Tips for Choosing the Perfect Dress

Be open minded! 

All too often, the dress we thought we liked the least on the hanger turns out to be the favorite when tried on.

-Shape of the dress is probably the most important factor in choosing a dress.  Not all body figures are suited to all styles of gowns. 

• Hourglass (Hips and shoulders are same width, waist well defined):  Can wear pretty much any style.  Halters and strapless look equally great!  Mermaid style dresses look fantastic, as do ruching and draping to bodice and skirt.  Avoid empire styles as they hide your best features.  Straight gowns are also going to cling in the wrong areas and make the dress look ill-fitting.
• Straight (Hips and shoulders are same width, not much waist definition):  Dresses that emphasize curves are not going to hang as well on you as on someone with a hourglass figure, for this reason looking for dresses with open shoulders and wider "poufy" skirts, look for detailing above or below the waist.  Avoid halters and high-necked gowns as they will narrow the shoulders and do nothing for the waist.  Skirts that have a 'v' at the waist will slim the area.
• Triangle shape (Shoulders wider than hips):  Bias and straigth cut gowns as well as full ball gowns are worn well on this shape.  Bustles or pick-ups on the train can also add curve.  Avoid low cut, highly embelished necklines as they can create a lop-sided silhouette.  Column and sheath dresses look especially flattering.
• Apple-shaped (Narrow hips and shoulders, not much waist definition):  Low necklines, drop waists, and empire cut gowns are all designed to hide a rounder torso.  Ball gowns also flatter this shape.
• Pear-shaped (hips wider than shoulders):  Dresses with larger skirts actually disguise a rounder lower half by being designed to look this way anyways, just make sure the skirt starts at your waist, not hips.  Avoid high necklines and halters, they will make you look lop-sided.  Diagonal draping on the skirt, strapless and scoop necklines look very flattering. 
• Petite (Under 5'4"):  High necklines, empire waists, sheaths to give your look long lines and add height.  Go for very little train as it will swamp you.   

Size can sometimes be a tricky subject for women.  Be aware that prom and bridal sizes are not the same as regular clothing.  One is usually surprised to find out that the size of the dress that fits is one to two sizes larger than what they would typically wear.  Don't worry about the number, the point is to look awesome in the dress!  It's difficult to look good in a dress that fits too loosely or too tightly because being comfortable is all part of looking great.

Necklines are as varied as the colors and shapes of the dresses we choose and can make as much difference in the total look:

• V-neck:  Not the best choice for someone with who is amply endowed, this shape works well with someone of medium build
• Rounded:  Good for wide shoulders and large busts
• Scoop neck:  Flatters every shape with or without sleeves
• Jewel neck:  Higher neckline flatters a smaller build but not a large bust
• Sweetheart:  Works well on most shapes but not on very large busts as can bring too much attention to the area
• Square neckline:  Often seen in the form of a straight neckline with small cap sleeves, it flatters everyone
• Queen Anne neck:  Forms a diamond shape with shoulders that come up behind the neck.  Works well on a long neck.
• Straight neck:  By far the most common neckline seen these days, it enhances the chest area, shows off upper arms but can sometimes lead to "bulging" at armpits
• Off the shoulder:  Balances wide hips but over emphasizes wide shoulders and heavy arms
• Halter:  Shows off broad shoulders, upper back, and usually enhances bust
• One shoulder:  Shows off shoulders and arms and flatters a small bust
• Bateau:  Follows curve of collarbone. Shows off neck, shoulders, and accentuates a smaller chest