Tips for Buying Formal Dresses Online
Table of Contents
- How to Measure for a Formal Dress Accurately
- How to Choose a Formal Dress for Your Body Type
- Understanding Fabric Quality and Structure
- Evaluating Photos, Reviews, and Fit Guides
- Formal Dress Return Policy Tips and What to Check
- Selecting the Right Undergarments and Support
- Planning Your Timeline and Shipping Lead Times
- Post-Purchase Care and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions
Last Updated: September 27, 2026
How to Measure for a Formal Dress Accurately
Taking accurate body measurements is the foundation of buying formal dresses online successfully. Without precise measurements, even the most beautiful dress will fit poorly, and no amount of tailoring can fix a silhouette that's fundamentally wrong from the start.
Start with a soft tape measure, not a rigid ruler. Wear the undergarments you plan to wear with your formal dress, this matters more than most people realize. If you'll wear shapewear, put it on before measuring. If you're considering a strapless gown, measure without a bra first, then with an adhesive bra to see the difference.
Stand in front of a mirror with good lighting. Have someone help you if possible, but you can measure yourself by wrapping the tape around your body and checking the fit in the mirror. The tape should be snug but not tight, imagine it's resting gently against your skin, not compressing it.
Essential Measurements You'll Need
The core measurements every formal dress retailer needs are bust, waist, hip, and dress length. These four measurements determine how a gown will fit your frame.
Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your chest. The tape should sit horizontally and parallel to the ground. Round to the nearest half-inch.
Waist: Measure around your natural waist, which is typically the narrowest part of your torso. Don't pull the tape tight, it should sit comfortably where your waist naturally bends when you lean to the side.
Hip: Measure around the fullest part of your hips and seat. This is usually 7-9 inches below your waist. Many formal dresses fit snugly through the hips, so this measurement is critical for mermaid and fit-and-flare silhouettes.
Dress length: Measure from the top of your shoulder (where a dress strap would sit) down to where you want the hem to fall. For floor-length gowns, this typically means measuring to the floor while wearing the heels you'll wear to the event. If you're between sizes, note both your barefoot length and heel length.
Write down all measurements twice to confirm accuracy. Take a photo of your measurements on your phone, you'll reference them multiple times while shopping.
Reading and Using Size Charts
Every formal dress retailer uses slightly different sizing. A size 8 at one boutique might fit like a size 6 or 10 at another. This is why your actual measurements matter more than the number on the tag.
When you find a dress you love, pull up the retailer's size chart before checking the price. Compare your bust, waist, and hip measurements against the chart.
Look for fit notes in the product description. EllaVerra Boutique, for example, specifies whether each gown "runs true to size" or "runs small" and recommends sizing up if needed. The Elegant Flow Gown at EllaVerra runs small, the brand explicitly recommends sizing up one size to fit properly through the halter and bodice.
If your measurements fall between two sizes, consider the silhouette. A-line and ballgown skirts offer more room and forgive slight size mismatches. Mermaid and fit-and-flare dresses require more precision because they're fitted through the hips. When in doubt, size up, a dress that's slightly loose through the bodice can be taken in by a tailor, but a dress that's too tight in the hips cannot be let out.
How to Choose a Formal Dress for Your Body Type
The right silhouette is the difference between a dress that works with your body and one that works against it. This is where most online shopping mistakes happen, buyers fall in love with a dress's color or beading without considering whether the cut flatters their frame.
Silhouettes That Flatter Different Shapes
An A-line silhouette skims the body from the waist down, creating a balanced, universally flattering shape. It works for pear shapes (wider hips), apple shapes (fuller midsection), and most body types because it doesn't cling to problem areas. The Black Satin Fit-and-Flare at EllaVerra ($98.00) uses an A-line skirt that flows from the waist, making it forgiving for varied body types while still defining the waist.
Mermaid gowns hug the body through the hips and thighs, then flare dramatically at the knee or lower. These work best for hourglass and pear shapes where you want to emphasize curves. The Satin Lace Ruffled Strapless Dress at EllaVerra ($129.99) is a mermaid gown with a fitted bodice and hips that give way to a sheer lace skirt at the hip, it celebrates curves rather than hiding them.
Necklines and Sleeve Styles for Your Frame
Necklines change how a dress balances your proportions. A sweetheart neckline (curved, heart-shaped) suits most face shapes and draws attention to the chest and shoulders. Strapless necklines elongate the neck and work beautifully for square and round faces. A deep V-neckline, like the halter V on the Elegant Flow Gown at EllaVerra ($149.99), elongates the torso and suits most body types.
Off-shoulder necklines, like the Scarlet Elegance Off-Shoulder Satin Gown at EllaVerra ($198.00), create a romantic, feminine line and work well for those wanting to show collarbone and shoulders. Square necklines add structure and suit angular faces and longer necks.
Sleeves matter for coverage and proportion. Wide straps provide support and suit larger busts. Cap sleeves create a defined shoulder line. Sleeveless or strapless styles elongate the neck and suit longer necks.
Understanding Fabric Quality and Structure
The fabric makes or breaks a formal dress. Cheap polyester looks stiff and plastic-like in photos. Quality fabrics drape, move, and photograph beautifully.
Satin is a luxury fabric with a smooth, lustrous finish that catches light elegantly. It drapes beautifully and has natural weight, so gowns made from satin hold their shape. Satin requires dry cleaning and careful storage to maintain its sheen. The Scarlet Elegance Gown uses luxe satin that creates a soft, elegant sheen appropriate for black-tie events.
Chiffon is lightweight, breathable, and flows like water. It's ideal for outdoor and garden weddings because it moves beautifully in breeze and photographs ethereally. Chiffon is delicate and requires gentle care, steaming rather than ironing and careful storage on padded hangers. The Elegant Flow Gown features pleated chiffon that creates a romantic, weightless effect.
Lace adds texture, femininity, and visual interest. Lace can be sheer (requiring a slip or lining underneath) or dense. Sheer lace creates an illusion of coverage while maintaining elegance. The Satin Lace Ruffled Strapless Dress combines satin bodice with sheer floral lace overlay, creating depth and visual intrigue.
Look for "fully lined" or "partially lined" descriptions. A fully lined dress means you don't need shapewear for opacity. A partially lined skirt (common in lace gowns) creates an ethereal illusion effect while still providing coverage where it matters.
Evaluating Photos, Reviews, and Fit Guides
Product photos are often the only way to assess quality before buying. Professional photos show the dress under ideal lighting, which can be misleading. Look for multiple angles, front, back, side, and detail shots of fabric and beading.
Check if the retailer includes fit notes. Does the product description say "runs true to size" or "runs small"? Does it mention which undergarments work best? EllaVerra provides detailed fit information for each gown, the Satin Lace Ruffled Strapless Dress notes that it has a "boned bodice" and recommends a "strapless or adhesive bra."
Customer reviews are invaluable, especially if reviewers mention their size and body type. A review that says "I'm a size 12 pear shape and this fit perfectly" is more useful than a generic "great dress" comment. Look for reviews mentioning how the dress photographs, does it look like the pictures? Does the color match? Does it wrinkle easily?
Real customer photos in reviews show how the dress actually looks on real bodies under real lighting. These photos are often more honest than professional product photos. If a dress has dozens of reviews with customer photos and positive comments about fit, that's a strong signal of quality.
| Evaluation Factor | What to Look For | Red Flag |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric description | Natural fibers or quality blends; specific fabric names (satin, chiffon, lace) | Generic "polyester blend"; vague descriptions |
| Fit notes | "Runs true to size," "runs small," specific undergarment recommendations | No fit guidance; contradictory sizing info |
| Customer reviews | Multiple reviews from similar body types; real customer photos | Few reviews; all reviews generic or suspiciously positive |
| Return policy | Clear, reasonable return window; free or affordable returns | Unclear policy; non-returnable items; restocking fees |
| Price point | Consistent with fabric quality and construction | Suspiciously cheap for the described materials |
Formal Dress Return Policy Tips and What to Check
Before you buy, understand the return policy completely. A beautiful dress that doesn't fit is worthless if you can't return it.
Satin Lace Ruffled Strapless Dress →
Check whether the dress is returnable at all. Some boutiques mark certain items (clearance, final sale, custom orders) as non-returnable. Read the fine print carefully.
Understand the return window. Most retailers offer a specific return window. If you're buying for an event three weeks away, ensure the return window allows enough time to receive the dress, assess the fit, and potentially reorder if needed.
Check whether you pay for return shipping or if it's free.
Confirm the return condition requirements. Do you need tags attached? Can you try the dress on? Most retailers allow trying on but require the dress to be unworn, unaltered, and in resalable condition. If you try on a dress and it fits but you change your mind, you can usually return it. If you wear it to an event, it's not returnable.
Check the refund timeline. Do you get your money back immediately upon return, or does it take 7-10 business days? This matters if you need to reorder quickly.
Selecting the Right Undergarments and Support
The right undergarments transform how a formal dress fits and feels. This is where many online shoppers fail, they wear their everyday bra and wonder why the dress doesn't fit like it did on the model.
For strapless gowns, you have two options: a strapless bra or an adhesive bra. Strapless bras offer more support but can slip if the dress is slippery satin. Adhesive bras sit directly on the skin and create a seamless line under the dress. They work best for smaller cup sizes. The Satin Lace Ruffled Strapless Dress recommends a "strapless or adhesive bra," giving you flexibility based on your cup size and comfort preference.
Shapewear smooths your silhouette under fitted dresses. For mermaid and fit-and-flare gowns, shapewear prevents visible panty lines and creates a sleek line through the hips. Choose shapewear that ends above where the dress begins, if your dress has a fitted hip, shapewear that extends to mid-thigh is ideal. Avoid shapewear that creates visible bumps or rolls.
For halter and off-shoulder necklines, consider a backless bra or adhesive cups. These allow you to wear the neckline as designed without visible straps.
Undergarments in nude or black (matching your skin tone or dress color) prevent visible lines. Invest in quality shapewear and undergarments, they're worth the cost because they directly affect how the dress looks on you.
Planning Your Timeline and Shipping Lead Times
Ordering a formal dress online requires planning. You need time for the dress to arrive, assess the fit, and arrange alterations if needed.
Standard shipping typically takes a few business days. Expedited shipping costs extra but is worth it if you're buying close to your event. If you're ordering less than two weeks before your event, choose expedited shipping to ensure arrival with time to spare.
Factor in alteration time. If you need alterations, order with enough time for them to be completed before your event.
Build in a buffer for unexpected issues. If the dress arrives damaged or doesn't fit, you need time to contact the retailer, arrange a return, and potentially reorder.
Check whether the retailer offers free shipping and what the threshold is. EllaVerra Boutique offers free shipping on orders over $200, which can offset the cost of buying multiple sizes to try at home or investing in expedited shipping.
Consider the current season and retailer inventory. Popular styles sell out quickly, especially close to major events like weddings and galas. If you see a dress you love, order it sooner rather than later.
Post-Purchase Care and Storage
How you care for your formal dress after purchase directly affects how long it lasts and how it looks in photos.
Most formal fabrics require dry cleaning. Satin, chiffon, and lace all benefit from professional dry cleaning rather than home washing. The Satin Lace Ruffled Strapless Dress specifies "dry clean only," as does the Elegant Flow Gown. Dry cleaning removes stains, refreshes the fabric, and maintains the shape of structured elements like boned bodices.
Before storing, ensure the dress is clean and completely dry. Moisture promotes mildew and fabric deterioration. Hang the dress on a padded hanger in a cool, dark closet. Padded hangers prevent shoulder dimples and distortion. Avoid wire hangers, which can leave marks and damage delicate fabrics.
Store away from direct sunlight, which fades colors over time. If you're storing for an extended period, use acid-free tissue paper to stuff the bodice and prevent creasing. Avoid plastic garment bags, which trap moisture. Use breathable garment bags or cotton sheets instead.
For beaded or heavily embellished dresses, lay tissue paper between layers of beading to prevent snagging and scratching. Store these dresses flat or on a wide, padded hanger rather than hanging them by the straps.
If wrinkles develop, steam the dress gently rather than ironing. Ironing can damage delicate fabrics and flatten texture. A garment steamer refreshes the dress without the risk of heat damage.
Check your dress periodically for signs of damage, pests, or mildew. A dress stored properly should last decades.
Buying a formal dress online requires more planning than shopping in person, but the reward is access to a curated selection of elegant styles without geographic limitations. At EllaVerra Boutique, we've designed our collection and policies to make online shopping seamless, with detailed fit guides, flexible payment options including Shop Pay and AfterPay, and free shipping on orders over $200 to help you find your perfect gown.
Start with accurate measurements, understand the silhouette that flatters your body, and read customer reviews from people with similar shapes. Check the return policy before buying, plan your timeline with alterations in mind, and invest in proper undergarments and storage. The formal dresses at EllaVerra Boutique, from the timeless Black Satin Fit-and-Flare ($98.00) to the romantic Elegant Flow Gown ($149.99), are designed to make you feel confident and beautiful. Subscribe to our newsletter for styling tips, new arrivals, and exclusive offers on your next formal occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know my size when buying formal dresses online?
Use a soft tape measure to record your bust, waist, hip, and dress length measurements. Compare these numbers directly to the retailer's size chart rather than relying on your usual clothing size, which varies by brand. Check customer reviews mentioning fit, many boutiques like EllaVerra Boutique include detailed fit notes indicating whether dresses run small, true to size, or large. If you're between sizes, review the fit guide; some styles are designed fitted through the bodice while others flow more generously.
What should I look for in an online formal dress boutique?
Prioritize retailers with clear return policies, detailed product photos from multiple angles, and customer reviews that mention how the dress actually fit their body type. Check whether the boutique offers free shipping on orders over a certain amount, EllaVerra Boutique, for example, offers free shipping on orders over $200. Look for flexible payment options like Shop Pay or AfterPay if you prefer installment plans. Verify that care instructions are transparent and that the boutique provides fit guides specific to each dress style.
How can I ensure the quality of a formal gown before purchasing online?
Examine product descriptions for specific fabric details, satin, chiffon, lace, and beading all require different care and have different durability profiles. Look for mentions of lining (fully lined vs. partially lined affects drape and comfort), boning or structure in the bodice, and concealed zippers for a polished finish. Read customer reviews focusing on fabric quality and longevity rather than just appearance. Check whether the boutique offers custom design services, which signals investment in garment quality. High-quality formal gowns typically feature quality satin with subtle sheen, structured bodices, and thoughtful construction details.
What is the return policy etiquette for online formal wear?
Always review the return window before purchasing. Check whether returns require the dress to be unworn and in original packaging, or if they allow try-ons. Understand whether you pay for return shipping or if it's covered. Document the dress condition with photos upon arrival, and contact customer service immediately if there are defects or significant fit issues rather than waiting until the return window closes.
