The best thing about a great party is buying a new dress. Stepping onto the scene in the perfect dress for the occasion can make every other girl in the room jealous of your style savvy and earn you a reputation as a true fashionista. So, grab your best gal pals, settle in for a virtual fashion show, and use these tips for selecting a fabulous party dress.
Grab it when you see it
It happens to every fashionista. You see dozens of gotta-have-it dresses when you don’t need one, but as soon as a big event hits your schedule, you can’t find a single thing that strikes your fancy. Instead of shopping at the last minute and settling for something, buy a dress you love even if you don’t know where you’ll wear it just yet. Don’t worry, you’ll find a reason to take it out.
Give in to a trend
Some occasions call for a classic, but the hottest party of the year isn’t it. For a look that is full of fun, don’t be afraid to experiment with the season’s must-have shade, a daring silhouette or the most of-the-moment trend. The key to making a trend work is sticking to well-known designers, high-quality fabrics and shapes that flatter your body. Other than that, feel free to play.
Know your shape
When you walk into a room you want all eyes on you, but not because your dress is bunching, gaping or making your hips look a mile wide. Nothing makes up for flattering fit, so get to know your body and what silhouettes best emphasis your assets. Enhance the curves of a slim figure with a sheath or body-contouring dress. Whittle curvy hips and thighs in an A-line frock. If the dress you love is almost perfect, don’t fret over a bit of extra length or a smidge of room in the waist. A good tailor can work miracles.
Add accessories
Taking a dress from fine to fabulous is all about accessories. You can completely change the personality of an outfit by swapping out the shoes, jewelry and clutch. Metallic heels and sparkly jewels are the icing on an evening outfit while chunky, colorful jewelry and funky wedges transform the same dress into something fit for a daytime celebration. When shopping for dresses, try to visualize them with all the finishing touches.
