Arm yourself with sizing information to increase your confidence bidding for gowns on eBay.  Choose a style most flattering for your body type and skintone.  Create a flattering overall look.  Make sure you feel comfortable and confident in your selection.  Your discomfort shows.  Buying a gown from eBay does mean you will save money, sometimes hundreds of dollars.  So bid with confidence.

Specialty Boutiques have very high overhead and markup is generally 100-200%.  Staggering isn't it?  What do you get for your money?  Usually a beautiful store.  My personal favorite has marble floors, Ott lights for true color, a Runway with a "Miss America" turn at the end, huge triple mirrors and gilded hand mirrors for back views, and undergarments, shoes and accessories to unify the look.  Also these Boutiques have a large enough staff to provide one-on-one service and consultations.  The staff is knowledgeable about pageants, balls, proms, weddings, etc.  They are excellent resources as well and have knowledge of related services.  Gowns are shipped balled up and often compressed in plastic bags.  A lot of preparation is invested long before you see a gown on the showroom floor.  These Boutiques have a huge investment in their inventory, and they also have a lot invested in their staff.  So given the high regard for these Boutiques, why buy on eBay?  Savings of course!  Also unless you live in a large metropolitan area, your selection is probably limited.

First, do not expect a custom fit (this applies to Boutiques as well as eBay).  If in doubt buy a size larger or a garment with an inch adjustment if necessary.  Get recommendations for a great seamstress specializing in formalwear.  This is not a do it yourself job.   Most dresses are smaller than your ready to wear size.  A size 8 ready to wear body will likely fit in a size 10 gown.  Of course there is alot of variance in size measurements; request gown measurements if not provided in the listing.  Sometimes these measurements are not available because your gown may still be in its plastic bag from the wholesaler.  Sellers may avoid unwrapping these gowns to maintain cleanliness and to reship. 

Gowns frequently have imperfections unless Couture.  Get referrals for a specialty dry cleaner experienced in preserving, restoring and cleaning these fine garments.  Do not be surprized or angry with your Seller if you find such conditions.  Most gowns are made in quantity per fabric bolts of the same dye lot.  Oil spots are common from industrial machines and more noticeable on these investments!  Many wedding gowns can only be ordered several months in advance.  This is because manufacturers wait until there is demand for a sufficiant quantity to retool there production line. 

Choose a style most flattering for you.  A-line, Empire waist, one piece fronts, soft flowing fabrics are very flattering on short, heavier and older bodies.  These styles are generally very pretty on most everyone, but should be avoided for the younger person.  Full skirts with Cinderella waistlines are great for the younger set but look out of place on the older body!  The event usually dictates this.  Drop waist can look very good if you have great abs.  An all in one body slimming undergarment must not add horizontal lines.  A small belly may be camoflaged with drapes of soft gathers that add to the flow of the garment, but situps usually cannot be avoided!  Don't become anorexic, eat healthy and work toward a physically fit look. 

Proper fitting on the bust is flattering and avoids embarassing moments.  Silicone inserts are great for almost everyone to get a close but not compessed fit.  Molded cups and princess seams are nice for smaller busts as are higher necklines.  Make sure the bustline does not gape to avoid embarassment.  Avoid extreme cleavage and slits.

Color should compliment you and give you confidence.  Of course white is expected at debutante balls; yes, they still exist.  Brides usually wear white, off white, or ivory.  Undertones can still compliment your skintone.  Avoid a washed out look or a nude look.  Make sure your makeup is appropriate for age, event, stage lights, etc., and that it compliments the overall look.  Pastel gowns are most forgiving.  If you love brights or reds go for it.  Again, undertones make a difference.  Often times a unique color or something different makes a difference.  Remember the beautiful yellow gown worn by Florida's Miss America a couple years ago?  Still in doubt, get a color analysis.

Buy your shoes as soon as possible.  Scrape up the soles by rubbing across cement to avoid slipperiness.  Most common are acrylic/clear, nude leather or died to match in the same type fabric.  Wear your shoes around the house to break them in and to gain comfort and ease in your walk.  Nothing spoils a look more than a labored gait.  Avoid stappy looks or ankle wrapped looks.  You want your hemline to glide bearly above the floor without dragging.  Trains can be beautiful and add elegance.  Be sure you practice turning around to allow the train to follow you and to avoid tripping.

Stones, beads and sequins are common accrutraments.   Dry cleaning can change the color of sequins or loosen glued on stones due to the extreme heat.  Again use a drycleaner experienced with gowns.  Small areas missing beads are common even in brand new gowns!  There are often missing beads noticed on close inspection, but who gets that close?  Some gowns come with a small bag of loose beads for this reason.  A denser design of stones is common along the bustline to draw attention upward to your face.  A small accent or brooch can accent a shoulder, gather, dropped waist, etc. on a solid gown.  

Avoid over-accessorizing your look.  An open neckline or strapless gown can look very good with a rhinestone necklace or strand of pearls.  Just be sure your overall look is complimentary.  Bold earrings are usually appropriate only if your hair is up or pulled back, and your dress warrants the look.  Rhinestone bracelets may not be appropriate for pageants. 

Consider resale gowns.  Most are worn once for a specific event.  If it hasn't been overly altered to fit, it can provide you with a great bargain.  Gently worn can be a great thing!

Be sure you love your gown to exude confidence and comfort.