An evening dress is a long, feminine dress worn on formal occasions and ceremonies. A formal dress is not only an opportunity to express your style, but also a symbol of elegance and sophistication. In this article, we will explore the different formal wear options, how to match them, and the latest trends for 2025, helping you choose the most suitable dress for any special occasion.
Types of formal wear
There are different types of formal dresses, each of which is suited to a particular type of event and the required dress code.
1. Long evening dress
The long evening dress is ideal for particularly formal events, such as a gala, an elegant wedding or a charity dinner. These dresses are characterized by their length, which reaches the feet, and by the luxurious fabrics that compose them, such as silk, taffeta or satin. Long evening dresses can have a high neck, a V-neck, a sweetheart or long sleeves, depending on the season and trends.
Princess Dress: With a cinched waist and a wide, flowing skirt , the princess dress is a romantic and regal choice.
Long Sheath Dress: Minimalist and sophisticated, the long sheath dress is perfect for those looking for an elegant look without too many frills.
With the accompanying robe: For a more complete and elegant look, the wedding dress can be combined with an accompanying robe. This can be a silk or wool jacket, with embroidery or lace details, or a cape in leather or light fabric. A white silk robe with beaded embroidery combined with a white satin ball gown is perfect for a winter wedding ceremony.
2. Cocktail dress
The cocktail dress is a perfect choice for semi-formal events or cocktail parties.
Sheath Dress: Always elegant, the sheath dress is a safe choice for any occasion.
Sweetheart Neckline Dress: For a touch of femininity, the sweetheart neckline dress is perfect for a cocktail party.
Sequin Dress: For those who love to shine, the sequin dress is ideal for a special evening.
For matching, the cocktail dress can be combined with an elegant jacket or a bolero, while for a summer look you can combine it with a light stole or a jacket made of fresh fabric . The main idea when choosing a cocktail dress is to maintain a balance between elegance and comfort, so that you are ready to move and enjoy the event.
3.The formal suit/Evening dress with slit
The slit evening dress is a bold and sophisticated version of the traditional evening dress. The evening skirt is a very versatile formal dress, suitable for different occasions, from an elegant dinner to a ball.
Bow Skirt: This skirt features one or more bows, which can be placed in various places, such as on the waist, shoulders, or along the hem. It is a very feminine and elegant style, often made of fabrics such as silk, voile, or tulle. A blue silk bow skirt with a white linen top is perfect for an elegant dinner at a restaurant.
Tiered Skirt: This skirt has a tiered structure, which can be made with different types of fabrics or with color variations. It is a very modern and fashionable style, suitable for those who want to stand out. Tiered skirts are often made of cotton, linen or satin, and can be decorated with prints, embroidery or sequins. A multi-colored satin tiered skirt with a black silk top is perfect for a ball or a musical event.
With a jacket: In some cases, the evening skirt can be paired with a jacket, especially if you want to add a touch of formality or if you want to protect yourself from the cold. The jacket can be a silk jacket, a wool jacket or a leather jacket, with embroidery or lace details. A black silk jacket with rhinestone embroidery paired with a multi-colored satin tiered skirt is perfect for a ball.
4. Short formal dress/The wedding dress
The wedding dress is undoubtedly the most iconic formal dress. It comes in a variety of styles, each with its own name and characteristics.
Ball gown: This is a classic among wedding dresses . Featuring a full, full skirt, usually starting from the waist, it creates a regal and princess-like effect. It is often made of fabrics such as tulle, satin or brocade, and can be decorated with embroidery, beads and rhinestones. A white satin ball gown with beaded floral embroidery details is perfect for a wedding ceremony in an elegant venue, such as a church or castle.
Mermaid dress: This dress fits closely to the body from the shoulders to the waist and flares out dramatically from the knees, recreating the shape of a mermaid.
A-line dress: This dress shape gradually flares out from the waist, taking on the shape of an A. It is a very versatile style, suitable for different body types.
Short Swing Dress: With a wide, flared skirt, the short swing dress is perfect for a playful, feminine look.
Short Bodycon Dress: For a bolder look, the short bodycon dress highlights the body shape.
Short dress with ruffles: The ruffles add movement and lightness, ideal for a summer occasion.
As for combinations, a short ceremony dress can be combined with a cropped jacket or a stole in light fabrics. Perfect for daytime weddings, it can also be chosen in brighter colors such as coral or turquoise, depending on the theme of the ceremony. The underlying top can be a silk shirt, a bodysuit or a bustier, with lace details or embroidery. A pink silk underlying top with rhinestone embroidery combined with a white crepe mermaid dress is perfect for a more modern wedding ceremony.
5. Sweetheart neckline formal dress
The sweetheart neckline formal dress is one of the most romantic and feminine models. This type of neckline, which recalls the shape of a heart, is particularly suitable for elegant events such as weddings and balls. It can be chosen in various materials, including silk, mikado or taffeta, and is often enriched with lace details or rhinestone applications.
With a shirt: The formal suit can be paired with different types of shirts, depending on the style and occasion. For a more formal look, you can choose a white silk shirt with lace or embroidery details. For a more casual look, you can choose a cotton or linen shirt, with prints or brighter colors. A floral cotton shirt paired with a beige tweed suit is perfect for an informal reception.
With a top: As an alternative to a shirt, a formal suit can be paired with a top. This can be a fitted top, a sleeved top, or a top with ribbon or lace details. A fitted black jersey top paired with a gray wool suit is perfect for an evening event.
Choosing the formal dress according to the occasion
1. Weddings
For a wedding, the choice of the ceremony dress depends a lot on the shape and location of the ceremony. For a church wedding ceremony, it is advisable to choose a more formal and elegant wedding dress, such as a ball gown or a mermaid dress. For a wedding ceremony in a more informal place, such as a garden or a beach, instead, it is possible to choose a more casual wedding dress, such as an A-line dress or a ceremony suit .
Religious Ceremonies: In the case of religious ceremonies, it is important to respect the norms and traditions of the place of worship. Usually, the clothes should be more covered and less flashy. A white satin wedding dress with a long veil and an accompanying wool robe is a great example of a dress suitable for a religious ceremony.
Civil ceremonies: For civil ceremonies, however, you can be more creative and choose a wedding dress with a more modern cut or with more original colors. A mermaid dress in pink crepe with sequin details is an excellent example of a dress suitable for a civil ceremony.
2. Parties and social events
For parties and social events, the choice of formal dress depends on the nature and formality of the event. For an elegant party, such as a ball or a gala, it is advisable to choose a longer evening skirt with more details, such as a bow skirt or a tiered skirt. For a more casual event, such as a reception or an aperitif, instead, it is possible to choose a shorter evening skirt or a formal suit.
3. Official events
For official events, such as work ceremonies or official presentations, the choice of formal dress depends on the formality and style of the event. For a very formal event, such as an investiture ceremony or a presentation of an important product, it is advisable to choose a more classic and elegant formal suit, in wool or tweed. For a more casual event, such as a business reception or an informal meeting, instead, it is possible to choose a more modern formal suit or a simpler evening skirt.
Business ceremonies: For business ceremonies, it is important to be in line with the image and style of the company. A gray wool business suit, combined with a white silk shirt and a linen tie, is a great example of a suitable suit for a business ceremony.
Official Presentations: For official presentations, however, you can be more creative and choose a suit with a more modern cut or with more original colors. A colored tweed suit, combined with a floral cotton shirt , is an excellent example of a suit suitable for an official presentation.
Current trends in formal wear
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The return to simplicity
In recent years, there has been a return to simplicity in formal wear. Dresses are less detailed and embellished, and focus more on the shape and quality of the fabric. The preferred colors are neutrals, such as white, black, gray, and beige, but also pastel colors, such as pink, light blue, and green. A white satin wedding dress with a simple cut and a single lace detail at the waist is an example of this trend. -
The use of sustainable fabrics
With the increase in environmental awareness, more space is being given to the use of sustainable fabrics in formal wear too. Natural fabrics, such as cotton, linen and silk, are increasingly popular, but also recycled fabrics and fabrics based on natural polymers. An organic cotton formal suit with a recycled silk embroidery detail is an example of this trend. -
The bright colours and contrasts
In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of bright colors and contrasts in formal wear. Colors such as red, purple, yellow, and orange are increasingly popular, and are often paired with neutral colors such as white, black, and gray. A purple silk evening skirt with a white linen top is an example of this trend.
Formal dresses are a vital expression of style and appropriateness for any special occasion. As we have explored through the various key terms, from the romantic wedding dress to the sophisticated elegance of the elegant gala dress, each type of dress carries with it a specific history and meaning.
When it comes to choosing an evening dress, as required by the keyword "how to choose an evening dress", many factors must be taken into consideration. The occasion itself, whether it is a wedding, a formal dinner or a gala event, largely guides the choice. A wedding evening dress could be characterized by its elegance and richness of details, while a formal dinner dress could be more sober but still elegant.
Cocktail dresses, both elegant ones like the elegant cocktail dress, are ideal for occasions that require a level of formality, but not necessarily the excess typical of a gala dress. These dresses, often shorter than traditional evening dresses, such as the short formal ceremony dress, offer the possibility of being more dynamic and versatile.
The material used is also crucial. The silk evening dress is synonymous with luxury and refinement, giving a touch of elegance to the wearer. The body shape and your personal style must be taken into account. For example, the herringbone skirt is a great way to emphasize feminine curves and give a touch of sensuality, ideal for an evening dress or a cocktail dress.
Despite the importance of accessories, even if we have not addressed them directly in this article, it should not be forgotten that they can further enrich the clothing. However, even without them, the elegant formal ceremony dress manages to convey a message of class and style.
In short, choosing a formal dress means finding a balance between the formality of the occasion, your personal style and current trends. Every dress, from the simplest formal dinner dress to the most elaborate romantic wedding dress, has the power to transform the individual and make him the center of attention in every special moment.
