Shoppers who associated dress boutiques with high prices and tiny waistlines will want to take a closer look at Online Dress Boutiques. The definition of a boutique is a small and unique store that sells fashionable and sophisticated clothing. The common perception of a physical boutique is not inaccurate, it is just incomplete.

There are, or were, plenty of boutiques that catered to kids, plus sized women, petite professionals, and many other specific audiences. Now that many of those physical stores are closing fast, going online provides the opportunity to find trendy clothing that suits preferences, size ranges, and budgets. The selection will be more inclusive and responding to seasonal trends will be easier.

Sizing

The most confusing element of buying online is sizing. This cannot be stressed enough because even the clothing sold on the same boutique website will differ in size. A prime example is two different dresses sold on one boutique site. A little black dress in a size small indicated that the measurements were a thirty-two-inch bust, thirty-two-inch waist, and a thirty-eight-inch length. A floral print dress on the same page noted that the measurements for a small size were a thirty-four-inch bust, thirty-six-inch waist, and a thirty-seven-inch length.

Plus Size

Double check the sizing chart for every item not just every website. This is especially important because customers do not have the luxury of trying on desired items. Another component of sizing is the location from where the website originates. A size three-extra-large in the United States will be much bigger than a three-extra-large in China, or even the UK.

The term “plus size” is relative based on the targeted audience for the website. A boutique that caters to teens and young adults will often label a size twelve as a plus size. One marketed to professionals may place a plus size label on items over size sixteen. A site that markets to real plus size women will start at a size eighteen and go up to a size thirty-two or thirty-six.

Learn Before Buying

Take the time to look at sizes for two or three random products offered on a website before determining if anything available will fit. If not, there is always the accessories and gift sections to browse before leaving the site. Scarves, barrettes, body lotions, and some jewelry will fit and may be at an incredible discount.