Tailoring - why it's worth the extra ££

Image:robertold

Important event coming up? Summer ball? Your best friend's wedding? A formal dinner? Whatever it may be, finding the perfect dress is tricky. First, you must consider the level of formality required (smart vs black-tie vs white-tie) before moving onto the colour, design, length etc. It isn't easy - there's a reason personal stylists exist after all.

On top of all this, the FIT is essential. Hands up if this has ever happened to you: You spot a gorgeous dress that looks ideal for the occasion and head quickly to the changing room. Only to find the fit is well off. You try a size smaller or a size bigger. Still no luck. It's too tight in X area and too loose in X area. You leave feeling dismayed and perpetually annoyed at said store.

It's for this reason that I've become a convert to getting dresses tailor made. Now, I know it isn't cheap. However, if the event is really special - and one you're going to remember - it's worth it. This happened to me recently with an Oxford ball, where I wore a two-piece bodice and skirt (above). The bodice fit was perfect, thanks to multiple measurements of the upper body. And the skirt was made to my waist size - but with an extra inch added for breathing/eating/having fun room.

Tailoring is also great for suiting different body shapes. Most retailers make dresses with a standard 'soft' hourglass shape in mind. For athletic figures or for those who are top/bottom heavy, these type of dresses might not hang as well. Tailoring will help, being tailor-made for you. 

Image: stitchnfix

Just be careful not to pay too much. Dresses that come with a tailor made service will of course cost more but shouldn't break the bank. There's also the option of buying a dress and taking it to your local tailors. Most dry cleaning places will also help alter your dress if it's just a small adjustment that needs making - such as an inch added or taken off a certain area.

Finding the ideal dress is hard enough as it is. Take the hassle out with tailoring.