How to Choose the Perfect Evening Gown?

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 enhance your figure? What color should you choose to highlight your best features?

I will help you.

As a fashion enthusiast, I understand how the evening gown is the centerpiece of your gala look. To make a statement in an evening gown, you need to choose it carefully.

To help you with this potentially complex task, I offer you this comprehensive guide, which provides simple and detailed tips to find the dress of your dreams.

There are several factors to consider when choosing your evening gown, such as the style of the dress, the color, the silhouette, and the fabric. Take the time to select a dress that highlights your features, and if you’re unsure, go for a knee-length A-line dress with a V-neckline, which flatters most body shapes. To complete your look, don’t forget to carefully choose a nice pair of heels (flat or stilettos, depending on your preference), along with a clutch that matches your dress and simple, elegant jewelry.

Want more details? Keep reading to find out:

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

Depending on the Type of Event You Will Attend

No matter the occasion for which you want to wear an evening gown, the first piece of advice I can give you is to try to choose a dress that matches the event you’re attending. This way, you’ll feel completely comfortable and won’t have to worry about being overdressed or, conversely, underdressed.

There are certain nuances for specific occasions, but to keep it simple, we can categorize them into these three types of occasions:

• Very chic and stylish: events dedicated to the fashion world, prestigious weddings, luxury-related cocktail parties, movie events…
• Formal: classic or civil weddings, baptisms, professional cocktail events,
• Casual: birthday parties, gatherings with friends.

👉 Don’t forget to check in advance if there’s a specific theme for a wedding or event that would require a suitable dress code. For example, for a bohemian outdoor wedding with a civil ceremony, a relaxed and light dress will fit the occasion better than a formal suit.

For a Chic and Dressy Event

In this case, choose an outfit carefully that highlights your elegance. A solid long dress is typically appropriate, or perhaps a designer suit. Consider pairing your dress with chic high-heeled shoes and trendy accessories for a final look that perfectly fits the occasion!

For a Formal Event

Based on your preferences, you can choose between a women’s pantsuit, a long or midi dress, or even a flowy jumpsuit. It’s best to go for simple patterns or even a solid color in pastel tones or a neutral shade for a chic and polished look.

👉 If it’s a wedding, avoid shades of white, cream, and ivory so as not to overshadow the bride, as well as the colors of the bridesmaids’ dresses. However, if your outfit has a small white detail, it’s not a big deal and it shouldn’t upset anyone. 😉

For a Simple and Casual Event

For this type of event, you are free to wear an outfit that suits you: you can go for a beautiful 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 that could make you look a bit too dressed up for the event.

Determine Your Body Type to Choose a Dress That Flatters You

Some evening gowns can look stunning in a store display, but may not fit as well when you try them on. To avoid this kind of disappointment, it’s crucial to know your body type and use that knowledge to find a dress that truly highlights your best features.

👉 If you’re unsure about your body type, you can always opt for a simple knee-length flared dress with a V-neckline, as it’s a timeless design that flatters most body shapes.

For an A-shape body type, with generous thighs, hips, and buttocks

If the widest part of your body is towards the lower half, the best party dress for you is definitely a fit-and-flare dress, which flares out from the waist. Opt for soft, flowing fabrics to avoid a tutu-like effect that might emphasize your curves more than it suggests them.

Evening dresses that fall right above the knee will particularly flatter your figure. You can also play with colors by choosing a dress with a lighter upper half and a darker lower half to draw attention to your neckline.

For an O-shaped body type, with some curves around the belly

This body type typically has a broad waist, so it’s important to select an evening gown that visually elongates your torso without emphasizing your curves too much. For this, opt for an empire waist dress, which is fitted just below the bust.

Highlight your best features, specifically your shoulders and neckline: to do this, don’t hesitate to choose party dresses with a stylish neckline, lace details on the shoulders, or even wear a jacket with shoulder pads over your dress.

👉 Whenever possible, avoid wide prints, ruffles, and tight dresses, as they are not ideal for showcasing your beautiful curves.

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

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

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

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

Add layers and volume (with draping, ruffles…) is an ideal option for women with a slim and athletic figure. This will highlight your body’s curves and give you a very feminine look. If you are tall, your legs are a true asset: show them off with a short evening dress!

👉 Avoid straight, long dresses that are very fitted, as they may not be the best choice for flattering your body type.

For Those with a Smaller Bust

If you have a smaller bust, I recommend avoiding V-neck or sweetheart necklines, as well as evening gowns designed for larger busts. Instead, you might opt for a strapless or rounded neckline, paired with short sleeves. Enhance the look with details that add volume, such as sequins or a multi-chain necklace…

👉 With a small bust, you can wear a evening gown with sheer details much more easily. Take advantage of it!

Choosing the Color That Enhances Your Eyes, Hair, and Skin Tone

Once you’ve decided on the shape and style of your evening dress, the next question is about its color. By choosing a party dress that complements certain aspects of your appearance, you can truly bring out your natural glow and look radiant!

Based on Your Skin Tone

There are two main skin undertones: cool undertones and warm undertones. If you fall into the first category, you are more likely to redden than tan, your veins appear more purplish or blue, and silver jewelry looks best on you. In contrast, if your skin has a warm undertone, it tends to take on a lovely golden hue in the sun, your veins are more greenish, and gold jewelry enhances your look more than silver does.

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

• Cool undertones: the pastel shades, elegant, soft, and romantic will suit you best. Opt for light pink, light blue, lilac, cream beige, and so on…
• Warm undertones: the bright, colorful, and even pop shades are the ones to prioritize. Dare to try orange, bright red, teal, or even yellow and apple green!

Based on Your Eye Color

If you frequently receive compliments on your eyes and they have a striking color, take advantage of it: you can choose a party dress that matches them for a unique, monochromatic look. In this case, also carefully select your makeup to highlight your eyes, along with your hairstyle to keep them clear and visible.

According to Your Hair Color

Just like the color of your eyes, the color of your hair can also guide you in choosing the color of your evening gown, especially if your hair is long or medium-length. Here are some tips based on different hair colors:

• Blonds: A green, pale pink, brown, black, or light blue evening gown will look great.
• Brunettes: You’ll shine in a coral, light blue, red, or mustard dress.
• Redheads: Bright blue, navy, and black are good choices, but the perfect option is a green dress, as it complements red hair beautifully. Don’t be afraid to try forest green or olive green; they’ll look especially stunning on you!
• Gray-haired: For those with white or salt-and-pepper hair, opt for pale pink, black, or blue dresses.

How to Accessorize Your Party Dress?

While your dress is the main element of your evening outfit, I recommend paying special attention to the choice of shoes and accessories you will wear with it, as they will complete your look. If everything is harmonious and tasteful, the result will be perfect!

Choose Stylish and Coordinated Shoes

When wearing an evening dress, chic shoes are a must: I can only recommend high heels or strappy sandals. If you’re not very comfortable in stiletto heels, you can choose relatively thin flat heels, which will also work well with this type of outfit.

For the color of your shoes, I recommend you choose:

• either in a tone-on-tone style, matching the color of your dress to create a chic total look,
• or in a color that echoes your handbag or clutch, to contrast with the hue of your dress and balance your silhouette.

What type of bag goes with an evening gown?

To highlight your dress, I recommend a simple, discreet, and elegant clutch. If you don’t want to hold your clutch all day, there are options available with a removable thin strap, which will be quite handy when you need your hands free.

👉 Does your clutch have metallic details? Wear jewelry in the same tone for an elegant look!

I hope this guide has helped you in choosing your evening dress, based on your body type, the type of event you’ll be attending, and your personal preferences! Also, make sure to pay attention to your makeup and hairstyle for a flawless look! 😉

If you’re still searching for that rare gem, don’t hesitate to check out our online store: we curateunique and trendy dresses for every occasion! With affordable prices and free shipping, they’ll be perfect for making you the queen of the evening!

Bohemian Long Dress