There’s nothing like the perfect dress and a pair of heels to make you feel like a princess. And I’m happy that modest dresses are easier to find than ever before! Even Walmart has modest spring dresses right now! And there are tons of online modest brands with gorgeous, on-point dresses. But, with so many options, finding the best dress for YOU can be a bit overwhelming.
Here are my top 3 tips for how to find the perfect dress.
1. Ignore the size on the label.
All brands are not created equal. Some brands are designed for junior high girls who weigh 100 pounds dripping wet. However, other brands are catering to curvy girls, short girls, or tall girls.
As a result, you won’t fit the same size in every brand. A size 6 in Ann Taylor is NOT the same as a size 6 in Old Navy. Always try the size you think you are AND the two sizes below and above it. If you’re thrift shopping and you find a dress you love, try it on! It might look horrible on you—or it might fit like a dream!
Pro Tip:
If you’re a tall girl (5’8” and up), you may need to go up a size so the dress hangs better, too.
-My mama
2. Choose a flattering silhouette.
God gave each of us a specific body type…such as an apple, pear, or hourglass shape. If you’re not sure what body type you have, check out this quick guide to body types from Stitch Fix. Each of these body types is beautiful—and each one looks best in different styles and cuts. To know how to find the perfect dress for you, find out which body type you have first.
Because I have a pear-shaped body, I look best in dresses with a fitted bodice and A-line skirt. After trying on countless straight dresses that only looked cute on the hanger, I realized that straight dresses don’t work for my body type. However, someone with a rectangle body type would look lovely in one!
As an example, this dress works well for me because it has:
- an empire waistline
- a flowing A-line skirt
- a high neckline, which is flattering for small busts
- gathered sleeves that widen my narrow shoulders
Here’s a quick list of dresses that work best for each body type:
Dresses for an apple shaped body
- Shift dress
- Sheath dress
- Classic wrap dress
Dresses for a pear shaped body
- A-line dresses
- Belted dresses
- Maxi dresses
- Wrap dresses
- Dresses with an empire waist
Dresses for a rectangle body
- Dresses that drape
- Dresses with ruffles and gathers
- Belted dresses
Dresses for an hourglass body
- Classic wrap dress
- Fit-and-flare dress
- Belted shirtdress
3. Choose a classic print.
If you want to wear your dress for more than one season, resist the temptation to choose the most popular colour or print. Your camouflage or coral dress will only look cute until the season is over. After that, it will feel oh-so-2017.
Instead, look for a timeless print or solid. This dress has an Impressionistic print of trees scattered across a white background. It’s difficult to date this print to a specific season or year. And that’s a very good thing!
True Story:
I actually purchased this dress from Joe Fresh’s spring clearance section 2 years ago and have been wearing it ever since! I think I originally purchased it for about $15- what a steal!
#StyleStories
Here are some classic prints that will never go out of style:
- Gingham
- Polka dots
- Simple florals
- Nautical stripes (with a boatneck for brownie points)
- Plaid
When you choose a classic print, you’ll be able to wear it for years to come (and love it)! #theperfectdress
Let’s Chat:
Which of these tips on how to find the perfect dress was your fave? And what do YOU look for in the perfect dress? I’d love to hear your tips in the comments!
I think it used to be harder to find modest dresses, but now there seems to be so much more available because of a fashion shift from mini to maxi… I like the tip on trying different sizes. I used to think I was an M because a clothing piece I owned was that size, so I never tried anything on because I hated shopping and trying on stuff would be a waste of time because I could easily fit into it anyways😂😂…. until I realized one day that everything I owned looked a little too baggy and decided that things needed to change, which felt really overwhelming but slowly it’s getting easier to shop and over the course of a few years my closet changed and so did my style! Still learning though 😆🌸
Great point, Davida! You’re right! That’s too funny about not trying stuff on! My mom hates trying on stuff, too. I’m okay with clothes shopping, but I’m not a fan of shoe shopping because my narrow feet are hard to fit. #truestory
Love you girl!
<3 Claudine
Thanks for the tips Claudine, I’m going thrift shopping tomorrow; impeccable timing! I love dresses so much, especially the 50’s style, it’s hard for me sometimes, when I don’t want to over-dress or be flashy. Still, I love everything feminine 🙂 Thank-you for another lovely post!
<3 Kate
I’m so glad it was good timing for you! Yes, 1950s dresses are SO pretty + feminine. I love them! And You can always wear them with flats + a cardigan to dress them down a bit.
Happy shopping!
love in Christ,
Claudine <3
Great Tips Claudine! I love the first one because it’s so true! Especially when thrift shopping- I look through a lot of the racks that aren’t my normal size because depending on when something was made or who it’s made by can really skew the size you wear!
I know what you mean! That’s a great idea! Some thrift shops organize by size, and some don’t. Thrift shopping is always a fun adventure! 🙂
Thanks for commenting!
Claudine
I think it’s such a good thing when you can realize that “Hey, you know, this just isn’t my best style or color or whatever” and then focus on what DOES suit you or flatter you 😉 And I always love your tip about not paying much attention to the size. Just try it on! Unfortunately, this doesn’t make it easy for online shopping..ha!
Yes! Knowing what works for my body type + style has been a huge help in defining my style + putting together a workable wardrobe. Yes, online shopping is a bit more tricky. In that case, I would recommend measuring clothes that you currently own and comparing measurements. 😉
[…] summer just a few weeks away, you may be shopping for the perfect dress. The good news is that modest dresses are easier to find than ever before! Since I started blogging […]