Life’s most memorable moments often call for a stunning evening gown. Whether it’s a high school prom or a formal wedding or gala, you want a dress that’s as unforgettable as the event itself. But there are several things to keep in mind when shopping for a formal dress online.
Don’t Ignore Google Reviews
If you’re considering buying a formal dress online, don’t forget to check the seller’s Google reviews. Check out what other shoppers are saying about that seller. Reviews can clue you in to issues with quality of merchandise, returns, late shipments and more. Don’t ignore reviews; they are there to help guide you as a consumer.
Beware of the Too-Good-To-Be-True
Your social media pages are filled with advertisements for inexpensive clothing. But don’t be lured in by every flashing photo of a women in a gorgeous gown. Some merchandizers sell gowns at a very cheap price because the quality of the item is, well very cheap. In addition to being poorly made from cheap cloth, these dresses often do not match the photo in the advertisement. If a formal gown website offers you rock bottom prices, beware.
Read the Fine Print on Returns and Exchanges
Take your time when shopping for an evening dress. Better to start way in advance of the event than be on a time deadline. Read all the content on the website to understand the seller’s return and exchange policy. Since you can’t try the gown on in person, you’ll need to be sure there’s a return and exchange policy that gets the money or right dress in your hands in time for your big event. Whether prom or gala or formal dinner, you need to know if you can trust the seller on their return and exchange policy. Read the fine print and order early enough if it’s a reputable site.
Measure to Fit
Get out a tape measure to know your size. Formal dresses are meant to fit like couture, so you’ll need to know your exact measurements. For the bust, measure under your arms at the fullest part of your bust. Best to have a trusted girlfriend help, you don’t want the tape measure to fall in the back as you’re wrapping it around your body. For your waist measurements, Bend to the side slightly to find the natural crease of your waist and this is the point where you measure. You’ll want to measure around the fullest part of your hips and rear. Also be sure to know if you are a petite or not. This will help you determine what length the dress should be.
Budget on the Mind
It’s easy to get caught up in advertising photos of women having the time of their lives in gorgeous evening gowns. But how much can you spend on your dress? Know your budget in advance so that you don’t get carried away. Take into account shipping and handling too, as these can add up. Formal dresses can range from $50 to hundreds of dollars. By locking in your budget range, you’ll help yourself narrow down the scope of your online search.
Details of Your Event Matter
At this very formal event, will you be outside in tall grass? Will you need a coat to go over the dress if the weather is chilly? Will your event be inside in the blasting air-conditioning? And very important to consider: will you be dancing at this event? Dancing is a major aspect to consider, as your formal dress will probably be floor-length. Floor-length dresses can tend to get ripped up at the hem when dancing. You want a dress that is comfortable enough to dance in but won’t lose its shape throughout the night. If your event is a conservative one, say grandparents renewing their vows, you may want to steer clear of that Sequin dress that hits above the thigh. It’s very important to know the details of the event when considering what type of dress to purchase online.
Honor Your Body Shape
Everybody is beautiful and can look stunning in a formal gown. But what’s your body shape? Think carefully about it before purchasing a formal gown online. If you’re busty, don’t get a dress that may cause a wardrobe malfunction. Or if you’re wider in the hips, make sure to pick a dress that isn’t skin tight and allows you to move comfortably.
Be Yourself
Most importantly, choose a style of formal gown that makes you feel your best. Avoid trying to look like someone else in your dress. Choose an evening gown that accentuates the best parts of your body and highlights your riveting personality. You want the photos of that night to bring back fabulous memories.
