Whether you’re shopping for your first prom, or you’re in search of a versatile, formal black tie-appropriate dress, dress shopping might be intimidating.
If you need a dress but aren’t sure how to tell what style dress is best for you, we’ve got you covered with our guide!
Keep the Event in Mind
This is going to be the most important step when it comes to figuring out what style of dress is best for you. If you know there’s going to be a theme, you can incorporate that into the styles and accessories you look at.
There aren’t many times when you get to dress to the nines dance the night away, so if you’re looking for a black-tie look (like a prom dress) you can take the opportunity to be dramatic.If you’re looking for a dress with versatility that you can wear to multiple occasions, you can’t go wrong with a chic cocktail dress.
Just remember to adhere to school (or other) dress codes, especially if you’re looking at shorter dresses.
Think About Your Favorite Dresses
When you’re digging into your dress research, start with silhouettes that mirror dresses or outfits you already have that make you feel confident and powerful.
Maybe you have a sundress with a sweetheart neckline that makes you feel like royalty, or you love how cobalt blue looks on your skin–whatever it is, let yourself be inspired.
Consider Your Favorite Physical Features
This usually goes hand in hand with thinking about outfits that make you feel powerful. Thinking about your favorite physical features and what you’d like to show off greatly narrows down dress silhouettes and styles. For example, if you love your legs, a short dress or a dress with a high slit will accentuate them.
During this step, you can also think about looks that don’t usually work for you and filter accordingly. You want the dress to make you feel happy wearing it, so there’s no sense trying to make a style work that you already know you don’t like.
Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment
The most important aspect of a dress is that it makes you feel good, but that doesn’t mean you can’t look to others for inspiration and experiment!
If there’s a red carpet look you’ve always wanted to emulate, why not give it a try? If your friends think you’d look stunning in a neon color you don’t normally wear, why not try it on? The worst that can happen is that you don’t like it, but then you know for sure that dress style doesn’t work for you.
Finding the best dress style for you can sometimes be a bit of trial and error, but you never know unless you try! Experimenting with silhouettes, colors, and dress alternatives like two-piece sets and rompers can guide you to your new favorite dress style!
Searching for Your Perfect Dress Style
Finding the perfect dress (or dress alternative) can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be impossible.
By keeping the event in mind, focusing on dress aspects that you already know you like, plus experimenting a little, you can figure out which dress style is best for you in no time!
