Tips for Finding the Perfect Dress
by Dolly Allison in Fashion on January 26th, 2010
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TweetShopping for the perfect dress can be time consuming, frustrating, and at times a very disappointing experience. Whatever the problem, these tips should give you a head start on finding a dress just right for you.
Tip #1: KNOW YOUR SHAPE
Are you straight, an hourglass, a pear, an apple, or do you have a full bust? If you’re not sure, take out a measuring tape. Measure your bust, your natural waistline, and your hips (largest part of your bum). Look at the measurements
STRAIGHT
Your measurements will have little definition between them; look for fitted dresses that can play up your lines, or use A-line dresses to create curves.
HOURGLASS
Full bust, full hips, and a very small waist in comparison; dresses that accentuate your waist will be best for you. Look for dresses with adjustable waistlines (like a sash) to play up your best feature.
PEAR
Small bust and waist and very full hips and bum; strapless gowns will show off your shoulders and make you appear more broad. Full or A-line dresses will help to hide wider hips.
APPLE
Narrowest point will be just above your waist at your ribs; look for empire waists when shopping for your gown. It will draw all the attention upward and your lower half will fade into beauty.
FULL BUST
Bust measurement is greater than your hips and bum measurement; V-necks and U-necks are your best option, but nothing plunging. Look for details on the hem as well to even out your bottom half.
Tip #2: THE SIT-DOWN TEST – BUY THE RIGHT SIZE
There are many brides and teenage girls who make the mistake of thinking they can fit into one size smaller than their actual size. Wrong. You end up looking like a Christmas sausage wrapped in silk and lace. Always get the size that has a bit of room and is easy to move around in (you can always get alterations). This means performing the Sit-Down Test. Zip up your dress, then sit down. If it is hard to sit down in, or you see every nook and cranny of your body, you have the wrong size. Go up a size. It’s perfectly normal to wear the size that fits you whether it’s a 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, or even a 22. The right size will inevitably make you look smaller. A size too small will make you look about 10 pounds larger and who wants that? No one. BUY THE RIGHT SIZE, ladies.
Tip #3: DO NOT OVERSHOP – MAKE DECISIONS
First, understand that not everyone finds their dream dress in the first boutique they shop. However, this does not mean that you need to try on 100+ dresses to find it either. Do your browsing online. Figure out what you think is pretty. For example, if you don’t like strapless that will eliminate about 60% of what boutiques offer. Decide on a material that you feel would suit your body type and whether or not you want it to be fitted. Then make a couple decisions on details. Lace? Jewels? Plain? A sash? This will help you to narrow your options. I guarantee if you know what you want you will find the PERFECT dress in no time! However, if you go shopping with the intention of trying on everything, you’ll become confused, lost, and defeated. No dress will be the right one. Make decisions. Learn to love your choices and in the end you will love your dress.
Happy Shopping!
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