown, bring it to us as early as you can ideally six months before the wedding. That leaves room to explore options rather than committing to the first plan.
Can a vintage wedding dress be remodelled?
Usually. Gowns from the 1950s onwards can generally be restyled, depending on fabric condition and seam allowance. Bring the dress in and we’ll assess it honestly before you commit.
Can you add sleeves to a strapless dress?
Yes. Sleeves can be made from matching lace, from fabric taken elsewhere on the gown, or from new material chosen to complement it. Adding sleeves is one of our most common restyling requests.
Can you remove sleeves from a vintage gown?
Yes, and it’s one of the most effective ways to modernise an older dress. Removing sleeves and reshaping the shoulder line transforms a gown more than almost any other single change.
Can you convert a zip to a corset back?
Yes. A corset or lace-up back gives more adjustability and is often the answer when a gown is slightly too small. It also changes the look of the dress considerably.
Can you use the lace from my mother's dress on a new gown?
Yes. Where a gown is too fragile to restyle, we can often salvage lace, beading or panels and incorporate them into another dress.
How far in advance should I book a restyling consultation?
Six months before the wedding if you can. Restyling takes three to four months and works best without time pressure.
visit the studio
Islington, by appointment only
We’re inside the Business Design Centre on Upper Street, next door to the Hilton two minutes from Angel station. Every visit is by appointment so your fitting is never rushed or shared.
address
Business Design Centre
52 Upper Street
London N1 0PW
Opening times
Mon–Fri: 10am–7pm
Saturday: 10am–6pm
Sunday: closed
Book Your Restyling Appointment
Let us help you fall in love with your dress all over again.
Book your restyling consultation through our online booking system and discover the possibilities for transforming your gown.