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Top 5 Tips for Picking the Best Formal Dress

Close up of two champagne glasses on a table with silver star confetti.

Top 5 Tips for Picking the Best Formal Dress


Tips for Choosing a Formal Dress

Received an invitation to a black-tie wedding, charity gala, or special formal event and need a formal dress? Get excited! It’s not every day you get to wear fancy dresses, but don’t let your excitement turn into what-to-wear stress. You’ll be celebrating in style in no time when you follow these 5 tips for picking formal dresses:


1. Check the Invitation

The first step in deciding what to wear to any formal event is to carefully read the invitation for clues about the formality and location of the event. A black-tie wedding or fancy charity gala at an upscale country club requires a formal dress with a level of elegance and sophistication. A military ball or formal corporate event may require a reserved formal dress. Be sure to consider the climate of the venue, as well. Cool, air-conditioned events make evening dresses with sleeves a stunning and practical choice, while outdoor charity events in warm weather might call for a sleeveless or off-the-shoulder long formal dress.

2. Select a Style

From a-line to mermaid and everything in between, evening dresses for formal events are available in a variety of figure-flattering styles. Choose one that matches your personal style and makes you feel great! Ideal for nearly all body types, a-line dresses provide a forgiving silhouette, but sophisticated style. Bringing elegance to any formal event, empire-waist gowns with chiffon skirts are a curvy girl’s best friend. Also ideal for most body types, floor-length ball-gown-style formal dresses with layers of tulle are an excellent way to channel your inner princess and bring a regal feel to your formal event. An edgy vibe is yours in a mermaid or trumpet style that accentuates the curves with dramatic flair.

3. Choose a Color

Choose a color that complements your skin tone and expresses your style for a confidently cool look at your next formal. Long dresses in mauve pink are perfectly posh for formal events. Rich burgundy red or navy blue formal dresses are not only trending, but also great for showing your support and patriotism at military balls. Long gold or silver dresses are ideal for shining at special awards ceremonies. Still not sure what color to choose? A classic black formal dress is always in vogue.

4. Dive into Details

From a slight shimmer given by subtle sequin accents to intricate embroidery, evening dresses for formal events offer an array of details that make you stand out from the crowd. A formal dress with minimal beading on the bodice could add just the right sparkle to your special night, while a long formal evening dress with illusion lace detailing brings a romantic vibe. For the best formal dress embellishments, choose details that highlight your personal style, but remember less really is more when keeping your formal look chic and elegant.

5. Find Flattering Fabrics

The final tip for picking formal dresses is to consider the fabrics. Lace has a charming appeal, while satin paints a picture of pure sophistication. Tulle portrays a whimsical and youthful style. Curve-hugging jersey is thicker, yet comfortable, and accentuates your figure and keeps you cozy at cooler venues. For the best formal dress, find the fabric that flatters you and your style.



It’s easy to get swept away by thoughts of grandeur and glamour when deciding what to wear to formal events. However, choosing dresses for formals can be a fun and refreshing shopping experience if you follow the advice above on how to choose formal dresses.

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