STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Starstuff · Kenneth Cole

How close can I cut it?

Elle · Hermes

I think it depends most on how much weight you want to lose. If we're talking 10 or 15 lbs, buy your dress now (they usually order you a size up so it can be altered so just ask them not to) and then don't have it altered (except the length) until you are at your goal weight. If you are wanting to lose 20-50 lbs or more, I would hold off on buying the dress b/c you'll need a better idea of what will flatter your new shape before you buy.

JoceyBaby23 · Gucci

Talk to the people at your bridal salon to find out the timing of things. Sometimes the dresses are backordered for 8 months and other times (during slow season) they can arrive in like 3-4 months.

I am still holding out hope to lose a few lbs before my wedding in May so I actually ordered my dress a size smaller.. It is helping me with motivation.. I have got to go to the gym everyday or it will not fit me with the time comes. (I would not recommend this.. bc it is so so stressful!!!)

honey · Gucci

i would wait a bit. i don't know that much about dresses, but if you lose a significant amount of weight, it might be more of a pain to get a dress altered, than to buy one in your size. maybe you can look sporadically for now and start hard core looking in june.

also maybe you could get a trainer. not only b/c it will help with your goal, but if you talk to a trainer he or she could give you a realistic idea of what to expect from a program and that will give you a better idea of when to start looking for a dress.

nyc_shopgirl · Dooney & Bourke

I would hold off a bit and see how losing weight goes. Also take into account how you handle stress. If you are a stess eater keep that in mind. Also if you are only losing 5-15 pounds I would start shopping now but if this is a drastic weight loss then definitely wait. Since your body shape could change. Just make sure you are realistic about the weight loss.

lsubatgirl · Gucci

I agree with checking into the exact dress you want and see what the time frame on it is. Some dresses are premade and others aren't made until you order them so they can take a long time to get in. If yours is one that will take a long time to get in you will have to order it now and just get it altered later.

Suze · Nine West

I wouldn't wait too long. My dress took 5 months to get in (they had given a time frame of 4-6 months). I just remember being in the dressing room and the sales consultant telling this other bride that she couldn't get the dress she loved because there was a good chance it wouldn't come in on time. Plus, even if you buy a dress in the correct size, you are most likely going to need some kind of alterations, which may take another 1-2 months once you get it in. Dresses can be altered up to 4 sizes smaller, so you should be safe, even if you lose a great deal of weight. Good luck in the weight loss and dress-shopping!