The Tips Shop early. Looking for the perfect dress or
suit well ahead of an event provides extra time to determine what flatters your shape and reflects your personal style. If a different size is needed, it can be ordered in advance, allowing for alterations and putting together the rest of the outfit, such as shoes and jewellery. Choose an honest companion. Shopping with someone who tells you everything looks good will get you nowhere. “Whether it’s your mom, sibling, dad, or best friend, force them to tell you what they really think,” says Conway. Prioritize the fit. Look for a cut and silhouette that compliments your body. Dresses and suits can often be ordered in a different colour, so keep an open mind with what you try on, and let the shape guide your decision. For the guys, wearing pants or sleeves that are too long or a blazer that’s too big is a major no. Remember to double-check the hem length, and try the outfit with proper footwear to ensure you are happy with how the gown or pant falls. Not quite right? Get the piece tailored to your exact size. Stand tall. “How a woman is standing can change how they fit into a dress,” says Collins. Straighten up, pull your shoulders back, and take a step back to get a clearer perspective of how a dress is meant to fit. Try it with Spanx. Don’t let a little extra padding deter you from finding the look you love. “Wearing support undergarments can help with the fit of a dress,” says Collins. Accessorize. An understated dress can be
made to pop with a bright ring, bracelet and earring combination, statement necklace, or pair of strappy heels. Think about what you might wear with the gown you’re trying on before you decide if it’s the one. Love to show off your shoes? Go for a shorter dress. Planning to wear your hair up? Consider earrings that will flatter your gown’s neckline. Accessorizing is more than an outfit’s finishing touch: it can set the tone for the look you want to achieve. Whichever look you choose, the experience of shopping for it should be fun. “Don’t be afraid to forget about trends and follow your instincts when it comes to choosing formal wear,” says Conway. “What you feel great in and compliments your personal style is always the best choice!” FLS