[dropcap]C[/dropcap]hoosing an evening dress can be challenging because it is different than selecting everyday clothes. The shape and fabrics used in evening dresses cause them to hang differently on the body than everyday wear, which is typically created for comfort. This means that you need to have a better understanding of your body and what shapes will flatter it as you look for an evening gown. Though you may like a particular type of gown, it may not turn out to be the best cut or fit for your body type.
When shopping for an evening dress, it’s important to keep an open mind and explore all the possible options. Here are some tips that can help you select the perfect gown for you without too much heartache and hassle.
If you start shopping without any idea of what you want, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the rainbow of options out there. Try looking at your favorite fashion blogs and social media stars to see what colors are in fashion and get an idea of what options might work for you. Once you’ve found a few options that catch your eye, see if they have any features in common, like an asymmetrical neckline or ruffles. Then look for dress options that include those features.
1. Get Some Ideas Before You Begin Shopping
2. Don’t be Afraid to Try Things On
Just because you have ideas in mind as you begin looking for a dress doesn’t mean you should limit yourself. Certain features on evening gowns can complement your body type more than you realize and will look better on you than they do on a hanger or mannequin. Some colors will pop on your skin tone and complement your hair and makeup. If you prefer online shopping to going to a store, consider ordering more than one option so you can try them on and see how they look at home.
Trying on a fancy dress while wearing a sports bra is likely to result in the dress looking less flattering than it would if you wore a proper bra that provides support. If you want a dress made from a silky material, wearing a supportive undergarment that pulls in any trouble spots and eliminates visible underwear lines will help it look better on your body and in any photos taken of you.
3. Wear Proper Undergarments
4. Be Open to Two Piece Options
If you can’t find a dress that fits your upper and lower body properly, consider wearing a two piece option so that you can order different sizes. Separates can be just as elegant as gowns and you may get more wear out of the pieces in the long run if you can mix and match them with other pieces in your wardrobe.
There are a few distinct body types, and knowing which one you are can save you the trouble of buying a dress that doesn’t flatter you. Pear shaped and hourglass body shapes should look for a dress that highlights the waist to create definition. Rectangle and inverted triangle body shapes can benefit from the added volume of empire waisted dresses and ruffles. Those with a round apple shape should try to pick a dress with a defined neckline and waist to create the illusion of a more voluptuous body. Identifying your body type and the best dress features and cuts to flatter it is one of the best ways to ensure you are happy with your purchase.
5. Know Your Body Type
6. Leave Enough Time for Alterations
Unlike everyday clothes that are made to fit right off the rack, evening gowns might require some tailoring to make them fit your body properly. Some of the small changes a seamstress can make for you include:
- Shortening the hem
- Adjusting the length of spaghetti straps
- Removing straps
These adjustments might take a few days or even a few weeks to complete, depending on the speed of the tailor service you choose and how busy they are. If you order your dress from this online store or another retailer, be sure to leave enough time for shipping and any changes that may need to be made.
Having the right jewelry and shoes can make your evening gown go from ordinary to eye catching. For example, adding shoes and accessories to a classic little black dress can make it look chicer and more stylish. Keep this in mind as you shop for your dress.
7. Choose the Right Shoes and Accessories
8. Add a Personal Touch
Just because you’re wearing a fancy dress doesn’t mean you should neglect your personal style. Don’t be afraid to add something to the dress to make it more distinctive, like a shawl, belt or scarf. A simple dress can even be accented with an ornate hairstyle or fancy clip. These simple touches can help you wear an evening dress more than once without it looking the same. Even if you come across another party guest wearing the same gown as you, you won’t have to worry about it, because yours is styled so differently.
You never know what might happen on the day of a big event, so it can be handy to have two options to wear. If it turns out to be colder than you expected, you can wear the longer option and stay warm. If the evening is unseasonably warm, you can put on a shorter option that lets you party all night long. Any dress that you do not wear now you can save for another event in the near future or resell to another shopper online.
Keep these tips in mind as you start shopping for the perfect evening gown, and it will be much easier to find one that makes you feel confident and beautiful. There are a wide range of evening gowns on the market, so with a little persistence, you’re sure to find one that works for you.
