How to Buy a Sundress

Sundresses are one of the most comfortable items of clothing that women of all shapes and sizes can wear. No matter what your shape, it is easy for your body to get "lost" in a sundress if you buy the wrong type. The result is you look like you wrapped yourself in a bed sheet. Not cute.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Take a look at the hemline. Hemlines that are too short will make any woman, whether tall or short, look childish and long hemlines will make a shorter woman look like she is wearing a muu-muu. Go with a hemline that hits around the knees.

2. Gauge the print. Tall, thin women can wear just about any type and size print and look fabulous. If you are short and average or short and petite, choose a small, simple print.

3. Assess the straps. If you are a bustier woman, buy a sundress with straps wide enough to conceal your bra straps. If you are lucky enough to be able to go braless and look great, straps aren't an issue.

4. Evaluate the materials. Natural fibers are always best because they allow your skin to breathe and don't get itchy when it is hot. Plus, synthetic fibers have the tendency to look cheap.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy a solid-colored sundress or one with a simple print. This will allow you to get the most use out of your sundress. Having a sundress with a simple print makes it easier to match it with a cute jacket or shrug so that you can wear it in the spring and early fall months.

• Consider getting the dress hemmed. If you find a sundress you completely love, but find it is too long, take it to a tailor and have it hemmed.

• Avoid the Juniors section if you are not a junior. They are designed to be worn only by young and not fully developed women.