Home / DIY

This Artistic Teen Taught Herself How to Sew Her Own Stunning Prom Dress

DIY Dress Ideas

For as long as she could remember, Kaitlyn Alforque dreamed of making her own prom dress. So when it finally came time to attend the big dance, she took the opportunity to make a DIY dress that ended up wowing both her classmates and the internet-at-large. Alforque had no previous dressmaking experience but spent hours (and much trial and error) to construct a stunning, one-of-a-kind gown that looks like an expensive designer frock—but hers only cost $57! The dress is a deep crimson that boasts a myriad of beautiful details, from a sheer corset top to a flowing cape to faux blooms that accent the entire length of the garment.

Alforque’s inspiration for the dress came from many places. She had originally eyed a gown from a designer and intended to emulate the fashion. “I ended up putting my spin on it to make it my own,” Alforque tells My Modern Met. “In addition, while I was coming up with ideas on what dress I would make, my parents were watching the Miss USA pageant on TV.” During the evening gown portion of the event, Miss Florida’s ensemble had a detail that caught her eye. “She had this beautiful white dress that had an almost cape-like train that flowed behind her and I knew that was one component I wanted in my dress.”

When it came time to sew the gown, Alforque’s mom showed her the basics, but that was it. “I had no idea how to construct a dress,” the teen reveals. During the 45-hour construction process, she looked to her inspiration images and “tried to use logic” to piece everything together. “I created the entire dress using a basic straight stitch,” she shares.

The most challenging part of her DIY project—but also the most striking—was the corset top. “On the surface, it looks simple,” Alforque explains, “but it was something that took me more than twenty hours to construct.” To create it, she found a corset at a thrift store and reassembled it in a sheer fabric, adding an invisible zipper in the back. “Because all of the stitching was visible from the outside, I continued stitching slowly to make it look as professional as possible.” When complete, Alforque was afraid that her hard work would be ruined once she attached it to the gown's heavy skirt. “I went back and doubled most of the stitching to secure it.”

Alforque rocked her dress at the dance, and many of her stunned classmates told her they had no idea she had made it. And after a photo shoot with her sister for their blog, let’s go anywear, her design went viral and is a hit with the DIY community. So, will she be pursuing fashion design? Not exactly. In the fall, Alforque is starting college to obtain a business administration degree. But it's for good reason—she would one day like to start her own clothing brand.

Kaitlyn Alforque had long dreamed of a DIY prom dress, so when it came time for the big dance, she didn't disappoint with this stunning gown.

DIY Prom Dress Ideas

Alforque had no dressmaking experience prior to her project.

DIY Prom Dress

It took about 45 hours over three weeks to construct, and Alforque spent only $57 on supplies.

DIY Prom Dress

The corset was the most challenging part. To create it, she found a corset at a thrift store and reassembled it in a sheer fabric.

DIY Prom Dress

Her classmates couldn't believe that her prom dress was DIY…

DIY Dress

DIY Dress Ideas

DIY Dress Ideas

DIY Dress Ideas

…and she had people on the internet wanting her handiwork!

Kaitlyn Alforque: Website | Instagram | Twitter

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Kaitlyn Alforque.

Related Articles:

15+ DIY Dress Patterns Offering a Creative Way to Get in Style for Spring

This Artistic Teen Hand-Painted Her Own Stunning Graduation Dress

Interview: Woman Relives the Past by Sewing Her Own 18th and 19th Century Dresses

Candy Enthusiast Fashions Stylish Dress from 10,000 Starburst Wrappers

Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met, Manager of My Modern Met Store, and co-host of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. As an illustrator and writer living in Seattle, she chronicles illustration, embroidery, and beyond through her blog Brown Paper Bag and Instagram @brwnpaperbag. She wrote a book about embroidery artist Sarah K. Benning titled 'Embroidered Life' that was published by Chronicle Books in 2019. Sara is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. She earned her BFA in Illustration in 2008 and MFA in Illustration Practice in 2013.
Become a
My Modern Met Member
As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts.
Become a Member
Explore member benefits

Sponsored Content