Whatever you wear, you want to feel good. That’s what casual dressing is all about. What is the best way to make casual wear a part of your overall style plan? Casual dressing is not about throwing on whatever is clean. It is about both looking good and feeling comfortable. There are some important things that any woman who wants to look put together while casual should know and follow. Here are four secrets you need to know before purchasing casual dresses.

A dress is an investment

Casual dresses have never gone out of fashion, no matter what other trends come and go. There is always room for a dress in the line-up somewhere! Why? Because a dress is easy to put on, and it doesn’t require any strict matching of colors, fabrics, or items to suit the rest of the outfit, as the dress is the centerpiece. A dress can be its own outfit, as dresses are usually worn on their own. The secret here is to remember that you are purchasing a dress that you will want to wear – not just this season, but next year too. That means thinking about the style of the dress, the fit, the color, and the fabric. Choose something that you will wear for years to come, rather than something that fits the trends of today.

It might be casual, but it still has to fit

A dress is a great style for many women, whether you are tall or petite. You will likely want the skirt of the dress to fall in the maxi or the midi range. Know the measurements of your body, from neck to ankle, and compare the length of the dress you want to purchase to your height. A midi dress should fall just below the knee, and a maxi at the ankle.

Oversized and baggy are a look that can work in some situations, but in casual dresses that are meant to look stylish, you may find that loose works, but baggy looks untidy and ill-fitting. Purchase a dress that fits well by considering how the bodice and the skirt will look on your body type. Think loose and airy, but not baggy and unkempt.

The color is important

Before purchasing casual dresses as items that you will want to wear and look great in this year, as well as the next, one style secret to think about is how the color will look on you. Consider your skin tone and choose a fabric that will complement that tone. How can you tell? Those with a cool skin tone look great wearing silver jewelry, dressed in red, pink, and blue fabrics. Gold jewelry looks fabulous on people with warm skin tones, while dressed in colors such as yellow, green, coral, and turquoise. Be careful when choosing more “trendy” colors, as they may not last as many seasons of reuse.

Casual dresses are versatile

The reason casual dresses are an easy, fit-in-anywhere wardrobe staple is because they are so versatile. Remember that when you purchase these dresses, they are meant to be worn at home, out on errands, or to work. Look at the dress as something that can be put on in the morning and worn until evening. Adding or removing accessories a little bit can change the entire outfit, but that is all that should be necessary to take these dresses from day to evening. Purchase a dress constructed with superior quality fabric, such as a cotton blend that is light but holds its shape. The fabric should hold up to washing and drying without wearing out too soon. As you are considering the dress as an item to keep for a few years rather than one summer, the fabric you choose needs to hold up.

Casual dresses are easy and comfortable to wear, but they are not often cheap clothing items. When purchasing one, take the time and care needed to choose the dress that is right for you, will look good, and will be appropriate anywhere you want to wear it. All that you will need to create a fresh new outfit with the same dress is to add some jewelry, the right shoes, and a jacket. The real secret here is the ease and comfort of a great-looking base garment. Choose casual dresses that are right for you, in a great color made of a quality fabric, and you will always be in style.