How to Buy a Dress

Tips for buying a dress

1. Be clear about why you are buying that dress in the first place. Most of us buy clothes on impulse and we do not really rationalize our choices with our immediate requirements. Do you really need that dress? What do you plan to use it for? These are important questions that you must answer for yourself before you actually purchase a new dress.
2. Know your size and always try on the dress that you intend to buy. Remember that sizes vary from designer to designer and brand to brand. If you are buying the dress for a specific occasion like a formal dinner, try and wear the same inners as you would when you dress for the occasion. This is important since different materials behave differently and you will be able to judge the fitting much better.
3. Dresses are available in a variety of styles and materials. Choose the style and material that suits you best. Short and frilled or decorated dresses normally work for informal, everyday wear. If buying a dress for office use or other formal occasions, you may want to buy a dress that is at least as long as your knees or just below. Formal wear is also usually more form-fitting.
4. Choose colors that work for the dress and the occasion. Bright and garish colors or prints may not be very appropriate for a formal reception. While the same prints will be great for a day spent on the beach or outdoors! Whites and blacks are the best bet for a formal and chic look. Blues, grays, reds and browns work well for daywear and semi-formal dos.
5. Try and use the dress to showcase your best assets. Short and frilly dresses look great when you have beautiful leg; long, body clinging cuts work best with slim and full-figured women. If you are top heavy then try and avoid buying a dress that looks more 'fitted'. Simple patterns and cuts, especially at the neckline, work very well for formal wear and actually look good with almost any type of dress.

Caution

Try not to buy a dress that is not quite 'right' when you buy it, whatever the reason. For instance, do not try and rationalize the purchase thinking that you will lose some weight and it will fit well then. Always buy what looks and feels right when you purchase it. It is not unusual to end up regretting the purchase of a dress that was not entirely satisfactory when tried on at the store.

Where to buy a dress

You can buy a dress from any number of places online. Try these links for some good offers and deals on women's dresses--

Dresses.com has a very good selection of evening and cocktail dresses for women.

Nordstrom offers some really innovative styles and designs in the latest fashions.

Target has a good selection of women's dresses in contemporary materials and styles.

Preownedpartyclothes.com is a new website for buying and selling new and used party clothes.