How to Choose Your Evening Dress?

Are you invited to an event, a party, or a cocktail function and wondering which evening dress to wear? Would you like to know which style will enhance your figure? What colour should you choose to highlight your assets?

I will help you.

As a fashion enthusiast, I understand how crucial the evening gown is as the focal point of your gala look. To really make a statement in an evening gown, it is essential to choose it carefully.

To assist you with this task that can be quite complex, I’m providing you with this comprehensive guide, which offers 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, colour, silhouette, and fabric. Take your time to select an evening gown that flatters your figure, and if you're feeling uncertain, go for a knee-length, flared dress in a solid colour with a V-neckline, which suits most body shapes beautifully. 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 matching clutch and simple, elegant jewellery.

Do you want more details? 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,
• What colour dress to choose that complements your skin tone, eyes, and hair,
• How to accessorise 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'll 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 suits the event you are attending. This way, you will feel completely at ease, without any fear of being overdressed or, on the other hand, underdressed.

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

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

👉 Don’t forget to check in advance if there’s a possible theme for the wedding or party, which might require a suitable dress code. For example, for a rustic bohemian wedding with an outdoor civil ceremony, a relaxed and lightweight dress would be more fitting for the occasion than a formal suit.

For a stylish and elegant event

In this case, choose an outfit that is carefully selected to showcase your elegance. A solid-coloured long dress is typically the way to go, or possibly a designer suit. Consider pairing your dress with chic high-heeled shoes and trendy accessories for 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 flowy jumpsuit. Rather opt for simple patterns, or even something solid in pastel shades or a neutral colour, 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 cause any offence and is generally acceptable. 😉

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 lovely print, a short dress, or even a flowing jumpsuit. If the atmosphere is relaxed, it might be best to steer clear of the long cocktail dresses mentioned in the section for very formal occasions, as it could make you look a bit over-dressed for the event.

Understanding Your Body Shape to Choose a Dress That Flatters You

Certain evening dresses may look stunning in a shop window, but may not fit quite as well when you try them on. To avoid this kind of disappointment, it’s essential to know your body shape and use that knowledge to find a dress that truly highlights your best features.

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

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

If the widest part of your body is towards the lower section, the best party dress for you would definitely be a fit-and-flare dress, which flares out from just above the waist. Opt for soft and flowing fabrics to avoid a tutu effect, which might accentuate your curves rather than subtly highlight them.

Evening dresses that fall just above the knee will particularly flatter you. You can also play with colours by choosing a dress that has a lighter top half and a darker bottom half, which will draw attention to your neckline.

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

This type of silhouette generally has a fairly wide waist, so it’s important to choose an evening dress that visually elongates your upper body without emphasising your curves too much. To achieve this, opt for an empire waist dress, which is fitted just below the bust.

Highlight your assets, specifically your shoulders and neckline: for this, don’t hesitate to choose party dresses with a stylish neckline, lace details on the shoulders, or even pair your dress with a jacket that has shoulder pads.

👉 As far as possible, avoid wide prints, ruffles, and fitted dresses, as they are not ideal for enhancing your beautiful curves.

For an hourglass or figure-eight shape, with a very feminine silhouette

With this body type, you can wear almost anything! Consider highlighting your slim waist with a fitted evening dress at this level: it can be body-hugging or more relaxed, depending on your preferences.

👉 To maintain a chic look, you can choose to show off either your neckline or your legs, but avoid pairing a plunging neckline with a short party dress. 😉

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

Add thickness and volume (with draping, frills...) is an ideal option for women with a slim and elongated silhouette. This will accentuate your body's curves and give you a very feminine look. If you're tall, your legs are a true asset: showcase them with a short evening dress!

👉 Avoid straight, long dresses that are very fitted, as they may not necessarily flatter your body shape.

For Those with a Small Bust

If you have a smaller bust, I recommend avoiding V-neck or heart-shaped necklines, as well as evening dresses designed for larger busts. Instead, consider opting for a bandeau or round neckline with short sleeves. You can enhance your outfit with details that add volume, such as sequins or a multi-strand necklace...

👉 With a smaller bust, you can wear an evening dress with sheer details much more easily. Enjoy it!

Choosing the Colour That Will Enhance 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 colour. In fact, by choosing a party dress that complements certain aspects of your physique, you can naturally enhance your 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 tend to flush rather than tan, your veins look more purplish 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: the pastel shades, elegant, soft and romantic will suit you best. Opt for pale pink, light blue, lilac, cream beige…
• Warm undertones: the bright, colourful, even pop shades are the ones to choose first. Dare to go for orange, bright red, teal, or even yellow or apple green!

According to the colour of your eyes

If you often receive compliments about your eyes and they have a striking colour, make the most of it: you can choose a party dress that matches them for a unique, coordinated look. In this case, also pay careful attention to your makeup to enhance your eyes, as well as your hairstyle to keep them well framed.

According to Your Hair Colour

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

• Blondes : a green, pale pink, brown, black or sky blue evening dress will look fantastic.
• Brunettes : they'll be beautifully complemented by a coral, cobalt blue, red or mustard dress.
• Gingers : bright blue, navy blue, and black will work well, but the best choice is a green dress, as it’s the complementary colour for ginger hair. Don't shy away from forest green or khaki, as these will particularly enhance your look!
• Grey : for those with white or salt-and-pepper hair, opt for pale pink, black or even blue.

How to Accessorise Your Party Dress?

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

Choose Stylish Matching Shoes

With an evening dress, stylish shoes are a must: I can only recommend stiletto heels or heeled sandals with delicate straps. If you're not very comfortable with high heels, you can opt for relatively slim flat heels, which will also work well for this type of outfit.

When it comes to the colour of your shoes, I recommend choosing:

• either in a tone-on-tone style, matching the colour of your dress to create a trendy total look,
• or to pick up the colour of your handbag or clutch to contrast with your dress and balance your silhouette.

What type of bag goes well with an evening dress?

To showcase your dress, I recommend a simple, discreet, and elegant clutch. If you don't want to keep holding your clutch all day, there are options with a detachable thin strap, which can be very handy when you need your hands free.

👉 Does your clutch have metallic details? Wear jewellery in the same shade for a stylish look!

I hope this guide has helped you in your selection of an evening dress, based on 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 look! 😉

If you are still on the hunt for that special piece, don’t hesitate to check out our online store: we handpick unique and trendy dresses for every occasion! With affordable prices and free delivery, they will be perfect for making you the belle of the ball!

Bohemian Long Dress