There comes a time in every woman's life when she scrutinizes her wardrobe and comes to the conclusion that she has nothing to wear. If you find yourself in a similar position, and come to the same conclusion, it's time to hit the stores.
The following are the top six steps to buying a new dress.
Dress for the occasion
The first thing to consider when buying a new dress is the occasion you will wear it for. Are you looking for something formal or casual? A dress intended to wear to a wedding will obviously look very different than a dress worn to the office or a casual party.
Cut of the dress
A slinky dress may look beautiful on the mannequin, but if you are the type of woman who likes to feel free in her clothes, a tight-fitting dress may not be the best option for you. If you feel limited, chances are you will wear the dress once and never again.
Also consider the neckline of the dress. If you are not comfortable in a revealing dress, a neckline showing a lot of cleavage may not suit you. If you do feel comfortable, then a plunging neckline, a sweetheart neck or a V-shaped neck are perfect for you.
Material of the dress
The material of the dress is important. You might luxuriate in the feel of cashmere or angora, but take into account that these fabrics are not machine washable.
Neither is silk. Silk will keep you warm in winter and cool in summer, but requires delicate care.
Cotton and lined dresses are easier to maintain, but do require ironing, unless they are blended with synthetic fabrics.
Plain or print
Every woman whose figure is less than perfect in terms of weight probably knows she should avoid horizontal stripes. By the same token, every woman who is considered taller than usual may want to avoid vertical stripes. There's more to it than that, though. A flower-printed dress will be less appropriate at formal occasions, while the ever popular little black dress may be a little too formal for a casual party.
Be mindful of the color of your new dress. Light-colored fabrics may look beautiful, but they are not very dirt and stain friendly. Dark-colored fabrics not only hide the occasional mishap, they are also more flattering for full-figured ladies.
Dress size
A dress may look flattering on the mannequin or a friend, but you need to try it on to see how the dress looks and feels on you. Sizes vary from one designer to another. Not only is the neckline important, so is the length of the skirt and the fit of the sleeves. The whole garment has to agree with you. If you don't absolutely love it, don't buy it.
Price of the dress
The price is equally important. How much are you willing to spend? If you are the type of woman who prefers wearing a skirt and blouse, or pants and top, then when you buy a dress for a one-time occasion, it wouldn't be a good idea to spend a fortune on a dress you may never wear again. Then again, if you will wear the dress over and over again, it might be worth it to spend a few extra dollars.
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