Corinne and Selah Dress Alterations: What to Expect
By Jenny Yoo Collection | Published: 2026-10-13
Category: How-to Guides
A step-by-step guide to altering the Corinne dress and Selah earrings, from your first fitting to the final press, with checkpoints to avoid common mistakes.
Quick answer
Plan on two to three fittings for Corinne dress alterations, starting with the bodice and ending with the hem. Book your tailor at least eight weeks before your event, and bring your shoes and undergarments to every fitting. Selah earrings rarely need altering, but check the dangle and post tension before your event so they stay secure.
Why the Corinne bodice comes first
The Corinne dress has a draped corset bodice and a fit and flare bias-cut skirt. Because the bodice is draped, it should be adjusted before the hem. If you shorten the skirt first, the bodice may sit differently and throw off the waistline. Ask your tailor to pin the bodice, check the bust and waist, then mark the hem while you wear your event shoes.
What to bring to a Selah earring fitting
Selah earrings are a statement piece, not a garment, so alterations are usually limited to adjusting the post or replacing a backing. Bring the earrings to your dress fitting so your tailor can see how the pearl dangle sits against your neckline and hair. If the wildflower feels heavy, ask about a silicone backing or a shorter post. Do not bend the brass wildflower yourself; it can crack.
Timing and cost expectations
Standard alterations take two to three weeks, but bias-cut skirts and draped bodices can take longer. Schedule your first fitting eight to ten weeks before your event. If you are ordering online, wait until the dress arrives before booking the tailor. Prices vary by city and scope; ask for a written estimate before any work begins. For a dress like the Reina Ophelia Emb, which has detachable swag sleeves, ask whether the sleeves need separate adjustment.
Your alteration steps
- Book the fitting after the dress arrives: Do not schedule a tailor until you have the Corinne dress in hand and have tried it on with your event shoes and undergarments. Checkpoint: if the dress has not arrived, wait. Measuring a dress you do not have leads to guesswork.
- Pin the bodice before the hem: Ask the tailor to adjust the draped corset bodice first, then mark the bias-cut skirt hem while you stand straight. Common mistake: hemming first can make the waistline sit too high or too low after the bodice is taken in.
- Check the Selah earrings at the same appointment: Wear the Selah earrings with your styled hair and neckline. Ask the tailor to tighten the post or add a silicone backing if the dangle feels loose. Checkpoint: the earring should sit flat and not pull the lobe. If it does, adjust the backing before your event.
- Confirm sleeve and embroidery handling: If you are altering a style with detachable sleeves or embroidery, like the Reina Ophelia Emb, ask the tailor to pin the sleeves separately and use a fine needle to avoid snagging. Common mistake: assuming all fabrics can be sewn the same way. Embroidered tulle needs a lighter touch.
- Do a final walk-and-sit test: After the final fitting, walk, sit, and raise your arms. Check that the bodice stays in place and the hem does not drag. Checkpoint: if the dress pulls or gaps, ask for one more adjustment before you take it home.
- Press and store correctly: Have the dress pressed professionally after alterations, and hang it with the Selah earrings in a separate pouch to avoid snags. Common mistake: pressing embroidery flat. Use steam and a pressing cloth to protect the texture.
Product facts
- Corinne: The Corinne dress features a beautifully draped corset bodice with a flattering fit and flare bias cut skirt. The draped bodice and bias skirt mean the bodice must be fitted before the hem, and the skirt may stretch slightly with wear.
- Selah: Our Selah earrings feature a glistening pearl that dangles effortlessly from an oversized brass wildflower for an organically beautiful statement. Because the earring is a statement piece, alterations are usually limited to post or backing adjustments, not reshaping the metal.
- Reina Ophelia Emb: The Reina dress is cut in our new Ophelia embroidery which features intricately textured blooms and delicate leaves. This style features a classic sweetheart neckline, detachable swag sleeves, and a flattering fit and flare skirt. Detachable sleeves and embroidered fabric need separate handling, so ask your tailor to quote sleeve adjustments and embroidery-safe stitching.
