Photo by Ron Lach
Spring is one of the most magical times of year for many reasons. Some say it is the season where love blooms and others love spring because the weather allows for barbecues and more family gatherings. Sustainable clothing brands offer a wide range of formal dress options for any occasion, from weddings to galas. Spring is also when more women shop for formal gowns – between the plethora of weddings in the spring and high school proms and other formals; it is almost as if spring and formals are synonymous. Continue reading to discover some tips for shopping for the perfect gown for any formal event.
Selecting a gown is an important and exciting part of any formal event. Regardless of the occasion or the theme, choosing your dress will set the tone for your entire look.
Therefore, you want to select a flattering gown that is appropriate for the occasion. Using the tips listed below will help make your formal gown less stressful to acquire; it will help make your look effortless when you wear it. Those tips include:
1. Determine Your Budget
Before you can plan to shop for a formal gown and everything that goes along with it to complete your look, you must determine a budget. There is a huge price range for formal dresses. Repurposing used clothing for formal occasions is a sustainable way to look your best. Your budget should include the cost of your dress and the accessories that you want to wear with it. Determining a budget for your clothing will allow you to shop without overspending or regrets.
If you enjoy secondhand shopping and would rather purchase designer shoes, consider that when you are planning your budget. Other ways to save money when shopping for a formal occasion include:
- Look at designer sample sales
- Shop off-season
- Borrow a dress and have it altered
- Rent a dress
2. Decide on a Color
Like most people, you have colors that stand out against your complexion and work well with your eyes and hair color. Unless the invitation specifies that it is a black-tie affair, consider one of those colors. If you find that selecting a color is complex, black is always an appropriate choice for the formal way.
Black tie gala dresses are available in all types of fabric and styles. They can be sequined or studded, with feathers or backless. Black dresses are great year-round and can be dressed for any formal occasion. The great thing about traditional colors like black, blue, and grey are they work for most people’s complections and match things better. Half up half down hairstyles are a versatile and elegant option for formal occasions, as they can be dressed up or down depending on your desired look. Having a stunning patterned dress is great, but if you can only wear it with 1 set of shoes you own, it will most likely get used less.
3. Chose a Style
One of the attributes of shopping for a formal dress is that they come in almost every style imaginable. Regardless of your body size and shape, you will be able to find a formal and flattering dress.
Therefore, instead of limiting yourself to a shapeless dress with no style covering up the entire body, it is easier to find a dress that flatters your figure but one you would also look and feel great wearing. Over time, it should become easier to know what dress shapes work for your figure, but the only way to know this is by trying them on.
You can pair dresses and boots for a formal look that is both stylish and sophisticated.
4. Shop Local Stores
It is incredibly tempting to shop online for a formal dress. However, there are many risks involved with buying a traditional dress online. Additionally, when you factor in the cost of shipping and alterations if the dress isn’t perfect, it makes more sense to consider local stores for a formal gown.
There are always surprise finds at boutiques, but some large department stores have shockingly beautiful formal dresses. Many department stores also offer free alterations so that your dress is not only unique, it is perfect.
5. Complete Your Look
Your dress is likely to be a showstopper by itself. However, your hair, makeup, and accessories will complete the look and take your formal attire to the next level. Accessories can be fine jewelry or costume jewelry and should not be too much. For instance, if your dress is strapless, you will want to add a necklace score dangling earrings. Keep in mind that two types of jewelry are plenty – like earrings and a necklace, watches, or bangles. You do not want to be overdone with earrings, a necklace, and bangles.
In addition to jewelry, other accessories can include:
- A shawl
- A handbag
- A belt
Conclusion
As you have read, spring and formal events seem synonymous because of their frequency during the year. Getting a formal gown is as exciting as the event itself for women. However, shopping for Black tie gala dresses isn’t something that should be entered blindly. You want to find a dress that fits the event you are attending and matches your personal style choices. The five tips listed above will ensure a stress-less experience finding a formal gown.
