If the mere mention of attending a black-tie event fills you with a mix of fear and excitement, you’ve come to the right place. Formal events can be a lot of fun and, for many, a special occasion. However, dressing appropriately for these occasions comes with its own set of unspoken rules, and oftentimes, dress codes are less than specific.
There’s a lot more to wearing evening attires than meets the eye– You need to consider everything from the dress code of the event to your shoes and outerwear. So, whether you’re preparing to attend a charity gala or formal work event or make an appearance on the red carpet—here are some tips and tricks on how to wear evening dresses and make a lasting impression.
But wait! Let’s check the first thing first: what are some recent evening dress trends?
Recent Evening Dresses Trends
Floral, ball gown silhouettes, high slits, and bold cutouts have made it to the most trending choices for 2024, already in events like Met Gala. These statement formal dresses have fashion features that grab attention.
The embellishments and minor detailing of the floral dresses act as the major wow factor. On the other hand, high slits and bold cutouts bring up the desired flattering look.
Moreover, the minimalist-approved color-blocking attire in ball gown silhouettes, which exude luxury and charm, has been a dominant aesthetic at venues for decades, particularly at events such as balls, weddings, galas, operas, and ceremonies, where each trending dress can be worn appropriately.
How To Wear Evening A For Formal Occasions
The first step in dressing for a formal event is to consider the nature of the event.
Cocktail, White Tie, and Black Tie, including Black Tie Optional and Creative Black Tie, are some common formal wear “dress codes” that carry a unique set of spoken and unspoken rules and expectations.
We know that there’s nothing quite as frustrating as being unsure of what “black tie optional,” “dressy casual,” and “cocktail attire” really mean. Don’t worry! We’ve done a little bit of hard research to uncover the facts behind these terms. To kick off our How to Wear Evening Attire guide, we’ll quickly delve into the true meaning of each of these standards.
Black Tie: A Notch Below White-Tie
The most common black-tie dress code is the epitome of a formal event, such as weddings, proms, formal dinners, and theater. For women, formal, floor-length evening gowns are the standard, but you can get away with a cocktail dress if it’s extra snazzy.
-
Black Tie Optional: Pretty much the murkiest of dress codes, ‘Black Tie Optional’ if slightly less formal than Black-Tie and can be extremely tricky. Because the dress code for men is more flexible, women also have more freedom in their choices. While most opt for a formal evening gown no heads would be turned if you choose to wear a cocktail dress or little black dress(LBD).
-
Creative Black Tie: As a rule of thumb, think of it as ‘black tie optional’ but with a smidge of playfulness thrown in. While the other black tie events are generally thought to be more conservative, creative black tie is all about the trends. These events may also feature specific themes, such as ‘1920s Black Tie’ or ‘Christmas Black Tie,’ adding an extra layer of fun and creativity.
Cocktail Attire: A Notch Above Semi-Formal
It’s all about being slightly less formal than a formal event for cocktails. A relatively easy one to interpret, short but sophisticated dresses are the way to go for cocktail events.
White Tie: The Epitome Of Elegance
The most extravagant of all the dress codes, White-Tie events have the most formal dress code. Think Met Gala and Academy Awards Red Carpet. Nothing short of a floor-length evening gown is acceptable, while elbow-length gloves are optional but highly encouraged.
Semi-Formal: Sweet Spot Between Dressy Casual And Black-Tie
Semi-formal means rules are more relaxed than formal. But that doesn’t mean stepping into your everyday wear. Since the essence of semi-formal attire lies in between zones, you can strike between flair and modesty with knee or tea-length dresses for a classic look. For example, a stylish knee-length skirt paired with an elegant blouse can create a stunning semi-formal look.
Dressy Casual: Blend Of Laid-Back And Formal
Even tho it’s all about a sophisticated touch to everyday wear, navigating through the dressy casual code can be tricky. For dressy casual attires, you have a variety of options, including a stylish dress, a skirt paired with a dressy top, dressy pants outfits, or nice jeans teamed with a chic top. The secret ingredient to a dressy casual wedding outfit is a tasteful piece of jewelry and other statement-making accessories like handbags.
Tips To Style Your Evening Dresses
The key moment arrives—essential tips to perfect your style for evening events. Let’s have a look at them!
Dress For Your Body Type
Before purchasing, it’s important to consider your body type and pick the perfect evening gown. Chances are it’ll be a long night, so you want to make sure you’ll be comfortable and confident all night long.
-
Larger Bust: If you have a larger bust, you might want to steer clear of backless dresses. Backless bras are unlikely to offer the support you need, which will leave you constantly tugging at your dress all night long. Believe me, no one wants that.
-
Pear-Shaped: If you’re more pear-shaped, look for evening attires that highlight your upper half. Try a deep V-neck or some sparkling accessories to draw the eye upward, away from your fuller bottom half.
-
Petite Figure: For you petite ladies, the name of the game is creating the illusion of height. Avoid gowns with a long train or full skirt. Too much material will weigh you down and envelop you in a sea of fabric. Opt for a fitted gown with a slight thigh slit to elongate your frame.
-
Hourglass Shape: Those of you with an hourglass shape, the goal is to show off your natural curves. Opt for a gown that hugs your shape and a slight flare at the base.
The next part is your shoes.
Consider The Shoes
When choosing your evening wear, it’s important that you keep in mind the kind of shoes you need to wear that perfectly complement your entire appearance.
If the dress is too long or full, you’ll have to wear really high heels to keep it from dragging on the ground. But before going with the 4-inch heels, make sure you stand in them comfortably for long periods of time. Formal events often involve a lot of standing, waiting, and dancing scenarios, so choose your shoes wisely and realistically.
Moreover, the shoes you wear also need to fit the nature of the event. While you can get away with flats or even sandals at some cocktail events, black and white ties require ladies to wear high heels. Before finalizing your dress choice, make sure the matching shoes are comfortable as well as appropriate.
Don’t Forget About The Accessories
Accessories to wear with your evening gowns are often an overlooked aspect of dressing for formal affairs.
The right kind of accessories, such as jewelry and handbags, can make or break your formal wear look. A good rule of thumb is to go with one piece of bold jewelry and choose the rest of your accessories around it. For instance, if you’re wearing a low neckline, a bold necklace is all you need to make a statement. In such cases, it’s best to skip earrings altogether or ensure that they’re subtle enough not to clash with the necklace.
Your choice of handbag is equally significant for the overall look, and that should be more than just an afterthought. Yes, you probably won’t have it with you all night. However, your evening bag should complement your gown. Make sure it doesn’t clash with your other accessories, and please don’t carry your everyday handbag to a formal event. Even if you plan to leave it in the coatroom, an evening bag is a vital part of donning evening attire.
Wear A Good Coat Over Your Evening Attire
Fall is on the horizon, the chances are you may be preparing for your upcoming events during fall. In that case, throwing your casual trench over an evening dress simply won’t be justified, even if you plan to remove it as soon as you walk in the door.
When attending a formal event, you want to look polished from head to toe… and that includes your outerwear as well. If you’re wearing a floor-length evening gown, avoid coats that stop about mid-thigh. It will make you look cut in half and awkwardly bulky from the leg down.
For your Fall 2024 dresses, opt for a fur shrug or bolero; their short shape will perfectly accentuate your long evening gown while providing warmth.
Wrap Up!
We know how overwhelming selecting these evening dresses can be, especially when you don’t know what you’re looking for. But thank god, you have this guide now to follow. Consider each point carefully, and you’ll create a memorable and remarkable impression at your evening events.
