#1 Know What You're Looking For When I went shopping for for this gown, I had a firm idea of how I wanted to look and feel. I'm constantly being told about how young I look and my baby face. I know that in the long run this will be something I cherish but as a "Miss" contestant I don't want to look too young. Before I even started dress shopping online, I reflected on the pageant and also on how exactly I wanted to feel. My top keywords were: elegant, sexy, trendy, small waist. #2 Go Shopping At a Slow Time/ Schedule an Appointment |
Learn from my mistake, go when it's slow and the staff are excited to help you because they are so bored. Do not go when it's prom season and mom and dad only get Saturdays off! If you live in a pretty busy pageant/prom area make an appointment with a salesperson at your favorite boutique; that way you're guaranteed help. You may think you can do it on your own but sometimes you need a seasoned professional there.
#3 Don't Limit Yourself
My first round of dress shopping this past weekend was miserable because I was so set on a specific look that I didn't even think the store would have (I also fell in love with a dress online that no store carries in WA). I ended up finding an amazing gown, only after I just picked up random dresses I thought would do! The rack doesn't show the glory of a gown, but your body will.
#4 Stick to Budget
Think you found the gown but it's $200 over budget? Think about what else you can get with that money or if the dress is gonna get you that $200 back. For example, $200 would get my roundtrip flight to the pageant this summer.
#5 Bring the Best Support
Dress shopping can be lonely when you do it alone, but you only need 1-2 style gurus with you. For my first trip I brought my fashionista who was straight with me but still nice and the second I brought my boyfriend who normally would be 100% honest with me but evening gowns took him out of his comfort zone... Luckily, he could tell me that I looked stunning and when you're insecure and unsure that's what you need!
I don't know much about evening gown shopping, although I'm semi-obsessed with making my own! I hope this helps you find your dream dress and that you feel confident and like goddess as you glide across the stage!
PS- Extra Tip #6 Don't be afraid of finding used gowns or renting! It's environmentally friendly and fantastic for your wallet.
#3 Don't Limit Yourself
My first round of dress shopping this past weekend was miserable because I was so set on a specific look that I didn't even think the store would have (I also fell in love with a dress online that no store carries in WA). I ended up finding an amazing gown, only after I just picked up random dresses I thought would do! The rack doesn't show the glory of a gown, but your body will.
#4 Stick to Budget
Think you found the gown but it's $200 over budget? Think about what else you can get with that money or if the dress is gonna get you that $200 back. For example, $200 would get my roundtrip flight to the pageant this summer.
#5 Bring the Best Support
Dress shopping can be lonely when you do it alone, but you only need 1-2 style gurus with you. For my first trip I brought my fashionista who was straight with me but still nice and the second I brought my boyfriend who normally would be 100% honest with me but evening gowns took him out of his comfort zone... Luckily, he could tell me that I looked stunning and when you're insecure and unsure that's what you need!
I don't know much about evening gown shopping, although I'm semi-obsessed with making my own! I hope this helps you find your dream dress and that you feel confident and like goddess as you glide across the stage!
PS- Extra Tip #6 Don't be afraid of finding used gowns or renting! It's environmentally friendly and fantastic for your wallet.