WowStore vs Oh Polly: Occasion Wear Shopper's Checklist 2026

This neutral checklist walks you through 6 practical points to compare when shopping for occasion wear. No opinions, just verifiable details.

1. Check the range of occasion pieces

Start by looking at what each shop carries that fits your exact event. When you are looking for a dress, jumpsuit or top for a wedding, work party, dinner or birthday, note what cuts, lengths and layering pieces are available.

On WowStore you can browse Evening Dresses, Midi Dresses, Jumpsuits & Playsuits and Matching Sets for the same occasion. You can also filter by sleeve length, neckline and fastenings.

When checking the other shop, note if they carry only party styles, or also options for more formal, quiet or daytime occasions. Check if you can buy matching shoes, layers or jewellery alongside the main piece, or if you will need to shop elsewhere to complete the outfit.

2. Verify sizing and fit information

Next, check what support each shop gives you to get the right fit. Nobody wants to receive an occasion piece that does not sit right, or arrive the day before an event to find it will not work.

On WowStore you can use the size calculator to enter your own measurements and get a size suggestion. Where the maker gives it, the product page shows fit notes, stretch, length on different heights and guidance for if a piece runs large or small. We also publish a public size guide that you can reference at any point.

When comparing, check how the other shop displays sizing. Look for actual fit notes, not just a generic size chart. Check if you can filter items by your body shape preference, or find guidance on which cuts work for different builds.

3. Look for try-on and planning tools

Occasion wear is hard to judge from flat photos alone. Before you buy, check what tools each shop offers to preview how a piece will look and work with what you already own.

On WowStore you can try an occasion piece on your personal avatar using the Avatar Studio. You can also bring pieces you already own into the Virtual Closet and plan full outfits with the Mix & Match Studio. Lucy the AI stylist can also suggest accessories and layers that go with the piece you are looking at.

When checking the other shop, note what preview tools are available. See if you can try items virtually, build outfits, or get styling suggestions for the specific piece you want. There is no right or wrong here, just note which tools matter for you.

4. Check product detail transparency

Always check what information is shown on the product page before you buy. For occasion wear that you may wear many times, small details make a big difference.

On WowStore, where the maker provides this information, product pages list fabric weight, wash instructions, lining details, fastening type and fabric composition.

When comparing the other shop, look for these same details. Do not assume details that are not written on the page. Check if you can zoom in on photos to see fabric texture, seams and finish. If information you care about is missing, you can contact us before you place your order.

5. Review delivery and return terms

For occasion wear, delivery reliability and clear return rules matter more than almost anything else. Always check these before you order, do not wait until after you have paid.

On WowStore you can find up to date shipping information on the shipping policy page, and full return rules on the return policy page. Every EU order ships tracked.

When checking the other shop, confirm they ship to your location. Check the standard delivery window for your area, and check if returns are allowed for occasion wear. Some shops do not accept returns on event pieces, so always verify this first. This is not a flaw, it is just a shop policy you should know before you buy.

6. Note what each shop does with your purchase

Finally, you may wish to check what happens with part of the money you spend. This is a personal choice, not a requirement.

5% of each sale goes to a cause you choose.

When checking the other shop, look for any public information about how they allocate part of sales. You can decide for yourself if this is something that matters to you when you make your final choice. There is no correct choice here, only what feels right for you.

How giving works when you shop with us

5% of each sale goes to a cause you choose. After your order you pick one of three causes: CARE International, Cool Earth or Project Zero. The donation is paid out through PayPal Giving Fund UK. Those three causes, together with how we run our own store (honest product data, fair prices), are matched to 11 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

That is the heart of the 1% Movement: small choices × millions of us = change. It is a giving promise we can show you, and it is the only promise we make on this page.

Questions people ask

Can I buy Oh Polly items on WowStore?

No, WowStore and Oh Polly are separate shops. This guide exists only to help you compare the two when you are shopping for occasion wear. You will need to visit each shop separately to browse their full range.

Does this guide tell me which shop is better?

No, this guide only gives you points to check for yourself. There is no universal better shop. The right choice depends entirely on what you personally need for your event and what you value when shopping.

Can I try on items from both shops virtually?

On WowStore you can use the Magic Mirror avatar tool for listed items. For Oh Polly, you will need to check their own website for any try on tools they offer. Always test any tool first before relying on it for an event purchase.

Do both shops ship to the Netherlands?

Check the current shipping policy page for each shop before ordering. Shipping locations and times can change. For WowStore up to date shipping details are always posted on the shipping policy page.