How to Turn a Child's Princess Dress-Up Clothes Into Pageant Wear

• 1). Select a princess costume that mimics a formal dress. Pageant dresses should be classic, age-appropriate, and designed with a taut bodice. The tea-length or full-length skirt should be both voluminous and ballroom style. Young girls' pageant gowns are commonly pink, pastel or light in color. The color should portray the young contestant's personality.
  
  
• 2). Go to a local fabric store, such as JoAnn Fabrics or Hancock Fabrics, to get the supplies listed. Pick embellishments, rhinestones and ribbons that complement the color of the dress.
  
  
• 3). Lay the dress out on a large table. Remove any lettering or overly excessive embroidery or decals.
  
  
• 4). Add show-stopping flair that will sparkle onstage. Apply rhinestones by gluing the flat side of the gems to accentuate the bodice, sleeves and hems of the gown. For a dash of color, add a ribbon along the waistline. Fashion the dress to shine, but don't go overboard with decorations.
  
  
• 5). To amplify the volume of the skirt, turn the dress inside out. Sew additional layers of tulle at the seam where the bodice meets the skirt. Make sure the tulle does not protrude beyond the hem.
  
  
• 6). Have your daughter model the dress. Gauge if there are any other additions that need to be made.