The Petite Shopper

Advice and Information for Petite Women

Tips For Selecting a Dress for the Special Occasion

Vivian Botanica asked:


How to Choose a Dress

There are many things to consider when you are trying to select a dress for your special occasion. Some of the more important considerations for choosing the right dress include the color, dress style, and comfort.

The color of your dress should flatter your skin tone. If you have an olive skin tone, you’ll want to avoid dresses in pink or yellow, while a peach colored skin tone will want to avoid orange and red dresses. Some people say black is flattering on everyone, but people with pale skin tend to look very washed out when they wear black clothing. Grey seems to look nice on all skin tones.

The style of dress is important in your mission to choose your best look, and should be determined by your body shape. Petite ladies are flattered when wearing A-line style dresses, and avoid the old-fashioned bell-shaped ball gowns, as they appear to “swallow” you up. If you have a larger than desired bottom section, you should select a dress with thin straps or no straps; and/or a dress with a draping bustle in order to bring the eyes upward and away from your trouble spot. Ladies who are insecure about their stomachs should consider dress styles with empire waists or corset style tops, while ladies who are insecure about their arms should avoid strapless or sleeveless dresses and select short sleeved or pretty see-through sleeves in lace.

Maybe the most important consideration when selecting a dress to wear, is how comfortable you feel while wearing it. If the dress is too restricting or you just aren’t comfortable when you put it on, you aren’t going to have as nice a time as you would in a dress that makes you comfortable!

Cheap Dress VS. Fancy Dress

Budget is usually a concern when deciding what dress to purchase. It’s very rare that you’ll find a fancy dress with a cheap price tag- unless you happen to hit a great clearance sale with all fancy dresses being placed on the cheap dress racks!

If money is a major concern for you, then you’ll probably want to select the nicest dress you can find from the cheap dress section. Cheap doesn’t mean ugly- you will have less selection in lower priced dresses, however, if you look long enough you will find one that works with your budget as well as for your appearance.

On the other hand, if money isn’t as much of a concern, you may want to go right to the fancy dress section of your favorite store and see what you can find!

Choosing a Dress at the Dress Store

There are many ways to shop for your dress- online, at the dress store or from friend’s closets! If you decide to go the traditional route and choose a dress at the dress store, make sure you are prepared to try on several before making a purchase. You’d be surprised at how different dresses can fit even if they’re all the same size.

How to Choose Shoes that Match Your Dress

The best way to choose shoes that match your dress is to try them on together! You do not have to match the color exactly, but you want to make sure the colors don’t clash. Also, consider the fabric of your dress when selecting shoes to match, and whether or not your dress has embellishments like jewels- if so, you could make a fashion statement by selecting shoes with jewels as well!



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