How to Find an Evening Gown

There comes a time in every girl’s life where she needs an evening dress: prom, black-tie event, weddings, etc. Finding a gown can be tricky and overwhelming for some. So let me give you some advice for how I select an evening gown and how to ease the stress of finding the perfect dress…

First, find out what kind of event you are going to. Will other women be wearing floor length gowns? Cocktail dresses? A cocktail dress is usually knee-length. If you can research past photos of the event you will be attending you can see what other attendees have worn. If you know other women that are going, ask them what they are wearing and if they know what others usually wear to the event.

If you have an idea of the color, gown shape, or accessories you would like to wear, start from there. I knew for my second prom dress that I wanted it to be red and sexy. My dad was not thrilled, but having an idea of what I wanted quickly helped me narrow down among the millions of cheap prom dresses out there. Eventually I found the perfect dress at a wedding shop of all places. It looked very similar to the red dress above. I still have it, waiting for another occasion to wear it.

Start your search for your dress early enough so that it has time to ship, get tailored if need be. Also give yourself time to find matching accessories: clutch, shoes, & jewelry. If you are on a budget, check out second-hand stores. I once found a Jessica McClintok black satin cocktail dress in a $1.75 bin at a vintage prom dress store by my house. You never know! A second option is to borrow one from a girlfriend. I always keep an arsenal of dresses (gown,cocktail, you name it) ready for my girlfriends to borrow. When I am shopping and find an amazing dress, but do not have an occasion in mind yet, I’ll buy it and wait for an occasion to come. This way I am always prepared and do not have to worry about finding a dress!

My first prom dress was a beautiful mint green color with rhinestone beading much like this dress to the left. It had a rhinestone sweetheart neckline with a long A-line chiffon skirt that went all the way to the floor. It all stemmed from me wanting to look like a princess. I had a pink crown and pink jewelry to match. I could barely fit in my date’s car with how big and pouffy the skirt was. But you can bet that I felt beautiful all night in such a feminine dress. I still have this dress as well and at the tender age of 16 promised my dad I would get married in it. We’ll see.

This next dress in the photo below may be one of my favorite on the 1dress website. The mermaid tail, rhinestone beading and rushed body together make such a glamorous combination. Sometimes I dream about what I would wear on a red carpet premiere this may be one of them. If you find a cocktail, prom or evening gown style you really love, see if it is sold in white for a possible wedding dress! Luckily, 1dress sells this dress in a lot of different colors including white.