How to Choose Your Evening Dress?

Are you invited to an event, a party, or a cocktail gathering and wondering what evening dress to wear? Would you like to know which style will flatter your body shape? What colour should you choose to highlight your best features?

I'll help you.

As a fashion enthusiast, I understand how the evening gown is the focal point of your gala look. To truly make an impression in an evening dress, it's essential to choose it wisely.

To help you with this task, which can be quite complex, I’m offering you this comprehensive guide, filled with simple and detailed tips to find the dress of your dreams.

There are several factors to consider when choosing your evening dress, such as the style of the dress, the colour, the silhouette, and the fabric. Take your time to select an evening dress that enhances your figure, and if you're unsure, go for a knee-length, flared dress with a V-neckline, which flatters most body types. To complete your look, don’t forget to carefully choose a lovely pair of heels (either flats or stilettos, depending on your preference), along with a clutch that matches your dress and some simple, elegant jewellery.

Want to know more? Keep reading to find out:

• What dress to wear for a very formal, semi-formal, or casual event,
• How to enhance your body shape with an evening dress,
• Which dress colour to choose to complement your skin tone, eye colour, and hair,
• How to accessorise and choose the right shoes,
• And plenty of dresses examples for all women, regardless of their body shape!

Depending on the type of event you’ll be attending

No matter the occasion for which you're planning to wear an evening dress, the first piece of advice I can give you is to try and choose a dress that fits the event you’re attending. This way, you'll feel completely at ease when you arrive, without worrying about being overdressed or, on the contrary, underdressed.

There are some nuances for specific occasions, but to keep it simple, we can identify these three types of occasions:

• Very chic and dressed up : events focused on the fashion world, prestigious weddings, luxury-related cocktail parties, cinema events…
• Formal : traditional or civil weddings, christenings, professional cocktail events,
• Casual : birthday parties, evenings with friends.

👉 Be sure to check in advance if there’s a specific theme for a wedding or celebration that might require a suitable dress code. For instance, for a rustic bohemian wedding with an outdoor civil ceremony, a relaxed and light dress would be more fitting for the occasion than a formal suit.

For a Stylish and Smart Event

In this case, opt for a carefully chosen outfit that elegantly showcases you. A long solid-coloured dress is usually the way to go, or perhaps a designer suit. Be sure to pair your dress with stylish high-heeled shoes and trendy accessories for a look that's perfectly suited to the occasion!

For a Formal Event

Depending on your preferences, you can choose between a women's trouser suit, a long or mid-length dress, or even a flowing jumpsuit. It's best to go for simple patterns or even solid colours, in pastel shades or neutral tones, to achieve a chic and polished look.

👉 If it’s a wedding, steer clear of shades of white, cream, and ivory to avoid overshadowing the bride, as well as the colours of the bridesmaids' dresses. However, if your outfit has a small white detail, it shouldn’t be a big deal and no one should be offended. 😉

For a simple and casual event

For this type of event, you’re free to wear an outfit that suits you: feel free to dress up in a lovely print, a short dress, or even a flowing jumpsuit. If the atmosphere is casual, you might want to steer clear of the long cocktail dresses mentioned in the section for very formal occasions, as they could make you look a bit too dressy for the event.

Identifying Your Body Shape to Choose a Dress that Flatters You

Some evening dresses can look stunning in a shop window, but may not fit as well when you try them on. To avoid this kind of disappointment, it’s important to understand your body shape and use that knowledge to find a dress that will truly highlight your assets.

👉 If you're unsure about your body shape, you can always go for a simple knee-length flared dress with a V-neckline, as it's a timeless style that flatters most body types.

For an A-shaped figure, with generous thighs, hips, and curves

If the widest part of your body is towards the lower half, the best type of party dress for you is definitely an A-line dress, which flares out from the waist. Opt for soft and flowing fabrics to avoid a tutu effect, as this could emphasise your curves rather than subtly suggest them.

Evening dresses that fall just above the knee will particularly flatter your figure. You can also play with colours by opting for a dress with a lighter upper half and a darker lower half, drawing attention to your neckline.

For an O-shaped figure, with a few curves around the tummy

This type of silhouette typically has a relatively wide waist: therefore, it’s advisable to choose an evening dress that visually elongates your torso and doesn’t highlight your curves too much. For this, opt for an empire waist dress, which is fitted just below the bust.

Highlight your best features, particularly your shoulders and décolletage: to do this, don't hesitate to choose party dresses with a stylish neckline, lace detailing on the shoulders, or even pair your dress with a jacket that has shoulder pads.

👉 As much as possible, steer clear of wide prints, ruffles, and figure-hugging dresses, as they aren't the best for showcasing your lovely curves.

For an 8 or hourglass figure, with a very feminine silhouette

With this body type, you can wear just about anything! Consider highlighting your slim waist with a fitted evening dress at this point: it can be form-fitting or not, depending on what you prefer.

👉 To maintain an elegant look, you can choose to either show off your neckline or your legs, but it's best to avoid pairing a plunging neckline with a short party dress. 😉

For an H-shaped figure, with a slim waist and a lean silhouette

Adding layers and volume (with drapes, frills...) is a perfect choice for women with a slim, elongated silhouette. This will help highlight your body's curves and give you a very feminine look. If you're tall, your legs are a real asset: accentuate them with a short evening dress!

👉 Avoid straight, long dresses that cling tightly to your body, as they may not necessarily complement your figure.

For Those with a Smaller Bust

If you have a smaller bust, I recommend steering clear of V-neck or sweetheart necklines, or evening dresses designed for more generous figures. Instead, opt for a strapless or round neckline with short sleeves. Dress it up with details that add volume, such as sequins or a multi-chain necklace...

👉 If you have a smaller bust, you can easily wear a evening dress with sheer details. Make the most of it!

Choosing the Colour that Enhances Your Eyes, Hair and Skin Tone

Once you've settled on the shape and style of your evening dress, the next question is about its colour. By selecting a party dress that complements certain aspects of your physique, you can truly enhance your natural complexion and look radiant!

According to Your Skin Tone

There are two main skin undertones: cool undertones and warm undertones. If you fall into the first category, you are likely to flush rather than tan, your veins appear more purplish or blue, and silver jewellery looks best on you. On the other hand, if your skin has a warm undertone, it takes on a lovely golden hue in the sun, your veins are more greenish, and gold jewellery complements you better than silver.

Here’s how to match the colour of your evening dress to your skin undertone, to brighten your face and enhance your figure:

• Cool undertones: pastel shades, elegant, soft and romantic will suit you best. Opt for pale pink, light blue, lilac, or cream beige...
• Warm undertones: vibrant, colourful, even pop shades are the ones you should choose first. Dare to wear orange, bright red, petrol blue, or even yellow or apple green!

Based on the Colour of Your Eyes

If you frequently receive compliments about your eyes and they have a striking colour, make the most of it: you can opt for a party dress that matches them for a unique tonal look. In this case, be sure to carefully choose your makeup to highlight your eyes, as well as your hairstyle to keep them well-defined.

Based on Your Hair Colour

Just like the colour of your eyes, the colour of your hair can also be a guide for choosing the colour of your evening dress, especially if your hair is long or medium length. Here are some tips based on different hair shades:

• Blonds: A green, pale pink, brown, black, or sky blue evening dress will work beautifully.
• Brunettes: You'll look stunning in a coral, bright blue, red, or mustard dress.
• Redheads: Bright blue, navy, and black are great choices, but the perfect option is a green dress, as it complements red hair beautifully. Don’t be afraid to try forest green or khaki, which will particularly enhance your look!
• Grey Hair: If you have white or salt-and-pepper hair, opt for pale pink, black, or blue.

How to Accessorise Your Party Dress?

Although your dress is the main feature of your evening outfit, I suggest you pay special attention to the choice of shoes and accessories you wear with it, as these will complete your look. If the overall ensemble is harmonious and tasteful, the result will be perfect!

Choose Coordinated and Stylish Shoes

With an evening dress, chic shoes are a must: I can only recommend stilettos or heeled sandals with delicate straps. If you're not too comfortable in high heels, you could choose relatively thin flats, which will also suit this type of outfit.

For the colour of your shoes, I recommend choosing them as follows:

• either tonally matched to the same colour as your dress for an ultra-trendy total look,
• or in a shade that complements your handbag or clutch, to contrast with the colour of your dress and balance your silhouette.

What type of bag to wear with an evening gown?

To complement your dress, I recommend a simple, discreet, and elegant clutch. If you’re not keen on holding your clutch all day, you’ll be pleased to know that there are options available with a removable fine shoulder strap, which is incredibly handy when you need to keep your hands free.

👉 Does your bag have metallic details? Wear jewellery in the same tone for a stylish finish!

I hope this guide has helped you in your choice of evening dress, considering your body shape, the type of event you're attending, and your personal preferences! Also, remember to pay attention to your make-up and hairstyle for a flawless finish! 😉

If you’re still on the hunt for that perfect piece, don’t hesitate to check out our online store: we handpickunique and trendy dresses for all occasions! With affordable prices and free delivery, they’ll be just right for making you the belle of the ball!

Bohemian Long Dress