From black-tie events and wedding receptions to charity galas and cocktail parties, knowing what to wear on which occasion can pose challenges. Mastering the art of evening wear can be a delicate task that requires balancing glitz and glamor with elegance and sophistication.
Knowing how to achieve the perfect balance will allow you to expertly navigate any evening soiree attired in an unforgettable ensemble that exudes confidence, style, and timeless allure. To help you strike the right note, here are some key considerations when planning your next evening event:
Flatter Your Figure
Choosing the right evening dress for your body shape is essential for flattering your figure and accentuating your best features. Determining your body shape will allow you to select silhouettes and styles that will best complement it, helping you to feel comfortable as well as confident on any occasion. Below are some tips to help you dress according to your body shape:
- Apple shape: With a fuller midsection and slimmer legs and arms, complement this body shape with a dress that defines the waist such as an empire line that cinches in just beneath the bust or an A-line fit that draws attention away from the midsection. To elongate the torso, go for dresses with vertical or asymmetrical designs that create a slimming effect as well as a scoop, plunging, or v-neckline.
- Pear shape: Here the hips, bottom, and thighs are wider compared to a narrower upper body. Dresses that draw the eye to the upper half such as halter necks or bodices with beadwork or embellishments work well. Strapless and off-the-shoulder styles can balance the proportions, as can empire waists and A-lines which skim over the hips and thighs.
- Hourglass Shape: A well-defined waist with a bust and hips of equal width produces this curvaceous figure that can be flattered with figure-hugging dresses that define the waistline. Consider fit and flare, mermaid, and wrap dresses that highlight the natural silhouette, and sweetheart, scoop, or v-necklines to flatter the bust.
- Rectangle shape: This relatively straight silhouette has similar shoulders, hips, and waist measurements and an undefined waist. Dresses that create the illusion of curves such as empire line, peplum, and belt dresses will flatter this figure the most, and scoop, slash or sweetheart necklines act to elongate the neck and bust area producing the appearance of curves.
Dressing to compliment your figure is the first step to finding an evening dress that showcases your style while leaving a lasting impression.
Find the Right Fabric
Whether you choose an elegant and simple ensemble or something with more of a wow factor, picking the right fabric can add to its luxury and class and elevate your outfit, taking it from ordinary to exceptional. Below are some fabrics to consider when dressing for an evening occasion:
- Velvet: This rich regal material adds depth and drama to an outfit and brings a soft tactile element to any dress. A plush fabric that shimmers in the light, velvet is perfect for gently draping the figure and creating a sleek silhouette and slender design.
- Satin: A popular choice for formal evening wear, satin is a smooth and glossy fabric that creates a captivating look. Its lustrous sheen is perfect for adding to the sense of occasion at an opulent event such as a ball or gala. The versatility of this material allows it to drape gracefully over the figure as a sleek evening dress that skims the contours of the body or to create impact with a voluminous ball gown.
- Chiffon: This fine, lightweight fabric adds an ethereal touch to an evening ensemble. Chiffon’s delicate and shimmery appearance lends itself well to adding a dreamy or romantic touch to an outfit as it effortlessly drapes and floats around the figure, creating a soft, elegant, and feminine silhouette.
- Organza: A sheer, crisp fabric that is lightweight and airy, organza also offers a structural beauty that allows it to be styled in various ways. Layering organza creates a beautiful cascading waterfall effect that delicately captures the light while maintaining its structured form. This versatile fabric also blends harmoniously with other fabrics to create distinctive and stand-out pieces.
The right material can greatly enhance and impact the overall appearance of your dress. When making your decision, consider the texture, drape, and movement of your outfit to help you select a fabric that delivers the perfect balance of comfort, elegance, and visual appeal.
Accessorize
No evening ensemble would be complete without some finishing touches. The right accessories have the power to elevate your outfit by bringing glamor, balance, and cohesion to your overall look.
One of the easiest and most effective ways to accessorize your evening attire is through statement jewelry. With its sparkle and sophistication, statement jewelry can bring the simplest of outfits to life by drawing attention to subtle design details and highlighting your best features.
Whether it’s a pair of chandelier earrings that gently bring attention to your face, an oversized diamante necklace that accentuates your decolletage, or a bedazzled cocktail ring that becomes a beautiful focal point, choose statement pieces that express your personal style but also enhance your overall outfit without overpowering it.
Your choice of clutch for the evening also provides a functional yet fashionable accessory to adorn your outfit. Opt for a piece that coordinates with your outfit, sticking to a few essentials such as your keys, lipstick, and mirror to avoid a cumbersome and clumsy look that can detract from the overall elegance and sophistication of your outfit.
From vintage clasps and satin pouches to wristlets and classic minaudières, the choice of evening clutch is limitless. Consider metallic finishes and diamond embellished details to make a bold statement and ramp up the glitz and glamor of your evening ensemble.
Put Your Best Foot Forward
Shoes are not just a necessity but also an opportunity to showcase your style. Choose a style and color that complements your outfit and matches the tone of the evening. For a glamorous evening of cocktails and mingling, opt for a strappy pair of heeled sandals that accentuate your legs and add a touch of femininity to your evening wear. For a more formal affair, consider a pair of classic pumps, slingbacks, or a peep-toe heel to strike the perfect balance of elegance and sophistication.
Put these tips to practice to ensure you make an unforgettable entrance at your next evening event.