It’s that time again when we talk about formal wear and dress-up garb! These days there are so many options on-line, the world that leads to a fairy-tale ending is literally just a click away, so absolutely no reason for you to not look your very best!
So how best, then, to navigate the on-line shopping experience from boutiques like Peaches Boutique?
First of all – know your silhouette!! Once upon a time, formal wear was synonymous with floor-length gowns; to wear anything other than a traditional long-skirted gown was considered simply revolutionary. These days tradition may be respected, but not considered the standard. Colors can be brighter, and you can sparkle. Formal wear is now available in micro-mini, mini, knee-length, and cocktail length.
Simply put, there are so many varieties of formal wear to choose from, it’s probably wise for you to determine what fits you the best.
Look and evaluate carefully. Seek out what type of neckline looks good and what does not. Someone, for whom a V-neck flatters, might find a halter-style less so. Try on dresses with long sleeves, ¾ sleeves, sleeveless and strapless. Other, less common-in-formal gown sleeves include (and brace yourselves for this!):
- Angel
- Batwing
- Bell
- Bishop
- Butterfly
- Cap Sleeve
- Cold Shoulder
- Dolman
- Gigot (aka leg o’mutton – unless you’re into period garb or costumes, it’s very unlikely you’ll come across this sleeve)
- Fitted-Point
- Hanging
- Juliet
- Kimono
- Lantern
- Pagoda
- Paned
- Poet
- Puffed or puff
- Raglan
- Set-In
- Two-piece
- Virago
- Wizard’s
- Quarter length
- Three-Quarter length
Next, try on different types of silhouettes – a column dress or princess seams; an A-line dress; a fit-and-flare/skater dress; an Empire waist; high seam, below the bust line; diagonal, an asymmetrical waistline that runs across the body diagonally, with the highest point below the natural waistline; drop waist; raised – any waistline that hits 1” or more above the natural waistline; natural, which falls at the natural waistline; the flattering V-shaped, also called Basque or Antebellum waistline; U-shaped, softer, less pronounced Basque line; Inverted V-shaped, which starts high in the center and drops at the sides, from under the bust line to at the hips, and, inverted U-shape (which is what it sounds like).
Take time deciding what looks best. Savor and enjoy the experience. You can even “virtual shop” with an honest girlfriend, or do “Face-Time” or “Skype” for an immediate opinion.
Of course, if your natural instinct is to take you fabulous self to the local shops that you’re already familiar with for that brick-and-mortar experience, we totally understand! There is something to be said about feeling the fabric, texture, and vibe. Just try and take as many notes as possible (or just put it on your phone!). You don’t want your excursion to be wasted effort, do you? Jot down as much as you can remember regarding the neckline, bodice, waist, sleeve and length.
Oh, and while you’re at it, go ahead and take a few photos of yourself in the fitting room. While you’re likely to remember what did not look good, it can be overwhelming trying to remember which type best suited and which type “just” suited. So snap snap away, bring a Selfie-stick along if you have to!
Just remember – fit is absolutely key! So make sure you select the right size for you. Sizes may vary depending on designer and manufacture, and when a dress is fitted (as many formal gowns are) the right size is critical. Try on as many designers as you can and remember what size you wore in which line.
Last but not least, smile bright, shine on, rock out, and enjoy!!! Oh and before I sign off... and how funny is this video? Nothing better than a good old Harlem shake in feathers and sequins!
