When heading for a homecoming, wedding, prom or a black tie
affair, the appropriate attire for a woman is a formal evening dress. Formal
evening dresses can be found in various styles, fits and trends but one element
that remains unchanged about it is the length which is typically long and
swinging towards the floor.
However, tasteful modern designer creations have made it
possible for ladies to appear in shorter formal evening dresses depending on
the formality of the occasion. While the conservative strictly formal type of
events call for elegant outfits with subtle sex appeal, you can rock your sexy
bombshell numbers with high side slits, peek-a-boo cuts and swooping necklines
at a number of glittery occasions like prom nights, new year eve parties, theme
parties etc.
Sleek dark colors are popular choices in formal evening
dresses due to their inherent classy chic image. Yet, this is a decision that
is largely dependent on the level of formality. With the spectacular array of
evening dress choices for formal occasions you have the liberty of choosing
from a wide array of colors and prints, especially when the intention is to
stand out from the crowd.
It might be a little tricky to pull off the long gown-look
because if you don’t pick the right style for your figure, it just won’t look
right. The trick is to find a gown style that will bring out the best in your body
figure and minimize the parts you’re not too confident about. Lets’ take a look
at the styles and trends that work for you when it comes to choosing the
perfect formal occasion evening dress, a style that flatter your body, personal
style and meet your eclectic tastes.
1st Step – Define your budget
To minimize time and effort, the first step in finding an
evening dress is to know how much you are prepared to invest on it. Prices will
differ depending on the exclusive status of a dress label, detail work, design
and so on. You also need some spare cash for the accessories, undergarments,
make up and any beauty treatments you may have in mind for the occasion.
If you have a limited budget and looking for a bargain find,
the best time to start your shopping is during off-season which is mainly
during the summer and winter times. Choose bargain dresses in classic elegant
cuts that would not be outdated by the time you are ready to wear the garment.
2nd Step – Are you looking for a dress that will be worn more
than once?
Since the price of the evening dress depends on the
exclusiveness, quality of details and fabric, the best way to ensure your
money’s worth is to search for a dress of superior quality. Higher quality is
typically seen in most evening dresses with less fluff and more refinement.
Moreover, these particular type of dresses will last longer in terms of classic
beauty and durability compared to dresses that are immersed in heavy trendy
embellishments that is more than likely to be out of trend by the next season.
However, if you are in a mood to splurge and make a definite fashion statement
for the current season, you can broaden your search to include dramatic evening
dresses rocking with the sensational accents of the season.
3rd Step – Will it be a department purchase or designer
evening dress?
If making a thrifty choice is a prime necessity, you can find
versatile formal dresses in cheap choices at any of the mainstream department
stores. On the flipside, you have to be prepared to share the identical dress
look with many other women at the party since these types of evening dresses
are very easily accessible by anyone. To differ from the standard look choose
trendy and exclusive statement jewelry or mix and match your outfit with
separately purchased shawls, clutch purse or shoes vibrant of your personal
style.
4th Step – Match your dress to your personal style
Have you got a fair idea of your body shape? It is vital to
understand where you fit in the body shape group since an evening dress is
always designed to fit different body shapes. Once you know your particular
type from apple, pear, inverted triangle to hourglass you can narrow your
search to dress styles and fits such backless, strapless, halter, sleeveless,
one shoulder, natural waistline, high waistline etc. Wearing long formal
evening dresses can be irksome if you are petite. But if you choose a dress
with slim fitting proportions and a well-defined waistline you can easily pull
together a striking look.
5th Step – Selecting the right colors
Align the colors of your dress to your complexion as the
wrong tones can drastically change your appearance no matter how striking the
style and fit of the dress is. Do your homework by checking the color palette
against your skin tone, color of your eyes and hair.
6th step – Determine the right size for optimum fit
One size does not fit all and that’s a fact. When you are
purchasing an evening dress online, you should have the correct measurements
and be able to compare them against the size chart provided for each dress.
Remember to include heel height when you calculate the dress length. Finally,
order your evening dress well in advance to the grand occasion. This leaves you
with plenty of time if there are any alterations to be done. Having found out
the basics of purchasing a formal evening dress here are some pointers to get
you started on an exhilarating shopping spree.