Formal Dress Shopping Tips from Stylists in the Know
Formal Dress Shopping Tips from Stylists in the Know
Posted by AFTERPAY INTEGRATIONS
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What to do Before you Go Formal Shopping to Have the Best Experience
Before you rush off to the stores as soon as year 12 formal comes around, there are a few little preparation steps you can do to make sure you have the most fun and find the most perfect dress while shopping. Read below to learn a few tips and tricks from stylists in the know.
1. Research dress styles
This tip is number one for a reason. Make sure you have a look at some styles online before you go shopping. Pinterest is a great place to find and save boards of your favourite things which you can then show your stylist too. The three things to take note of are necklines, skirt shapes and materials that you like.
2. Think about colour
Even if you haven't quite figured out which silhouettes are going to suit your body shape, pick out some colours that you like to wear or some that draw your attention. This way, if you want to avoid all white dresses for example, you're already making the decision easier!
3. Make a list of boutiques
Find some boutiques online or ask around your friend group and make a list of the ones you want to visit. If there is a particular dress at one place that you are dying to try, make sure you visit at least one other shop before hand to try on some different things and have fun.
4. Set a budget
Know what you and your parents are willing to spend on your dream formal dress before you start looking and don't, I repeat, DON'T try on anything that's higher than your budget. The worst thing is falling in love with something you can't afford as nothing else will compare.
5. Do your hair and makeup
Have a little fun putting a curl in your hair and a smokey eyeliner on and wear it along to your trying on session. It will help you visualise better how you will look on the day of your formal when you're all dressed and ready to go.
All sizes listed on our website are in Australian sizing. It is your responsibility to make sure you purchase the correct size. Depending on the style and/or the material of the clothing, sizing may vary. Please use these size charts as a guide only.
If you have any enquiries about sizes on a particular dress or are unsure of your size please feel free to contact us at shop@missrunway.com.au
To save you the hassle of ordering the wrong size, here's a simple way to get accurate measurements of yourself. Grab a tape measure and stand in front of a full-length mirror. Be sure to take your measurements undressed or in your underwear only. Stand straight and pull the tape measure close to your body, but not too tight! For best and more accurate results, have a friend take the measurements for you. We understand that not being able to physically try on our garments can be hard when making your purchase. If you are unhappy with the size or fit of your purchase you can return or exchange it as long as it meets all our return and exchange policy requirements.
Please refer to our "RETURNS" section for further information.
BUST:
Measure the bust line at the fullest part of your chest. Stand naturally with your heels together and arms resting by the side of your body. Position the tape so that it covers the widest part of your back and the fullest part of your chest.
WAIST:
Place your hands at your natural waistline. This is where the tape should be positioned. If you cannot find your natural waist, stand with your feet slightly apart and bend to the side. Where your waist creases is the natural waist.
HIPS:
Stand naturally with your heels together in a relaxed pose. Measure with the tape.
Brands
Some of our brands have unique sizing charts for you to refer to when purchasing online.
Jadore/ Nicoletta
SIZE (AUS)
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
BUST (INCH)
30
31.5
33
34.5
36
38
40
42
44
46
48
50
WAIST (INCH)
23
24.5
26
27.5
29
31
33
35
37
39
41
43
HIP (INCH)
33
34.5
36
37.5
39
41
43
45
47
49
51
53
Two Sisters the Label
SIZE (AUS)
6 (XS)
8 (S)
10 (M)
12 (L)
14 (XL)
16 (XXL)
BUST (CM)
81.3
86.4
91.5
96.5
101.6
106.7
WAIST (CM)
63.5
68.6
73.7
78.7
83.8
88.9
HIP (CM)
86.4
91.5
96.5
101.6
106.7
111.7
Runaway The Label
SIZE (AUS)
6 (XS)
8 (S)
10 (M)
12 (L)
14 (XL)
16 (XXL)
BUST (CM)
81
86
91
96
101
108.5
WAIST (CM)
63
68
73
78
83
90.5
HIP (CM)
91
96
101
106
111
118.5
Tina Holly
SIZE (AUS)
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
BUST (INCH)
30
31.5
33
34.5
36
38
40
42
44
46
48
50
WAIST (INCH)
23
24.5
26
27.5
29
31
33
35
37
39
41
43
HIP (INCH)
33
34.5
36
37.5
39
41
43
45
47
49
51
53
La Divine
SIZE
US2 AU6
US4 AU8
US6 AU10
US8 AU12
US10 AU14
US12 AU16
US14 AU18
US16 AU20
US18 AU22
US20 AU24
US22 AU26
BUST (CM)
83.8
86.4
91.4
96.5
102
109
117
124
132
140
148
WAIST (CM)
64.8
67.3
72.4
77.5
82.5
90.2
97.8
105
113
121
129
HIP (CM)
94
96.5
102
107
112
119
127
135
142
150
158
SIZE
XXS
XS
S
M
L
XL
2X
3X
4X
5X
6X
BUST (CM)
81.3
83.8
86.4
91.4
96.5
102
109
117
124
132
140
WAIST (CM)
62.2
64.8
67.3
72.4
77.5
82.5
90.2
97.8
105
113
121
HIP (CM)
91.4
94
96.5
102
107
112
119
127
135
142
150
Tania Olsen Design
SIZE (AUS)
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
BUST (CM)
69
74
79
84
89
94
99
104
109
104
109
114
WAIST (CM)
52
57
62
67
72
77
82
87
92
97
102
107
HIP (CM)
80
85
90
95
100
105
110
115
120
125
130
135
Australian Domestic Shipping
After the order is processed and packed, it takes between 2-6 business days for standard shipping and 1-3 business days for express shipping if you are in a major metro areas. For all regional areas, please allow between 3-7 business days for your order to arrive. All orders placed after 12pm AEST on Friday, on a weekend or during a public holiday, will be posted the next business day.
If for some reason you do not receive your purchase within 7 business days of placing your order please email shop@missrunway.com.au with your full name and your order number. We will follow up on your purchase immediately!
Orders that are delivered to your shipping address while no one is home will be left at an Australia Post office (usually your local one) or one specified on a card left in your letterbox.
Country
AUD $0-$149
AUD $150+
Shipping Time
Australia
Standard $10
Express $13
Standard FREE
Express $13
2-6 Business Days*
1-3 Business Days*
* Please note: The shipping times are estimates only and may vary depending on your location. Miss Runway Boutique will not take responsibility for transit delays.
Australia Post & other carriers are experiencing more than usual transit delays. Please check here to see if your state is affected. Please note that we are unable to update our transit times on here or at check out as this changes regularly. Please follow the Australia Post updates for transit times.
We recommend choosing express post for a more reliable and prioritised service.
International Shipping
All international orders are shipped using Australia Post.
Note: When ordering from countries outside of Australia, duty and taxes may be payable by you depending on the rules governed by the country you are importing to.
Taxes and Duties
Please note taxes and duties may be charged for international orders. All applicable customs and import duties and fees, taxes and any other charges are the responsibility of the customer, even if you refuse the shipment upon delivery. If your order does require these additional charges, they must be paid by you in order for your package to clear customs.
Customs authorities require by law that we state the value of your order directly on the package. Customs agents have the right to release or deny release of your package and, in rare cases, they may also delay delivery.
Country
AUD $0-$199
AUD $200-$399
AUD $400-$599
AUD $600-$999
AUD $1000+
Shipping Time
New Zealand
Regular $15
Express $20
Regular FREE
Express $25
Regular FREE
Express $30
Regular FREE
Express $35
Regular FREE
7-12 Business Days*
5-8 Business Days*
USA
Regular $25
Express $35
Regular FREE
Express $40
Regular FREE
Express $45
Regular FREE
Express $50
Regular FREE
10-15 Business Days*
7-12 Business Days*
Canada
Regular $25
Express $35
Regular FREE
Express $40
Regular FREE
Express $45
Regular FREE
Express $50
Regular FREE
15-25 Business Days*
10-20 Business Days*
Rest of World
Regular $30
Express $45
Regular $25
Express $50
Regular FREE
Express $55
Regular FREE
Express $60
Regular FREE
15-25 Business Days*
10-20 Business Days*
* Please note: The shipping times are estimates only and may vary depending on your location. Miss Runway Boutique will not take responsibility for transit delays.
Due to COVID-19, Australia Post & other carriers are experiencing more than usual transit delays. Please check hereto see if your country is affected. Please note that we are unable to update our transit times on here or at check out as this changes regularly. Please follow the Australia Post updates for transit times.
We recommend choosing express post for a more reliable and prioritised service.
Please Note
Domestic:
If an incorrect shipping address is provided by the customer during the checkout process, the order will be returned to Miss Runway Boutique and we reserves the right to charge the customer a re-shipping fee of $10 for all Australian orders. Should a credit be issued for the returned item, the full shipping cost will be deducted from the credit. This cost is $10 for all Australian orders and $20 for all formal gowns within Australia.
We are not responsible for lost or stolen packages or packages delayed in transit.
Please note that all delivery times are estimated. Miss Runway Boutique does not guaranteeing delivery dates.
International:
If you refuse to pay any additional fees, your package will be sent back to us and you will be refunded the cost of your order minus any extra shipping charges incurred by us from the shipping company.
All prices listed on our site are charged to your credit/debit card or PayPal in Australian Dollars. The bank that has issued your card determines the exact exchange rate that you will be charged, but in general it should match closely with the current rate. For an estimate of the current rate, checkXE – Foreign Exchange Rate Calculator. Please note that we do not make any guarantees or promises about the current exchange rate or what you will be charged by your bank. That is out of our control.
If for some reason you do not receive your purchase within the specified timeframe for your country, please email shop@missrunway.com.au with your full name and your order number. We will follow up on your purchase immediately!
If an incorrect shipping address is provided by the customer during the checkout process, the order will be returned to Miss Runway Boutique and we reserves the right to charge the customer a re-shipping fee of $30 for all International orders. Should a credit be issued for the returned item, the full shipping cost will be deducted from the credit. This cost is $20 and $30 for all formal gowns.
A re-shipping fee of $30 for all international orders returned to us due to it been unclaimed by the carrier will be charged to the customer. Please contact your local postal service for any disputes with attempted deliveries.
We are not responsible for lost or stolen packages or packages delayed in transit.
Please note that all delivery times are estimated. Miss Runway Boutique does not guarantee delivery dates.
Parcel Protection
At Miss Runway Boutique we always do our best to ensure your parcel arrives to you safely, but just incase we can now offer our customers transit insurance for your peace of mind.
You must contact us and make a claim within 7 business days otherwise the policy will be void.
WHAT IS COVERED BY THIS POLICY
Parcels lost in transit
If your parcel is not delivered within the normal time frames specified by Australia Post, please contact customer service team and we will open an investigation on your behalf. Once the investigation is closed (can take up to 10 business days) we will consider this a "missing parcel." Miss Runway Boutique will replace any items that are still available in the warehouse and credit you for the items we no longer have. Please note we DO NOT refund. This policy offers a replacement of items and a credit ONLY. If you no longer wish to get replacement items you can opt for a full credit.
Parcel delivered to incorrect address
If your parcels tracking says it has been delivered to the incorrect address and we are unable to retrieve the parcel, we will deem this as a "missing parcel" and you will be covered by this policy. Items will be credited or replaced if available. No refund will be given.
Parcel damaged in transit
Should your parcel arrive and be damaged in any way by Australia Post and our couriers, we will replace the items if available. Should we not have the item available we will refund you for the item. You will need to contact customer service to arrange to send your parcel back to be assessed by the Returns Team who will make a decision in regards to your case.
NOT COVERED BY THIS POLICY
Transit Delays
Please note that all delivery times are estimated. Miss Runway Boutique does not guarantee delivery dates as we use a third party to deliver your orders. Please refer to our Covid Updates page for any delay updates.
Customer has provided incorrect address
If the customer provides the incorrect address and the parcel is delivered we will not be responsible to recover this item or pay any damages/offer replacements. This is NOT covered by the policy
Parcel safe dropped and stolen
If your parcel is Safe Dropped then stolen from the premises we will NOT be responsible for any damages or replacements of items. You will receive a text message in which you can choose to have your parcel left at your address should you not be home. If you are unsure if your parcel will be safe left at your address please always opt to have a signature on delivery or have it taken to your nearest post office or collection point.
Please note: All parcels dispatched from Miss Runway Boutique are set to Safe Drop should you not reply to the text message.
CONTACT
Any questions please contact our Customer Care Team onshop@missrunway.com.au
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