Choosing The Right Dress for a Formal Event
Eight tips to help you wow them at your next big event!
Celebrities always look stunning at formal events. What you donít see are the hours and hours of preparation that goes into draping Charlize Theron’s ball gown skirt just right, or taping the plunging neckline of Lea Michele’s gown so that there are no fashion disasters (Iím looking at you Janet Jackson).
As every day regular women, we canít expect the expertise of a team of stylists akin to the stars. However, we donít have to settle for an ill fitted gown for our own formal events either! If you are a bit of a fashion mishap like I used to be, you might not even know where to start looking for your perfect formal dress. Trust me; there is a perfect gown for the occasionóthere always isóit just takes time and patience.
Here are and my eight tips to help you find the right dress for your next formal eventÖ
1. Start your dress hunt early
About 3 months prior to your big event, begin your dress hunt by getting familiar with the hot dress trends. Look to places like red carpet photos from fashion magazines, runway shows for the next season (i.e., what styles, colors, and designs are new and hot), and popular fashion-focused television shows and movies.
2. Hunt out of your comfort zone
Donít just go to the same old store you always go to. If you want to make an impression, be willing to look out of your comfort zone at new stores that will show you all the styles available. Donít be afraid to look online either.
3. Set a budget
Price is really a big determining factor when youíre looking for a formal dress. If you donít have a lot to spend, look to sites like Etsy with emerging fashion designers who sell their homemade designs at lower costs (because they want the exposure), look to thrift stores with cool vintage fashions, or ask a friend or coworker with a similar body shape and great style to borrow a dress.
4. Consider a variety of styles
The cut and length of your dress should suit your body type. However, at first, try an assortment so you donít miss a great dress. If you donít know what works on your bodyótry a little bit of everything and narrow it down that way.
5. Consider your body type and what suits it
If youíre short and stout, a mermaid style wonít flatter your shape. If you bust is large, a slinky dress with a plunging neckline will look all wrong. If you have long legs a short prom dresses will flatter your figure. What Iím getting at is that you don’t want a style of dress that is unflattering on your body type. If you have a large tummy or thighs, choose a style with a ruched midsection or skirt to slimming your trouble areas and flatter your other assets.
6. Go pop with color
That doesnít mean black is all wrong, it just means to go with a color that compliments your skin, your hair, and your eyes.
7. Hit the drama home with the accessories
You can choose a rather simple dress design if youíre on a budget and create drama with statement pieces like shoes, a belt or sash, jewelry, a wrap, hair decorations, makeup, and nail polish.
8. Bring a trusted friend
When shopping, bring along a trusted friend who you know will give you their honest to goodness opinion on the dress styles youíre trying. Also, bring someone who you think has impeccable style.
Bio: Rachel Barnard is a self-confessed shopaholic and contributing writer for Style Cynics, a fashion and celebrity gossip site that features the latest buzz and the hottest styles.