6 Tips for Finding the Best Quinceañera Dress

6 Tips for Finding the Best Quinceañera Dress

April 10, 2023
By Queenly x Mi Padrino

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Dress shopping can be one of the best and worst parts of event planning. Opinions, variety, colors, lengths, sizes… it’s a wonder that we even know where to begin!

All of us here at Queenly want you to have the event of your dreams, and look like how you always envisioned. To keep your inner “crazy lady” in check, take a look at some tips we have for finding your perfect dress when you go shopping!

Style

Before going dress shopping, browse magazines or online resources. Get a feel for what types of dress styles there are, such as ballgown, A-Line, sheath, trumpet, etc. -- the style selections are aplenty!
Become familiar with the names of the styles so when you talk to dress consultants, you know what kinds of dresses they will be pulling. That way, you can also veto certain types of dresses if you know they won’t fit with your own personal style.
Your dress is one of the most important aspects of your event. Make sure you choose a style that you love but also highlights your body in the right places.

Size

Don’t forget that dress sizing is completely different from clothing sizes! Usually, dress sizes are bigger in number than the clothes you normally wear. Don’t worry! This is very common practice.
That being said, if you are of an uncommon size, meaning you are either on the very thin end of the spectrum or on the much curvier side, double check that the dress manufacturer produces the same dress within the measurements you need.
Some designers don’t create certain sizes (this especially rings true for curvier or plus-sized ladies, unfortunately). However, dress consultants usually know this information ahead of time and will warn you about this as they are pulling dresses for you to try.

Color

If you are a bride or are choosing a white dress for your Quince Años, you can be sure there will be all shades of white, beige, and light pink available with the wedding dresses. Determining what shade of white you want for your dress is important because it will affect other planning details, such as the color of linens you use at your reception and the shade of white shirts that the groomsmen or the young men on your court will wear.
If you are looking for a color other than white, we suggest going to a shop that specializes in quinceanera dresses or shopping around with prom dresses in the color you want. Many prom dresses will have a lot of the accents that are popular on wedding and quinceanera dresses but are available in many different colors, so you are more likely to find one you like. You can often find bridesmaid and court dresses among prom dresses that would be suitable for a big event as well.
If you are looking for a dress in a lower budget, you might find a lovely dress for your event by shopping bridesmaid dresses at a bridal store. They are a bit simple, which is good if you want to customize it! Bridesmaid dresses are offered in many different colors, too!
If the dress you want is only offered in a soft color, you could consider getting it professionally dyed to the shade you want. That way, you not only have the dress you want but the color you want too!

Length

While most women prefer a floor length dress, don’t let that deter you from choosing the dress you truly love! If for whatever reason you don’t like long dresses, it’s a completely valid opinion. Don’t let anybody tell you otherwise!
Are you planning an event where it seems like too much to have a ballgown dress? Then a shorter length dresses might be your best option. You really can’t go wrong with a below-the-knee or ankle dress, since they are both in style!
If long dresses with a long train are your jam, make sure to ask if the train is removable or able to be buttoned up on your dress, as to not impair your dancing groove. We’re sure you don’t want to tear or ruin your dress in any way.
If there isn’t a way to easily remove the train or hold it up from the ground, create a game plan with your seamstress to see how she can modify the dress. They can usually add a button or something to hold the train up to make it perfect for your entire day.

Material

Don’t overlook the material of your dress! The material will play an important part in your dress-making decision. Some women like lots of lace, while others hate the thought and would rather prefer a plain satin or shiny taffeta gown. You will also want to pay attention to the beading. If there is a lot of beading right where your arms rest, it will most likely result in chafing.
In addition to your own personal preference, think about how the material reacts. Some materials can be more poofy, where others are much heavier and fall straight down. Don’t just choose a dress on how it looks on the hanger. Try it on and see how it suits your body.
When you try on your dress, ask for help getting pictures with inside lighting, as well as close to a window with natural lighting, so you can see your dress in different lighting situations. The way different lighting can impact how your dress looks while you have it on can also influence your decision.
Indoor lighting isn’t always the most favorable – so don’t dismiss a dress just because it doesn’t look good in indoor lighting. Get close to the window to see how the material looks on you!

Body Shape

So, this goes without saying, but make sure to choose a dress that fits and looks good on YOUR body. This is ultimately your event, and you want to be in a dazzling dress that compliments your body and your style but doesn’t overwhelm.
It is so tempting to just choose a dress you saw in a magazine, have your heart set on it, but give no further consideration to other dresses. Don’t fall into this trap! Some dresses may look gorgeous in a magazine or online but may not suit you once you try it on.
Be open to trying on other styles of dresses to create a well-rounded opinion. You may be surprised that the dress you choose isn’t the one you were just DYING for the day before!
By keeping these tips in mind, you can be assured you will cover all the major concerns that women have with their dresses. Make sure to take a few loved ones with you and take many pictures so you can be confident in your shopping decision. Just remind yourself, your opinion is the most important opinion in that room! Have fun searching for your perfect dress!

Shopping for your quinceanera dress doesn’t have to be stressful! A queen like you deserves the royal treatment whether she’s buying a new prom dress online or shopping secondhand. At Queenly, we’ve committed ourselves to promoting sustainable fashion while making it affordable for everyone. Join our community of Queens who have listed outfits in their online closet. It’s as easy as signing up for a free account, snapping some pics, and uploading the details- that’s it!

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One girl's dress is another girl's treasure.

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