How to Find the Perfect Party Dress

Whatever the season, it perpetually seems to be party season. In the winter, it’s Christmas parties, in the summer it’s weddings and garden parties. Not that ‘party fatigue’ sounds like a bad thing, but it inevitably necessitates a lot of shopping and finding the right party outfit can be difficult.

Photos from www.chictopia.com/camilleco. Credits goes to Ms. Camille Co.

No doubt you’ve had the experience of seeing the perfect party dress while you’re out shopping for office clothes: it’s usually the way. When it comes time to finding a party outfit for a specific event, it’s time to narrow your search. Department stores are ideal for this kind of goal-specific shopping expedition, as they tend to keep all similar items in one place and you can just browse across all the different brands. Head over to London’s West End and aim to spend the morning in one or two stores and the afternoon in another couple. This should avoid the exhaustion caused by tramping through a multitude of geographically disparate shops.

Photo from facebook.com/Romwe.Fashion

Shopping online can also be a great way to do this. You may run the risk of buying something that doesn’t quite fit, but most companies offer fuss-free returns and there is something to be said for being able to try on your outfits in the comfort of your own home. You can also run a specific search for a dress, leaving out any styles that you don’t like.

If you’re going somewhere really special or you’re a fan of quirky style, you could try searching in reputable thrift stores or vintage markets. In the East End these kinds of shops are very common, while Shoreditch and Spitalfields hold regular vintage fairs. Successful shopping at these kinds of places requires some time, as you will need to rummage. It can be very rewarding, however, and you can be sure not to turn up at the party in the same dress as anyone else!

Ease your party shopping expeditions by going suitably equipped. An American Express Platinum Card has no preset spending limit and no interest charges. All you need to do is pay off your balance in full each month. If you get a charge card, you can earn points as you spend, which can later be redeemed for holidays, hotels and travel.