Vancouver's ideal shops to find your perfect party dress

Nothing says party time like a new dress. The perfect one-piece garment, it is both feminine and comfortable and, with the right accessories — or even none at all — sure to make a statement at any event. These boutiques make shopping for your ideal dress a dream. Stop into to any one of them today.  [Image credit: iStock.com/Alija]

Vancouver's ideal shops to find your perfect party dress
Alison Cairns By

Blushing Designs

1
579 Richards St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2Z5

Plan to have a few hours available when you stop in at Blushing Boutique, tucked away on Richards just north of Dunsmuir. The selection of nothing but dresses means you’re sure to find exactly what you’re looking for, no matter the occasion. Classic cuts like the halter, strapless, jersey and A-line come in a rainbow of colours to suit your personal palette, as well as in striking patterns with small design details. The boutique is happy to fit and alter your dress on-site.

Spank Clothing & Accessories Inc

2
5325 Gilpin St, Burnaby, BC V5G 2H8

For original design at amazing prices, Spank is your go-to dress shop in Vancouver. Their house brand, Lost & Found, manages a perfect balance between modern cuts and styles with a vintage flair. They also pride themselves on carrying mainly Canadian and independent labels, such as gorgeous and flirty lacey numbers from Free People alongside sweater dresses from Lucy Mae that are so comfortable you’ll want to lounge in them long after your event is over.

Rebecca Bree

3
3680 4th Ave W, Vancouver, BC V6R 1P1

Rebecca Bree on 4th and Alma offers the full shopping experience: attentive staff, a plush seating area, spacious change rooms and even drinks and snacks are all made available to ensure you have the most pleasurable retail experience. Dresses — many hailing from local Vancouver designers — are structured, with unique cuts and striking details. Whether for your high-powered job or an evening at the hottest new restaurant, there’s a dress here for the woman who knows what she wants.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Barefoot Contessa

4
3715 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3N8

Feminine, sweet, fresh — the Barefoot Contessa defies you to find anything in the store that isn’t pretty. From playful yet formal styles appropriate for bridesmaids to more casual everyday dresses that still make a statement, every flowy or tailored item at either of their two locations will bring out the girlie-girl in you. You’re also sure to find the perfect piece of jewellery to pair with your new purchase.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Front & Company

5
3772 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3N7

Your best strategy when shopping at Front & Company is to have an open mind, as you never know what gem you’ll stumble upon. Lining the walls are racks of sample dresses — one-off designs offered for a fraction of their original cost. As each piece is unique, you’re sure to avoid that embarrassing party moment when you’re confronted with another woman in the same dress as you. Looking for an even better deal? They’re also a consignment shop so pick up something pre-loved and budget-friendly.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Designs New World

6
306 Cordova St W, Vancouver, BC V6B 1E8

If you’re looking to add a little va-va-va-voom to your formal wear this season, stop into Gastown’s New World Designs for a little sexy, retro, pin-up-style number. Vamp cuts emphasizing your bodacious curves are perfectly 1940s, and they have a complete line of plus-sized dresses as well — not always easy to come by. Make a day out of your shopping excursion with a few friends and hit up their beauty bar, where you’ll be treated to a stylist and professional hair and makeup. Oh-la-la.

Ethel's Boutique Inc

7
2206 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3C7

Ethel Pollock first opened her namesake store on West 4th in 1970, and the shop has been a neighbourhood staple ever since. This family-owned business specializes in timeless fashions. In addition to the on-trend selection of elegant party dresses, you’ll also find all of the accessories you need to complete your look, such as European hosiery and sophisticated hats and scarves. Ethel's combines the uniqueness of boutique shopping with affordability, and it appeals to women of all ages.

More from Alison Cairns Alison Cairns
Alison Cairns has been working in writing and publishing for over a decade. A devoted Vancouverite, she loves exploring the hidden gems and new happenings — both cultural and culinary — in the city. She is also a lover of coffee, wine, craft beer and pretty much all food except sea urchin. She staves off the results of these loves by running the seawall, cycling the city and hiking the mountains.
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