How to Buy a Formal Dress

Every major occasion calls for a new dress, if you can afford it—something that will make you feel special. Whether it's an important school dance, a wedding or other special event, a formal dress is easy and fun to shop for. But to find the right dress, you may need to rule out some no-nos. Here's how to make that all-important decision.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Prom Dresses

1. Pick a color, any color. You can choose from vibrant colors or a swirl of sumptuous ombré shades. Dazzle with a bit of shimmer or choose an elegant black gown. Hemlines can vary from short to asymmetrical to a chapel train. Just about anything goes for prom, so select the gown that will make your night the most memorable.

2. Select a gown that flatters your figure. If you have a large bust, consider a halter dress that will accentuate the shoulders instead. If you're lucky to have an hourglass shape, you have a lot of choices, including strapless numbers. Add curves to straight figures with an A-line style, and think about a low neckline or empire style for rounded figures.

3. Make sure you get the right size, particularly if you are ordering from an online retailer and don't have the chance to try a dress on. Take your measurements with a cloth tape measure, measuring your bust, waist and hips.

4. Find your size on the retailer's size chart. If you fall between sizes, always choose the larger one. You can always alter the dress by taking away fabric, but it's more difficult to add it.

Mother-of-the-Bride and Mother-of -the-Groom Gowns

5. Go shopping as early as possible for your dress. Shopping 6 months ahead of time is not unheard of, especially if the dress needs to be special-ordered.

6. Look for a traditional floor-length gown that complements the bridesmaids' dresses. Asking for the bride's input will help smooth relations and ensure that everyone's on the same page.

7. Know your etiquette when choosing a dress for the wedding. Mothers of the bride or groom should never wear white, ivory or cream as that is reserved for the bride. Likewise, black is never worn by the mother of the bride or groom—unless you want to cast a superstitious pall over the wedding celebration.

8. Allow the mother of the bride to first choose her dress. The mother of the groom should then find a complementary dress.

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