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!
