You may often experience the excitement (and sometimes stress) of finding the perfect party dress. With an upcoming party on your personal calendar, you’ve got to find the right outfit to wear. The “perfect party dress” is unique to each individual and their style preferences. However, the best party dresses all have one thing in common: they make the person wearing them feel confident and beautiful.
With so many types of party dresses, how are you supposed to know which to choose? You don’t have time to scour the internet for hours. Don’t worry. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to select the ideal party dress for any event. It covers styles, current trends, and essential tips for finding the best party dress.
The Party Dress Lineup: Must-Have Styles for Every Occasion
We will review party dress styles for different occasion types. By the end of this guide, you will better understand your options and how to choose the right dress. The fun thing about party dresses is the wide variety of styles that fit into the category. Let’s dive right into the must-have styles for each type of event.
Black-tie Events
Black-tie events are known for having guests dress to the nines: men in tuxedos, women in classy floor-length gowns. Within the style of floor-length gowns, several popular silhouettes exude elegance.
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A-line. This dress silhouette cinches at the waist and flares out in the skirt, creating an “A” shape. It is a classic evening wear style that complements many body types, including hourglass, pear, and triangle.
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Mermaid. The mermaid dress style is sleek and form-fitting through the hips, splaying out past the thigh area to create a curvy appearance.
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Sheath. Sheath dresses feature straight cuts and no waist seams. They loosely hug the body's natural shape and give off an air of sophistication ending at mid-calf level.
Within these dress types, you can find dresses made from silk, velvet, and crepe, among other fabrics. Dresses with embellishments, such as sparkles, elevate black-tie looks.
Formal Parties
Formal parties, such as weddings, require different opulence than black-tie affairs. While some weddings specify wearing a black-tie style, most fall into the formal category. When dressing for formal events, you should find an outfit that balances formality and your personal style.
Some wedding guest styles we recommend include:
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Midi. Midi dresses fall between the knee and the ankle in length. They are suitable for many occasions, including formal parties and weddings. Midi dresses are especially great for the spring and summer seasons.
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Maxi. Maxi dresses are full-length dresses that reach the ankle and provide a modest and polished look.
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Off-the-shoulder. Off-the-shoulder dresses are ideal for formal parties because they allow you to showcase your décolletage and shoulders.
Formal occasion dresses call for sophisticated details like cowl necks, backless cuts, or cut outs. The fabrics used for formal dresses are diverse and range from satin to chiffon.
Cocktail Parties
Cocktail parties are a time to have fun, eat delicious hors d’oeuvres, and chit-chat with old friends. Cocktail dresses are known for their playful yet chic style. There are several dress types we recommend for cocktail parties:
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Mini. Mini dresses are a highly popular option for cocktail parties and boast a flirty style. These dresses are short dresses, typically falling several inches above the knee.
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Strapless. Strapless dresses are another ideal style for cocktail parties. These kinds of dresses are fun and freeing.
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Fit-and-flare. This dress style features a fitted bodice and a flared skirt, creating the appearance of curves.
Within these styles, consider dresses with a little extra wow factor. Look for dresses with ruffles, lace, or sequins to showcase your unique fashion taste.
Holiday Parties
Holiday parties are the ideal time to wear festive party dresses, whether with friends and family or your work colleagues.
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Velvet. Velvet dresses are almost synonymous with holiday parties. There’s just something about the texture of velvet that screams luxury. Velvet dresses come in many silhouettes to flatter various body shapes.
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Sequin. The holidays, especially New Year’s Eve, are great times to break out the sequin dresses. Sequin dresses shimmer and shine as you dance the night away.
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Brocade. Brocade dresses are characterized by their intricate patterns and metallic shine. This festive fabric is used for styles like fit-and-flare, strapless, and mini dresses.
When choosing a dress for a holiday party, consider reds, greens, or jewel tones. These colors, along with metallics, are well-suited to the holiday season.
Casual Parties
Casual parties and summer barbeques are just around the corner. For casual parties, you want to be stylish but comfortable. Some ideal options for casual or outdoor parties include:
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Sundress. This classic style is an excellent choice for casual parties with its light and airy feel. Sundresses come in various colors and styles, including chambray, crochet, and linen.
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Flowy midi. Flowy midi dresses are typically very feminine and commonly feature floral patterns.
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Belted. Belted dresses are fabulous for summer barbeques and other casual parties. They cinch the waist and show off your figure.
Fabrics like cotton blends, lighter linens, and chambray are popular choices for casual dress styles. If you feel a dress might be too casual for a party, try dressing it up with the right accessories.
Trending Fabrics and Colors: What's Hot Now?
The trends in fabrics and colors for party dresses change periodically to meet the fashion industry's evolving needs. We’ll cover several trending fabrics and color palettes for party dresses.
Fabrics
The most popular fabrics for party dresses include:
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Satin. Satin is a smooth and shiny fabric similar to silk in appearance but less expensive.
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Velvet. Velvet features a dense pile that gives it a soft, almost fuzzy feel. It’s a timeless party dress fabric that is suitable for many occasions.
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Sequins. Sequin fabric flaunts stunning reflective properties, making it a standout for party dresses.
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Lace. Lace is a timeless and elegant fabric for party dresses. Its sheer coverage and intricate details make it a favorite among party dress fabrics.
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Organza. Organza is a sheer fabric that is typically made from silk. It is seen in party dresses in various lengths and styles.
These fabrics offer an elevated style when choosing party dresses. The fabric of the dress impacts the outfit's overall look and feel.
Colors
The dominant colors being seen on runways and in party dress trends include:
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Jewel tones. Emerald green, sapphire blue, and amethyst purple are popular party dress color options. For a holiday party, try wearing an emerald green fit-and-flare dress.
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Metallics. Metallic shades like gold, silver, rose gold, and bronze can be worn to create versatile party looks. A metallic brocade dress is an ideal outfit option for a formal event.
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Bold brights. Bright colors like fuchsia, red, and cobalt blue are making their presence known in party dress trends.
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Classic black. Nothing can ever replace the classic little black dress (LBD). Black remains a very popular color for party dresses.
Finding Your Perfect Fit: Tips for Selecting the Right Dress
Now that you know the 15 top party dress styles, it’s time to shop for some dresses! Here are a few tips to consider when shopping for your next occasion.
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Learn what styles flatter your body type. Consider what you want to emphasize when selecting a dress for your body shape. Be sure to wear what makes you feel the most confident.
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Remember the occasion and any dress code requirements. It’s important to consider the event’s atmosphere and choose attire appropriate for the dress code.
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Find something both comfortable and stylish. Choose a dress that allows for comfortable movement and dancing. The key is to prioritize comfort without sacrificing style.
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Showcase your personal style. Embrace your style and choose a dress that reflects your individuality. You can also enhance a party dress by adding accessories that you like.
Celebrate in Style with Porterist
Selecting and styling a party dress takes time and effort, but it’s so worth it. Finding the ideal dress for your upcoming event shouldn’t be a struggle, though. Porterist offers a broad selection of party dresses suitable for any occasion. Looking for a stunning mini dress, a bright colored maxi, or a strapless ruffled dress? We’ve got what you need. We’re committed to providing the most stylish party dresses at accessible prices.