It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when shopping for the perfect dress online. Different brands have their own sizing, fabrics, and cuts - it’s like navigating a fashion maze. Hopefully after you read this, you’ll feel a little more confident when online shopping, and you’ll be able to find your perfect dresses online for any occasion.

A few things to keep an eye on when purchasing dresses (or any garment) online:

We recommend always reading product descriptions. What’s the fabric? Is it synthetic or natural? Depending on the occasion, you may find that one fabric is more suitable than another, keep this in mind. Make sure you always look for a size chart, recommendation, or fit description eg. “This dress is oversized, if you want it to fit a bit more snug, you may want to size down.” Perhaps the most important tip of all, always check the returns policy of the brand you are shopping with.

Customer Care & Size Charts are your best friend

Whether it’s our sizing chart, or elsewhere; never skip reading the size chart! Size charts are your online shopping BFF. They will answer most of your questions. The reason why size charts are so important is because every brand has a different size grade. Whether you're checking out Cartel & Willow or another favorite brand, make sure our medium is your medium! If you can’t work out your exact size based on a size chart, then we recommend contacting our customer care, we’re always here to help you find your perfect fit.

As someone to take your measurements!

Or if you’re confident, take your own! Knowing your measurements makes online shopping a whole lot easier, allowing you to make a comparison between yours, and the measurements listed on a size chart. Providing customer care with your exact measurements helps them to make an educated recommendation of which style you or size is best for you! Helping you feel your best is always our number one goal.

Pay Attention to Fabric: It's All in the Feel.

93% of our fabrics at Cartel & Willow are natural, this is because they feel better, and are better for us. We work closely with our team of artisans in Bali to make sure we choose fabrics we genuinely love, and that elevate our garments. From feather-weight Cottons to chic linens, which do you usually gravitate toward? Different fabrics fall, flow, drape and tailor differently, so depending on the event, you’ll probably want your dress to fit in a certain way. Flowy dresses for weddings are always lovely, whilst tailored linen dresses might be the right fit for a work event.

Learn about the fabrics that make up your clothes!

Our design team is meticulous when it comes to selecting fabrics. Cotton, silk, polyester, natural cottons, and linens. The more you know, the better. You will understand the processes that go into creating the garments, you’ll be able to make more considered choices. The best type of dress you can purchase is one that you’ll wear for years to come.

Take into account the model’s measurements

More often than not, we may look at the picture for a garment on a website and think “ But it won’t look like that to me!”. The solution to this; knowing it’s not meant to! Everyone’s body, complexion and height is unique.

Model’s can be a guide to see the overall fit of the dress, as well as showing details of the garment like necklines, pockets, and prints. Use your imagination, your wardrobe will thank you!

Pay Attention to the details.

Does the dress cinch? Drape? Flutter? Pay attention to the details. Does it have pockets? An invisible zipper? Depending on your proportions or body shape, we can make recommendations of what will be the most flattering dress style on you. Contact customer care, we’re your friends!

Too big is better than too small

We don’t have your size left? A dress slightly big is still a canvas to work with! If you can’t sleep because you can’t stop thinking about the amazing Cartel and Willow dress you saw online, more often than not you’ll be able to have it tailored to fit you perfectly. You might end up liking the dress more than you did initially ( if that’s even possible).

Be Sure You Love It Before You Buy: Heart Over Cart ❤️🛒

Last but not least, make sure you love it. Never be fooled by a bright red sale sign, or a flashy discount. There;s nothing worse than a regretful impulse buy! We hope you will wear your dress time and time again, with love!

FAQs:

Can I get my money back if I change my mind?

For some brands, no! However, one of the best thighs about shopping with Cartel and Willow is our easy returns and exchanges policy. We will happily exchange or provide a credit note, so you can keep shopping with us.

Where is the size chart located?

The size chart can be found on most individual product pages. We recommend having your measurements taken so you can compare them to the size charts provided. This will help you find the perfect fitting dress, or any other garment really!

Are sizing charts accurate?

Sizing charts are a great starting point. Make sure you double check your size, or contact a friendly member of customer care to double down on your size!

Now go and find your dream dress, it’s waiting for you! x