Find the Perfect Evening Dress

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 Choose bargain dresses in classic elegant cuts that would not be outdated by the time you are ready to wear the garment.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.