Updated on: Feb 24, 2024
Got a big day coming up? We know the feeling: the Pinterest board is ready, the money is sitting in the bank account, the anticipation is in the air. Whether it's prom, a night on the town, or a wedding, you definitely know how important it is to look your best for your big day. You know what that means: dress shopping! And for that, an online dress shopping guide would come in quite handy.
The definition of "shopping" has changed dramatically over the past few years. It's easier, cheaper, and more convenient to shop online now, with items ranging from t-shirts to gaming consoles available for purchase and delivery in a matter of days.
Despite its convenience, however, there are certain risks to buying more expensive items using an online retailer, like jewelry or upscale dresses. You want to make sure you're making smart choices while buying a dress for your big day. To aid your shopping experience, we've created a list of tips that will surely help you shop until you drop.
Helpful Online Dress Shopping Guide Tips
1. Shop Early
As the saying goes, the early bird gets the worm. It's never too early to start looking for a dress for that big night out. Online and see what stores are offering what types of dresses. Don't feel comfortable purchasing something so valuable online? Many bridal salons and prom dress shops will have websites where you can browse through their in-store inventory. Once you've seen a few dresses that spark your interest, you can visit the store in person and find the perfect match for you!
Using early sales to reduce the pressure of holiday shopping and find the best prices so you can focus on what is really matter.
For shopping tips regarding bridal accessories, click here!
2. Search for Deals
When you buy evening gowns, bridal gowns, or even the cute little dress of the flower girl online, you will usually find some extraordinary discounts and offers. One of the advantages of using an online shopping guide is that you can gain a huge amount of advice on buying online! One piece of advice is searching online and viewing all options at once. Price matching has never been easier. Don't settle for mediocre things. Browse and find the best price.
3. Document Your Favorites
Finding the perfect gown takes time and patience. Any online dress shopping guide will encourage you to do your research and save your most favorite gowns. Being patient will get you. the results you want for the best prices! There are many sites who sell beautiful designer gowns.
4. Authorized Dealer
One unfortunate aspect of the Internet is its ability to deceive, and many online shoppers have been bamboozled into false purchases. Don't get fooled by cheap knockoffs. While reading through customer reviews help fellow shoppers, checking if the store is also authorized is critical.
Make sure that the store/website you are shopping from is trusted and authorized. Search on the designer store locator website, and if your store is authorized, you can find them; this way, you can ensure that you get the most benefit!
5. Stick To Familiar Brands
A great technique when using an online dress shopping guide is to remember to try and stick with brands you are familiar with. There are a variety of brands who offer dazzling dresses for all sorts of occasions. Some of these brands include Lulus, ASOS, Abercrombie & Fitch, etc. These boutiques can all vary in price and in style. There are options that range from cocktail dresses, summer dresses, maxi dress, and even prom dresses!
6. Ask For Opinions
If you are unsure of an online brand, try asking your family and friends if they have heard of the given brand. An online dress shopping guide can explain how important it is to be as familiar with the brand as you possibly can. Being able to gain credibility through your family and friends on an online store can be very helpful!
7. Know your size
Coming from an online dress shopping guide, its important to remember that before you even begin, you want to make sure that you have a general idea of what your dress size is. The trouble with this is that different companies have different sizing methods, and if you shop predominantly online, it's helpful to know your exact measurements.
Tape measures for body measuring are cheap and come in handy when reading size charts online. If you have been shopping for clothes online for a while, you may already know this, but it's even more important when you are shopping online, especially from retailers that carry different labels, designers, and clothing manufacturers.
If you're uncertain, it's always good to play it safe: when shopping for prom dresses or ball gowns online, it is wise to go with a larger size. It's easier to get alterations to make your dress smaller rather than larger. Although it's not recommended to purchase wedding dresses online, this same concept should be applied if you do decide to go this route!
8. Store Size Guides
When using an online dress shopping guide, it is important that you read the websites store size guides. Typically, their models will wear a specific size based on their height and their measurements which is a good thing to take note of. Why sure, you might not have the exact body type of the model, it could help you narrow down your size when you're using the online dress shopping guide route.
9. Shop In Price Range
There is nothing worse then finding the perfect dress but it not being in your budget! When buying online, and using this article as an online dress shopping guide, you need to make sure your shopping at stores in which you can afford to buy from. There are many online dress boutiques in which you can find the perfect, affordable dress for you. Don't waste time looking through unrealistic gowns and spend time shopping smarter.
10. Find The Product Description
Locating the product description is going to either make or break the sale. I'm here to tell you on this online dress shopping guide, that if you find and go over the description of the dress, you will either love or hate the item. There are many materials and prints that could potentially not be your first choice. Photos don't always capture entirety of the item. Being aware of all that the item entails is a great piece of advice!
11. Be Prepared To Act Fast
With some highly sought after websites, gowns in specific sizes may sell out fast. If the budget can afford it in that moment, the best decision is to jump on the gown before it sells out! A huge piece of advice an online dress shopping guide will give is to take advantage of that great opportunity!
12. Refund policy
The policy is perhaps the most crucial part of online shopping: because you can't just try a dress on before you buy it, it's imperative that the company you purchase from accepts returns. Make sure that you work with reputable vendors who charge reasonable amounts for their shipping and return policies. Please take a few minutes to read the company's policy on their website and ensure that you are not getting scammed.
Online Dress Shopping: Conclusion
Though perhaps you don't need the online dress shopping guide for every occasion, shopping for dresses online saves you a lot of time and money. Be smart when you shop online, and you'll be sure to get the perfect dress for your big day. Happy shopping!
For more wedding attire ideas and tips, check out Famous Wedding Designers, Bridesmaid Dresses, Flower Girl Dresses, Dresses & Other Women's Attire, and Dress Codes for Social Events.
Written by Vanessa Marsocci and Jillian Smith; Contributor: Kei Dowd