How to Choose the Perfect Evening Dress?

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

I will help you.

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

To assist you with this task, which can be quite complex, I present to 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 dress, including the style of the dress, the colour, the silhouette, and the fabric. Take the time to select an evening dress that flatters your figure, and if you're unsure, opt for a knee-length flared dress with a V-neckline, which suits most body types beautifully. To complete your look, don't forget to carefully choose a lovely pair of heels (either flats or stilettos, depending on your preference), as well as a clutch bag that matches your dress and simple, elegant jewellery.

Would you like more details? Continue reading to find out:

• What dress to wear for a very formal, semi-formal, or casual event,
• How to enhance your figure with an evening dress,
• Which dress colour to choose to complement your complexion, eyes, and hair,
• How to accessorise and what shoes to wear with it,
• And plenty of examples of dresses for all women, regardless of their shape!

Depending on the type of event you will be attending

Whatever the occasion for which you wish to wear an evening dress, the first piece of advice I can give you is to try to choose a dress that matches the event you are attending. This way, you will be perfectly comfortable there, without the worry of overdressing or, on the other hand, underdressing.

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

• Very stylish and dressed up: events dedicated to the fashion world, prestigious weddings, luxury-related cocktails, film events…
• Formal: classic or civil weddings, christenings, professional cocktails,
• Casual: birthday parties, evenings with friends.

👉 Remember to check in advance if there is a possible theme for a wedding or a party, which would involve an appropriate dress code. For instance, for a bohemian countryside wedding with an outdoor civil ceremony, a relaxed and light dress would be more in keeping with the occasion than a formal suit.

For a stylish and formal event

In this case, opt for an outfit chosen with care that elegantly enhances your appearance. A plain long dress will generally be appropriate, or alternatively, a designer suit. Consider pairing your dress with stylish high-heeled shoes and on-trend accessories, to achieve a final look that is 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 fluid jumpsuit. It's better to go for simple patterns, or even something plain, in pastel shades or a neutral colour, to achieve 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 colours of the bridesmaids' dresses. However, if your outfit has a small white detail, that should be fine and shouldn’t upset anyone. 😉

For a Simple and Casual Event

For this type of event, you are free to wear an outfit that reflects your style: you could go for a lovely print, a short dress, or even a flowing jumpsuit. If the atmosphere is relaxed, you might want to steer clear of the long cocktail dresses mentioned in the section dedicated to very formal occasions, as they may make you look a bit over-dressed for the occasion.

Determining Your Body Shape to Choose a Dress That Flatters You

Some evening dresses can look stunning in a shop window, but may not be quite as flattering when you try them on. To avoid this kind of disappointment, it's essential to understand your body shape and use that knowledge to find a dress that truly enhances your best features.

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

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

If the widest part of your body is towards the lower half, the best type of party dress for you is undoubtedly a flared dress, which flares out from just above the waist. Opt for soft and flowing fabrics to avoid a tutu effect that might highlight 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 top half and a darker bottom half to draw attention to your neckline.

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

This type of silhouette typically has a fairly wide waist, so it’s advisable to opt for an evening dress that visually elongates your bust and doesn't accentuate your curves too much. To achieve this, choose an empire-line dress, which is fitted just below the bust.

Draw attention to your assets, in other words, your shoulders and neckline: to achieve this, don't hesitate to choose party dresses with a detailed neckline, lace embellishments on the shoulders, or even wear a jacket with shoulder pads over your dress.

👉 Where possible, avoid wide patterns, frills, and tightly-fitted dresses, as these are not the best choices to flatter your beautiful curves.

For an hourglass figure, with a very feminine silhouette

With this body shape, you can wear almost anything! Consider highlighting 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 reveal either your cleavage 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 tall, slender silhouette

Add thickness and volume (with drapes, frills...) is an ideal option for women with a slender, tall silhouette. This will highlight your body’s curves and give you a very feminine look. If you are tall, your legs are a real asset: show them off with a short evening gown!

👉 Avoid straight, long dresses that cling closely to the body, as they may not be the best choice for flattering your body shape.

For those with a small bust

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

👉 With a petite bust, you can wear an evening dress with sheer details much more easily. Make the most of it!

Choosing the colour that enhances your eyes, hair, and skin tone

Once the shape and style of the evening dress have been determined, the question of its colour arises. Indeed, by choosing a party dress based on certain aspects of your physique, you can truly naturally brighten your complexion and look radiant!

According to Your Skin Tone

There are two main undertones of skin: cool undertones and warm undertones. If you fall into the first category, you are likely to flush rather than tan, your veins appear more purple or blue, and silver jewellery suits you best. On the other hand, if your skin has a warm undertone, it takes on a lovely golden hue in the sun, your veins appear more greenish, and gold jewellery enhances your appearance more 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 that are elegant, soft, and romantic will suit you best. Opt for pale pink, light blue, lilac, or cream beige…
• Warm undertones: vibrant, colourful, and even pop shades are the ones to prioritise. Be bold with orange, bright red, petrol blue, or even yellow or apple green!

According to Your Eye Colour

If you often receive compliments on your eyes and they have a striking colour, make the most of it: you can select a party dress that matches them for a unique and harmonious look. In this case, be sure to also choose your makeup carefully to highlight your eyes, and style your hair to keep your face clear.

According to the colour of your hair

Just like the colour of your eyes, the colour of your hair can also guide you when choosing the colour of your evening dress, especially if your hair is long or medium-length. Here are some suggestions based on different hair colours:

• Blondes: may shine in an evening gown of green, pale pink, brown, black, or sky blue.
• Brunettes: will be enhanced by a coral, sky blue, red, or mustard dress.
• Redheads: bright blue, navy, and black will suit, but the ideal choice is a green dress, as it complements red hair beautifully. Don't hesitate to try fir green or khaki green, which will particularly enhance your look!
• Grey-haired: with 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 element of your evening outfit, I recommend paying particular attention to the choice of shoes and accessories you wear with it, as they will complete your outfit. If the overall look is harmonious and tasteful, the result will be perfect!

Choose Coordinated and Stylish Shoes

With an evening dress, chic shoes are essential: I can only recommend stiletto heels or strappy heeled sandals. If you're not particularly comfortable in high heels, you can choose thin flat heels, which will also work well for this type of outfit.

For the colour of your shoes, I recommend choosing:

• either tone on tone, in the same colour as your dress, to create a striking total look,
• or in a shade that echoes the colour of your handbag or clutch, to contrast with your dress and balance your silhouette.

What type of bag goes with an evening dress?

To highlight your dress, I recommend a simple, discreet, and elegant clutch. If you don't fancy holding your clutch all day, you'll be pleased to know there are options with a removable slim strap, which will come in handy when you need your hands free.

👉 Does your clutch feature metallic details? Wear jewellery in a matching tone for an elegant finish!

I hope this guide has helped you in the selection of your evening dress, taking into account your body shape, the type of event you are attending, and your personal preferences! Also, remember to pay attention to your makeup and hairstyle for a flawless result! 😉

If you are still on the hunt for that perfect item, don't hesitate to take a look at our online shop: we curateunique and trendy dresses for every occasion! With affordable prices and free delivery, they will make you the belle of the ball!

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