How to Design Ball Gowns

Ball gowns are a formal dress that is perfect for an elegant night out. They are called ball gowns because they are based on the old dress style of the 1400's through the 1900's. Designing a ball gown requires an eye for something different and unique than what's already out there.

• Look through the Internet and magazines. You will want some design inspiration before getting started on your ball gown. You can look through designer fashion magazines such as Vogue and Elle if you want to see beautiful editorials with lovely long flowing dresses. You can also found fashion communities online and look through directories of editorials from the past and present.


• Contemplate what style you are looking for. Do you want your gown to stand out in a crowd? Do you want it to have a long train or straight yet flounced? You will also need to know how you want the top part, the bodice to look. Imagine your favorite past styles and try to think what styling would fit your body type.


• Sketch out your design and look for fabrics. Use some standard sketch paper and scribble down your idea. It doesn't matter how good of an artist you are as long as you know what you want. After drawing out your idea, you need to consider what types of fabric you'll make the dress from. Going to a craft and fabric store will give you a general idea of how many fabric choices you have. Select the ones that seem like the perfect match with your design.


• Ball gown designing is a careful process, since you don't want your dress coming out odd when its finally made. Take time and some preparation before you decide on a design you wish you to keep.