Sequins, satin and statement sleeves—evening dressing are all about the fun. Learn how to choose the right dress and slay this party season! 

Dressing up to a formal event is fun and can make you feel special; however, there’s no denying the fact that the hunt for the perfect party dress can get daunting. When you shop, it might seem challenging, especially while you're wading through racks after racks of party dress designs with bright beading or sequins. 

So, how do you go about finding the perfect party dress for you?

Keep reading to know how!

Types Of Evening Dresses and How to Choose Yours 

What is formal evening attire, and how do you pick one that best suits you?

Like the name says, evening dresses are the prevailing style described by fashion to be usually worn in the evening. They’re often dressier with different fabrics like satin or velvet that are more eye-catching and sophisticated. 

A vital tip to remember while choosing from thousands of formal dresses for women, is that you should be able to carry it off. Why’s this important? Because trends change daily! That doesn’t mean every trend suits you. 

Evening dresses for women, in particular, can be more revealing than what you’re used to. It can be attractive if it’s on the correct figure, and so, it’s essential always to make sure that a garment flatters your figure in all the right places.

Another reliable rule is to always accentuate the positive, like your toned arms or a long, slender neck. In this way, you can showcase your best features and draw attention away from areas that you’re not very fond of, like your so-so hips. 

Here are a few evening dress styles to help you match your dress to your assets:

The Sheath

This dress has a body-hugging outline that doesn’t leave much to the imagination. This would probably be an excellent choice for a formal evening dress for plus size figures as it’s a classy way to show off your curves and still keep the effect subtle. Sheaths in neutral colours are like wardrobe chameleons, and you can simply take them from day to evening with just a change of accessories like a jacket or statement jewellery.

The Classic A-line

The greatest aspect of A-line dresses is that they’re suitable for almost any body type. It provides a nice fullness while still being subtle and hides body flaws. If you’re heavier on the top, an A-line dress helps to balance it out, and if you’re curvier at the bottom, it can conceal your tummy. Talk about the perfect evening dress!

High-Low and Asymmetry

The human eye tends to focus on something that’s not balanced. Asymmetrical hemlines like high-low dresses get a lot of attention and therefore, can be great choices for evening dresses. This can also create complexity and eliminate the need for any other embellishments and accessories. 

Colour

Colour adds a lot more to a garment than you can imagine! When you explore options for your evening dress, remember to choose a colour that you can wear in the future too. For this reason, selecting a dressy garment in neutral shades. is a great idea! Also, when in doubt, wear black. Black is always a good choice for an evening dress and what’s more, it can flatter your figure too. 

Ruffles and Feathers

A great way to help create balance and work as effective camouflage is with the help of garment embellishments like ruffles. If you’re feeling conscious about your flat chest or bottom, a ruffle dress could be a nice way to add fullness where you need it. The pattern or texture of your fabric can help immensely balance your overall look. 

How To Choose the Perfect Formal Dress for Your Special Events

With all the information we’ve given you, now you are ready to choose your dress for your formal party. Here are some things to remember as you take the plunge:

Fix a Budget

Before you decide to go shopping, it’s essential to calculate the amount you’ll be spending on your evening dress. This will help you narrow down your options and find a suitable dress in a particular price range. Try shopping off-season (typically summer and winter), when prices are at their lowest. This way, you can find a gown for the next holiday season without paying a fortune for it.

Prioritise Dresses From Good Designer collections

When you buy evening dresses from professionals, you can be assured of the quality and style. They will feature flattering fits, neat seams and beautiful necklines. So, the extra price associated with a designer gown is usually worth it.  However, if the price tag is still a concern, you can always check out the discounts and sales available on the designer collection.

Choose a Well-fitted Dress 

This means choosing a dress that’s not too big or small. Obviously, you’re not always going to find a dress off the rack that fits you perfectly, but it’s better to get your dress altered to your measurements to ensure a perfect fit. Investing in some good-quality shapewear can also help sport a great figure and will go a long way in hiding unsightly flab. 

Don’t Always Chase Trends

As mentioned earlier, trends come and go at a startling speed. It’s best to buy a dress that isn’t too trendy since it might get outdated in a few months. Instead, stick to classic choices that will always remain trendy, like A-line dresses, cap sleeves and V-necklines. 

Choose the Right Fabric

The way a material drapes on your body plays a huge part in the overall look of your dress. Some fabrics like tulle are rigid, while others like chiffon are soft and flowy. Make sure to choose suitable material; for example, if you’re slim, it’s better to steer clear of fabrics that cling to your body. On the other hand, bulky fabrics like wool may add extra pounds to your look. So, make a wise choice with the type of fabric. For example, if you want a synthetic touch to your plus size cocktail dresses, viscose is a breathable alternative you can opt for. Satin is also featured in the selection of luxury fabrics that drapes perfectly giving you a sleek feeling. 

We hope these tips have made it easier for you to shop for your formal dress! Once you do find your perfect evening dress, don’t forget to accessorise! It is essential to complement your dress with the right shoes and accessories to complete your look. 

As you can see, finding the perfect evening dress doesn’t have to be difficult after all. Just make sure that you consider the things mentioned above, and you should be able to find a great match in no time!

Happy Shopping!