Evening Gown That Makes You Feel Like the Best Dressed Guest

Look Elegant and Feel Confident in the Perfect Evening Gown

Women want to be special on special occasions. Choosing the right evening gown for the occasion helps a woman feel special. There are different kinds of beautiful evening gowns to choose from, like long elegant dresses and sparkly gowns. The challenge is finding the right style to suit the occasion that also creates a confident feel.

There are some important tips for finding a beautiful evening look. The first step in finding the right evening gown to wear for a special occasion is determining the event.

Before choosing your gown, keep these important factors in mind:

1. Understand the Dress Code: Choose a gown that matches the formality and style of the event.
2. Find a Flattering Silhouette: Consider A-line, mermaid, sheath, or ball gown styles that suit your preferences.
3. Choose the Right Fabric: Look for satin, chiffon, velvet, lace, or sequins depending on the season and occasion.
4. Consider Colors and Details: Select shades, necklines, and embellishments that complement your overall look.
5. Prioritize Fit and Comfort: Make sure your gown allows you to walk, sit, and enjoy the celebration comfortably.

Choose a Silhouette You Can Move In

How freely you can dance, walk, and sit is determined by the design of the gown.

A-line: Simply designed and not restrictive. Great for most formal events.

Sheath: A stylish, clean look that requires little fabric. Good for any type of formal event.

Mermaid: A dramatic design that works well for formal events, but can restrict movement.

Empire waist: Good for informal events.

Ball gown: Best saved for formal events like a celebration.

Break the rules and try a few shapes on for size. The one you forget about is probably the winner.

Find the Right Fabric for the Evening

Different fabrics reflect light in various ways.

• Satin: A formal fabric with a refined shine. Works well for evening wear.
• Chiffon: A very ethereal fabric. Works great for summer/spring events.
• Velvet: Winter galas and parties call for something extra special. Velvet is naturally rich and soft to the touch.
• Crepe: For a cleaner, more structured look and a matte finish, try a crepe fabric.
• Lace: For a subtle texture, look for evening gowns with lace details on the bodice or sleeves.
• Sequins: Add a little sparkle to your holiday look with a sequin gown; just be sure the lining feels good against your skin.

All of these fabrics can be found on gorgeous evening gowns. For a dress with more shape and depth, look for gowns made with velvet, and for a look with less adornment and more elegance, look for an off-shoulder dress with a satin bodice. For a little sparkle, look for formal sequin dresses with an off-shoulder neckline.

While considering the prices, be sure to check the care labels, as some fabrics require more upkeep than others to keep them looking their best.

Dress for the Season

Changes in the weather and in the venues where events take place mean changes in what you wear.

When it's warm out, wear lightweight fabrics to let the air flow, and think about the wind and humidity. Clingy fabrics can tangle and stick to your legs. Outdoors, a long skirt can tangle and cling.

When it’s cold out, wear heavier fabrics, and think about how coverage keeps you warm. Long sleeves can still be narrow to give a V-neck, and a shawl can give it a finishing formal touch.

Even with the changing temperatures, formal dresses in the winter can still be smooth and form-fitting. With air conditioning, the indoors can be cold, so a lightweight shawl can still give a formal look.

Check Fit, Support and Comfort

How a gown looks in pictures isn’t always the case when you try it on. One way to test the bodice is to raise your arms.

• Strapless Gowns: Make sure the bodice is snug against your bust and upper ribs. Consider using boning or a cup. To test, sit and stand to see if the bodice is sliding. If it is, make sure to get it altered.
• Thin Straps: If you’re getting a strapless gown, make sure you get a strap to go with it, as not all designs have built-in support.
• Floor Length: Make sure your gown doesn’t touch the ground when you’re wearing the shoes you’ll be wearing that evening.

When ordering a gown online, measure your bust, hip, and waist, compare those to the size chart, and see if they have a decent return policy; also consider if you’ll be able to get alterations in time.

Test to see if you’re able to go up and down stairs when you’re trying the gown on.

Find the Gown That Fits Your Evening

A well-fitting floor-length gown can be stunning. So can a fit-and-flare design in gorgeous velvet. Your next special occasion deserves a dress you feel confident and comfortable in. 

Explore the beautiful collection of evening gowns at The Dress Outlet and find a style that suits your taste and the event. Need help choosing the right design, colour, or fit? Book an appointment with The Dress Outlet and get personal help finding an evening gown you'll love wearing. Make your next special occasion one to remember!