Tips to Find the Perfect Dress for Special Occasions

If you’re reading this, you probably have a special occasion coming up and no idea what to wear. It happens to the best of us. We are riddled with excitement about a wonderful event but full of anxiety about how we will manage to look our best that day. When it comes to finding the perfect dress for special occasions, many elements have to be considered. For starters, there are so many different kinds of special occasions, that selecting just a few dresses for these sorts of events would not make any sense. 

However, one rule that does apply no matter where and when your special occasion is taking place is that you want to choose a dress that will make you feel confident and beautiful. Continue reading for some tips on how to find the perfect dress for you.  

Verify the dress code 

Before you begin shopping, it’s important to verify the dress code for the event you’re planning to attend. Ask your host or take a look at your invitation, and define if it's a black tie event, a formal affair, a semi-formal gathering, or a casual event. This is a great way to instantly narrow down options and avoid feeling excessively overwhelmed. Once you know the dress code, which will probably also be influenced by the time of day your event takes place, you can be sure you’ll be abiding by the rules of etiquette and then go on to shop with intention and choose a dress that’s appropriate for the occasion. 

Prioritize your personal style 

Although dress codes are important when it comes to finding the perfect dress for a special occasion, you don’t want to end up wearing something that doesn’t reflect your taste and personal style. Taking a bit of time to determine what you like can make a huge difference in terms of feeling confident with what you’re wearing on the big day. For instance, perhaps you’re the sort of person that likes to wear classic and elegant garments. In this case, you might want to stick to a formal dress in a more conservative silhouette and toned-down hue. Or maybe you love making a statement when you enter a room in which case you should look for dresses in bold colors and prints. There’s no right answer, but taking the time to find a party dress that reflects your personal style will make a big difference to achieve comfort and confidence. 

Choose a flattering and comfortable silhouette

In addition to your personal style, you’ll want to explore party dress options that objectively look good on you. To find a flattering silhouette, consider what elements of your body you want to accentuate and which you’d rather not. For example, if you have an hourglass figure, a form-fitting dress with a defined waistline will accentuate your curves, but maybe you’re not a fan of accentuating curves, in which case opting for a flowy maxi dress with a wide skirt would make the most sense. 

When deciding which silhouette is right for you, you'll also want to consider different lengths. As mentioned above, the dress code will be important here. If possible, rocking a mini dress for a special occasion will always be a fabulous opportunity to show off your tan and dance the night away in style, but don't worry if your event calls for a midi or maxi dress instead. In that case, there are endless options to choose from. 

Also remember, while you want to look amazing in your dress, you also want to be comfortable throughout the event. Make sure the dress is not too tight or restrictive, and choose a fabric that feels good against your skin. You don't want a special occasion to go to waste because you spent the entire night tugging at your dress or feeling uncomfortable.

Details, Details, Details 

If you want to find the perfect dress for a special occasion, you want to pay attention to details. Finding a dress with the right embellishments such as lace and embroidery can make a huge difference. When considering details, take a look at the way the dress fits and how the hemline looks with the shoes you plan on wearing that day. Also, consider how the item closes and if this creates any unnecessary creases that change the overall feel. Believe it or not, all of these elements make a big impact on the overall look of your occasion or party dress. 

Accessorize wisely 

Sometimes feeling fabulous in the perfect dress for a special occasion can depend on finding the right accessories to complement your look. When choosing the shoes and jewelry to go with your dress, start by defining what type of overall look you're trying to achieve. If you want to keep it simple, less is more, which means a statement dress or outfit, should be paired with simpler accessories that won't overpower your look. Alternatively, if your outfit is more subdued, choose bold accessories that can add some interest and excitement.

We know that finding the perfect dress for a special occasion can feel like a daunting task, but hopefully, these tips have shown you that it doesn't have to be hard at all. In fact, this can be a fun and exciting shopping opportunity. Just remember to keep the dress code in mind, bring your personal style into the mix, choose a flattering and comfortable silhouette, pay attention to details, and choose accessories wisely. 

At the end of the day, if you want to find a dress that’s just right for you, don't rush the process. Ideally, you’ll want to try on multiple options before making a final decision. Give yourself the chance to shop around to find out what you like, and make sure you end up making the right choice. If you’re shopping at stores, plan a fun outing with a few girlfriends that can provide second opinions. Whatever the case, don’t feel pressure to decide until you find a dress that feels like the perfect fit for you.