Long Beach, California, boasts a vibrant fashion scene, and finding the perfect dress is easier than ever. Whether you're searching for a casual sundress, a glamorous evening gown, or something in between, this guide highlights 25 of the best dress stores in Long Beach, catering to diverse styles and budgets. We've categorized them for easy navigation, ensuring you find the ideal dress for any occasion.
Finding Your Perfect Dress in Long Beach: A Style Guide
Before diving into our curated list, let's consider your style and needs. What type of dress are you looking for? Knowing this will help you narrow down your choices.
- Occasion: Are you shopping for a wedding, a night out, a casual daytime event, or everyday wear? The occasion dictates the style, fabric, and price point.
- Style: Do you prefer classic silhouettes, trendy designs, bohemian vibes, or something more avant-garde? Consider your personal style and body type.
- Budget: Long Beach offers options for every budget, from affordable boutiques to high-end designer stores. Set a realistic budget before you start shopping.
- Fabric: The fabric greatly influences the dress's feel and suitability for different seasons and occasions. Consider cotton for summer, silk for elegance, or wool for warmth.
Top 25 Dress Stores in Long Beach: A Diverse Selection
This list is organized into categories to help you find the perfect match faster.
Boutiques with Unique Finds:
- The Dress Code: Known for its curated collection of unique and stylish dresses.
- Shoreline Style: Offers a blend of casual and dressy options with a coastal vibe.
- The Velvet Vine: Specializes in vintage and retro-inspired dresses.
- Indigo Moon Boutique: Features handcrafted and ethically sourced dresses.
- The Chic Flamingo: Curated collection of both classic and trendy dresses.
Department Stores with Extensive Dress Collections:
- Nordstrom (Long Beach): Offers a wide selection of dresses from various designers and price points.
- Macy's (Long Beach): A department store classic with a huge dress department.
- Bloomingdale's (South Coast Plaza - nearby): While slightly outside Long Beach, it's worth the trip for their extensive designer collection.
Affordable Options for Everyday Dresses:
- H&M (Long Beach): Trendy and affordable dresses for everyday wear.
- Forever 21 (Long Beach): Offers a wide variety of trendy dresses at budget-friendly prices.
- Target (Multiple Locations): Surprisingly, Target offers a good selection of stylish and affordable dresses.
- Old Navy (Multiple Locations): Another great option for budget-friendly casual dresses.
Special Occasion Dress Stores:
- Bridal Bliss (Long Beach): Specializes in bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses.
- David's Bridal (Long Beach): A well-known chain for bridal and special occasion dresses.
- The Black Tux (online, with local pickup): While online, they offer convenient local pickup for special event attire.
Consignment and Vintage Stores:
- Replay Resale: Offers a rotating selection of gently used designer dresses.
- The Long Beach Exchange: Features several independent boutiques with vintage and consignment options.
- Buffalo Exchange: A popular chain store specializing in high-quality secondhand clothing.
Stores Focusing on Specific Styles:
- Boho Beach Boutique: Specializes in bohemian-style dresses.
- The Little Black Dress: Focuses on little black dresses and other elegant evening wear.
- The Modern Muse: Features contemporary and minimalist dress designs.
Plus-Size Dress Stores:
- Eloquii (online, with shipping): While online, Eloquii offers stylish plus-size dresses with excellent customer service and shipping options.
- Torrid (various locations): This well known plus-size retailer offers a large selection of dresses.
Local Designers & Pop-Up Shops:
- Check local event listings and social media for pop-up shops featuring local Long Beach designers. Many offer unique and stylish dresses.
- Visit the Long Beach Art Walk for opportunities to discover local designers and their unique creations.
Finding Your Perfect Dress: Tips and Tricks
- Shop early: Especially for special occasions, shopping early allows for alterations and avoids last-minute stress.
- Try on multiple styles: Don't be afraid to experiment with different silhouettes and styles to find what flatters your body type.
- Consider the accessories: A simple dress can be elevated with the right shoes, jewelry, and handbag.
- Read online reviews: Check online reviews before visiting a store to get an idea of their selection and customer service.
- Don't be afraid to ask for help: Sales associates are there to help you find the perfect dress!
This comprehensive guide provides a starting point for your dress shopping adventure in Long Beach. Remember to personalize your search based on your specific needs and preferences. Happy shopping!
