Step by step to choose your party dress

  • Share This
Evelyn Carpenter

My Placard

The party dresses fashion catalogs are renewed every season and this year they are full of trends, from very sophisticated designs to attend gala weddings, to more sober models ideal for a civil wedding.

If you're invited to a wedding or perhaps an engagement party, here's a step-by-step guide to choosing the right party dress.

    1. Know the dress code

    Pronovias

    The first and most important clue to choose a party dress The dress code is defined by the bride and groom -if they wish to have one-, according to the place, time, style and degree of formality of the celebration.

    The most sophisticated of all, Rigorous etiquette or White Tie Therefore, the chosen dress should be long, monochromatic and ideally of a sober tone, although it can include some shine.

    The formalities of the label Black Tie You can wear a long dress, a midi dress or even a two-piece suit, while maintaining the glamour that the occasion deserves.

    Then, the label Black Tie Optional allows you to choose long or short dresses, but make sure it is a formal party dress.

    Meanwhile, the Creative label or Creative Black Tie invites you to combine elegant outfits with a cool or daring touch, for example, through a printed fabric or an asymmetrical cut.

    In a lesser degree of formality you will find the dress code Cocktail o Cocktail It allows you to wear midi or short party dresses, loose or tight, plain or in vibrant prints. There is a lot more freedom.

    Finally, the dress code Beach Formal Guayabera is requested in beach weddings or coastal areas, so the outfit should be comfortable and casual, but without losing all the elegance, for example, wearing a loose asymmetrical chiffon dress in a light color.

    If you abide by the dress code, choosing a party dress will be much simpler. However, if the invitation does not include a dress code, you will be able to choose a dress for your party. dress code If you're looking for a place to stay, then you'll have to be guided by the time, location and season, as we'll detail below.

    What else to consider when choosing a party dress? Depending on your budget, the exclusivity you crave or whether or not you want to keep it, you can choose to have a dress made to measure, buy it new, buy it second hand or rent it.

    But there are also certain rules you must respect if you are attending a wedding, regardless of the style of celebration. Among them, do not wear a white dress, unless the bride and groom require a dress code. total White Try not to overdo it with sequins, prints and bright colors, all mixed together when it is not your style. Do not show too much skin, if the wedding calls for a very elegant dress code. In conclusion, look for balance in your look and choose an outfit with which you feel yourself and comfortable to enjoy the party.

    2. Knowing the time and place of the marriage

    Ay de Mi Vestidos

    If there is no dress code, then going by the season, time and place will help you find the perfect party dress.

    Dresses for spring summer

    To cope well with hot temperatures, fresh and light fabrics are favoured. such as tulle, chiffon, organza, lace, bambula and crepe.

    Regardless of the length, spring summer party dresses usually stand out for their open backs, V-necklines with thin straps, strapless necklines, cutouts at the waist and openings in the skirts, among other details.

    In the warmer seasons, vibrant colours such as yellow, mint green, orange, fuchsia and turquoise are in vogue, and A-line dresses are among the favourites.

    Dresses for autumn winter

    In heavy fabrics such as velvet, mikado, satin, ottoman or brocade, the autumn winter party dresses are midi or long, at the same time that they privilege closed necklines such as the boat, the illusion, the round and the swan.

    They also have long or French sleeves and are usually in seasonal colours such as navy blue, burgundy, brown, moss green, mustard, pearl grey or pale pink, depending on the time of the link.

    And other distinctive elements of the colder seasons are feathers, puffed sleeves, dense embroidery, ruffles, shoulder pads and capes, which in some designs are already incorporated.

    Dresses for the day

    The big question is whether to go for a short party dress or a long one. Short or midi party dresses are the best choice. ideal for daytime weddings although the style will depend on the type of celebration.

    For a civil marriage at noon, for example, a short party dress in a pastel color, either with a loose or tight skirt, will be a good choice. Meanwhile, for a country wedding, a good option will be to go for a midi dress with floral print.

    But if you prefer a long party dress If you're looking for an ankle-length design in a light shade that's very light, for example, chiffon.

    Evening dresses

    According to protocol, long party dresses, which cover the shoes, are reserved exclusively for the evening. In addition, evening gowns are usually in classic colors, such as red party dresses The dresses are made in black, black or blue, with striking necklines, slits in the skirts or games of transparencies, among other details.

    And, on the other hand, the evening wedding dresses for weddings They can also be metallic or made in shiny fabrics, such as tulle with sequins, lace with glitter, lurex or lamé, among others.

    Dresses for the countryside

    If it will be a outdoor marriage and on unstable ground, such as grass or dirt, short, midi or ankle-length, straight or A-line dresses are recommended, ideally in light fabrics And especially if it's the good weather season, bright colours are trendy.

    But shirt dresses are another great option for country weddings, since they are comfortable and at the same time can be formal, for example, poplin, linen or cotton designs, with puffed bodies, front buttons, long sleeves with cuffs and belts or loops.

    Dresses for the city

    The party dresses with asymmetrical necklines or with skirts high-low They are original and unexpected, which is why they are a good alternative for urban weddings, especially in less conventional colors, such as bottle green or satin purple. A dress with an XL flower on one shoulder, for example, will steal all the attention.

    But another interesting bet are two-piece dresses Or a suit with a vaporous tulle skirt that is accompanied by a body with rhinestones.

    Dresses for the beach

    Comfort should take precedence when choosing a party dress for a wedding on the beach Hence, chiffon and georgette stand out among the favorite fabrics, although you will also find crochet dresses that can be very distinguished.

    For their part, empire-cut and A-line dresses are perfect for seaside engagements, whereas colorful prints will always be a great option.

    3. Search for prom dresses prices

    Handle

    In addition to the dress code or style of event, another important point to take into account, when looking for a party dress is establish a budget in advance This way you will have a clear idea of the money you have available and it will be easier for you to filter between one option or another.

    For example, party dresses from prestigious international designers can be found between $800,000 and $2,000,000 on average, but you will also find dresses from well-known labels in stores in shopping malls or boutiques distributed in different locations, with prices ranging from $200,000 to $600,000.

    And another option, if you want something exclusive, is have the dress made to an atelier or independent designer, although in that case the value will depend on the fabric, the design and the anticipation with which you order it, among other factors.

    In the Metropolitan Region, for example, you will find many shops with haute couture designs and tailor-made suits in areas such as Providencia, Las Condes and Vitacura.

    Do you prefer to economize on your party dress? If so, then focus your search, on the one hand, in outlets And, on the other hand, in sectors such as Barrio Patronato, in the Recoleta district, where there are plenty of stores with suits imported from China, with prices that average $30,000.

    But the Internet is another source where you can buy cheap party dresses or not so much, either new or second hand, with very varied values according to the label of each garment.

    However, if you prefer to rent, the offer is getting wider and wider, with prices that adapt to different budgets, from short dresses starting at $15,000 to more refined designs that go up to $60,000. However, for the rental of party dresses you will have to leave a guarantee to respond to any eventuality, for example, if the dress is rented for $20,000,the amount of the guarantee will be $20,000 more, which will be returned if the suit is returned in perfect condition.

    4. Search according to party dress styles

    Chic Dress Project - Dress rental

    What types of party dresses will you find in the catalogs? Since there are different styles, it is convenient to learn to identify them by category.

    Gala dresses

    They are elegant party dresses On the one hand, they are usually princess cut designs with majestic skirts made of fabrics such as mikado or satin; and on the other hand, sophisticated mermaid silhouette dresses with shiny sparkles.

    Also outstanding are the dresses with tails (which are not exclusive to brides), the bodies with rhinestones and tattoo effect finishes, among other elements that accompany these long party dresses and usually of a single color.

    Cocktail dresses

    It establishes a middle ground between formal and casual, allowing greater freedom when choosing clothes. By protocol, cocktail dresses refers to short party dresses either slightly above the knee, just at the knee, or a little below the knee.

    They are ideal for civil marriages, weddings with banquets brunch or, in general, ceremonies on the day.

    Printed dresses

    Beyond floral prints, which are the predominant ones, the party catalogues also include other options.

    Among them, suits printed with polka dots ( polka dots ), with paisley, botanical designs, geometric motifs or abstract figures, but we mustn't forget the party dresses either. animal print They are renewed every season, versatile and timeless!

    Hellenic dresses

    The long party dresses, which emulate Greek goddesses, are characterized by their flowing falls and subtle details. They are usually A-line or empire-cut models, made in light, pleated or draped fabrics, such as tulle or chiffon.

    They also tend to incorporate metallic belts or thrown, while V-necklines and asymmetrical necklines are characteristic of this trend.

    Lingerie dresses

    Lingerie suits, made of satin or silk, are minimalist and elegant, while giving a subtle sensual touch. They are usually straight cut, and are characterized by their thin straps and V-necklines. They can be short, long or midi.

    Vintage dresses

    Flared midi cut suits, puffed sleeves, polka dot print, wide belts, and short and straight designs with fringes, stand out among the defining characteristics of vintage party dresses, so you can choose from designs close to the pin-up or, even further back, to the era of the Charleston.

    Suggestive dresses

    Meanwhile, if the goal is to enhance the curves or to expose some skin, you can always opt for a daring party dress Choose, for example, between designs with low-cut necklines. deep-plunge with deep slits in the skirts, with corset bodies, with side panels, with cutouts in the waist or with open backs and low to the limit.

    Although a short dress will steal all eyes, the truth is that mermaid silhouette designs are the perfect mix between elegance and seduction.

    Little black dresses

    The infallible basic! It corresponds to an elegant cocktail dress in black, with simple lines, timeless and ideal to complement with more striking accessories, such as a maxi necklace or a pamela. If you do not know what to wear in a formal event, resort to a little black dress and you'll be right.

    You'll find loose-fitting and fitted designs, and in light or heavy fabrics to choose from depending on the season. Although they've never gone out of style, this year black party dresses will once again take centre stage.

    Dresses for pregnant women

    Pregnancy party dresses are usually empire cut, as they are more comfortable, especially if the belly is bulging.

    The empire cut is characterized by its waist that cuts just below the bust, to then start the fall of a flowing skirt, so it is also an option if you are looking for party dresses for chubby, although this depends more on the style of dresses that the guest likes than the sizes.

    And another style of dresses, very suitable for future moms, are the tunic type, because they are completely loose-fitting. They are recommended midi length or ankle-length, considering that the guest will wear low shoes.

    In addition, s e privilege light and ethereal fabrics such as chiffon, tulle and bambula, draped and pleated results very suitable for this style of dresses.

    Dress options

    If you are not convinced by any style of dress, don't worry, there are several alternative options and possible combinations.

    Among them, loose skirts paired with crop tops, tube skirts with matching blouses, tuxedo pants with jackets, palazzo pants with tops and polo shirts with culottes pants, which are loose, high-waisted and cut close to the ankle. But also you'll find trendy overalls or jumpsuits The trousers are a one-piece trouser garment that can be worn for any occasion.

    All these proposals are available in the new catalogues, in a variety of fabrics, styles and colours.

    5. Search for accessories

    Karina Baumert Hair and Makeup

    Finally, apart from jewellery and footwear, there are several accessories that you can use to complement your party dress, depending on the design and the season. These are the most popular ones.

    Blazer

    If it's about cover-ups for party dresses, the blazer stands out among the favourites It is characterized by having a more informal cut, with classic lapels, but may or may not include patch pockets, buttons or shoulder pads.

    Versatile and timeless, this garment goes with many different types of outfits, including short, fitted party dresses; long, loose-fitting dresses; and midi dresses of all kinds. For example, a blazer will look great with a mid-calf length lingerie dress, giving it an ultra-chic look!

    For spring summer you will find blazers made of crepe, linen or chiffon, among other light fabrics, while for fall winter, the most suitable will be wool or velvet blazers. You can choose a blazer in a color very similar to your dress or one that is opposite.

    Belts

    Ideal for further outlining the silhouette, the belt is an accessory that you can almost always add to a party look, from fine metal chains and satin bows, to patent leather or leather belts.

    It really depends on the style of dress you choose. For example, an empire cut suit can be paired with a fabric sash, while a mermaid silhouette design will be enhanced with a jeweled belt. Or, for a shirt dress, one with buckles will be a perfect fit.

    Headbands

    Tiaras are not exclusive to brides, so a guest can also wear one. For example, velvet tiaras are ideal for autumn/winter guests; floral tiaras for spring/summer guests; beaded tiaras for glamorous guests; and feathered tiaras for vintage-inspired guests, among other options.

    Any of them is suitable for both loose hair or updos, and they are very suitable to mark a contrast with a simple or minimalist party dress .

    Portfolios

    Finally, a must-have accessory is the wallet, and there are many options, from elegant clutches y minaudiéres with or without chain, to wallets type bagguette But there are also shoulder bags and flaps, among other options to wear to a wedding.

    Whether they are lined with rhinestones, sequined, made of animal print Whether it's leather or fur, the important thing is that the wallet or purse you choose to carry is of a discreet size. And watch out, feathers and crystals will be a trend this season.

    You already know! Whatever your style, you will definitely find a party dress to suit you. Or, perhaps, a suit with trousers, if you feel more comfortable with that style. The important thing is that the alternatives are endless, both for sophisticated and informal events. We invite you to review our complete catalog of party dresses and our directory of party dresses stores.so that you can find the model for the next wedding you are invited to.

    Evelyn Carpenter is the author of the best-selling book, All you need for your marriage. A Marriage guide. She has been married for over 25 years and has helped countless couples build successful marriages. Evelyn is a sought after speaker and relationship expert, and has been featured in various media outlets including Fox News, Huffington Post, and more.