Feel Summery in Your New Dress

Choosing a summer dress can be difficult, there are hundreds of styles and choices, and so, narrowing down those choices to get the perfect dress for your personality, style, and body is not always easy. Here are a few things to look for or consider when shopping for a summer dress:

Straps: What kind of straps or top do you want your summer dress to have? Do you want sleeves? Do you want sleeveless? Do you want halter? Spaghetti? Strapless? There are hundreds of dresses with hundreds of different strap widths or options. Knowing what you look good in, what is comfortable, what stays up well, and the like are all important parts of choosing a summer dress.

Length: Summer dresses come in lengths from just covering your bottom, to reaching down to your ankles. Your body type and personal preference should be considered when selecting the length of your summer dress. A person with short legs, for example, would do well to choose a dress that hits at or above the knee, as this gives them the appearance of more height. If they choose a mid calf dress, it can give them a cut off look. If you select a dress that hits the ankles, you want to make sure you are taller, and usually it is best if you are slender, as this does not do much for a thicker body shape. Choose the length you want, and that will narrow down your choices significantly.

Color, pattern, or print: Summer dresses often come in summery colors, like pinks, orange, yellow. However, there is a wide variety of colors, prints and patterns to choose from. Large, bolder patterns are more flattering on a bigger body than small prints and patterns. Horizontal stripes widen, so are only good for the body that wants to look wider. Choose something that flatters your skin tone, and body type. You should already know what colors you look poor in, so stay away from them no matter how cute or flattering the cut of the dress is.

Fabric type: While the cut, style, and pattern or colors of the dress are all important parts of selecting the perfect dress, however, just as important as how it looks, is how it feels. There are a number of different fabric choices, from synthetic fabrics, to fabrics made of natural fibers. Here is what you should do:

Look for breathable fabrics. Natural fiber fabrics can breathe, which helps you wick away the sweat that is going to form on your body during those warmer months, and allow you to not be hot, sticky, or uncomfortable all day. Cotton is probably the best option.
Look for comfortable fabrics. Some fabrics are just softer and more comfortable than others. Choose something that feels good against your skin, that does not irritate, or cause any sort of problem.

Look for washable fabrics. In the summer, people usually spend a lot of time outdoors, which means their clothes are more likely to get dirty. Choose a summer dress that does not have to be dry cleaned. It will get more use, and you will be far happier in it.