This year, so many formal events have been canceled and postponed, and across the country, so many incredible dresses have sat sadly in their garment bags, forgotten. Spring is here, however, and as gatherings and events are returning, it’s time to excavate your closet and finally give your forgotten dress its day in the sun!
The problem? It’s been a while. How do you style a dress?
Can you remember the last time you slipped out of your favorite leggings and put on jeans, let alone an evening gown?
Not to worry! This ultimate style guide is here to give you all of the tips you need to learn how to style a dress as we prepare to return to the world of formal events!
Types of Dresses
The first step toward stepping back out into the world in style is deciding which dress to put on first! Evening gowns and dresses come in a few shapes, and each one flatters you in different ways.
Here are a few of the styles you can expect to see once you’re out on the town in 2021! You can find all of these styles as part of the latest Jovani evening dresses collection!
The A-Line Dress
The A-Line silhouette is a classic and tends to be popular with almost every body type. The A-Line shape seems to flatter everyone because it makes waists look smaller, busts look bigger, and hips look fuller.
You can tell your dress has an A-Line silhouette if there is a flare at the waist, with a hem that looks like – you guessed it – the letter ‘A.’ The dress will flare at the waist but fit tightly in the bodice area.
The neckline in A-Line dresses can vary, so choose the style that makes you feel the most comfortable, whether it’s corsetted, collared, strapless, or involves a daring plunge!
The Ballgown
If you’ve ever seen a Disney movie, I’m sure you can picture a ballgown in your mind, and know that this style is likely to make anyone feel like a princess – if not a Queen!
The most significant characteristic of a ballgown is volume, with a very full skirt that begins at your natural waist. Almost all ballgowns are fitted on top. These dresses tend to flatter bodies that are pear-shaped or very slim, due to that expansive skirt!
While the A-line dress is appropriate for a spectrum of events, from the dressy to the incredibly formal, the ballgown is best worn to more formal events. If you’re headed somewhere fancy and need to dress to impress, you might want to start with this royal silhouette!
The Mermaid
Maybe you’re less of a Cinderella and more of an Ariel, and if that’s the case, the Mermaid silhouette may be more your style!
Mermaid dresses are known for being incredibly fitted through the body, with a stunning flare at the knee or below, which gives it the shape of a mermaid’s tail. This is unlike the A-Line or Ballgown silhouettes, which both flare at the waist. For that reason, mermaid dresses tend to flatter those who are tall and thin, as it draws the eye right to the hips and waist.
The mermaid is one of the more dramatic styles, and is best worn to an event where it’s okay to be big and bold! A mermaid dress is a great way to stand out in a crowd!
The Sheath Dress
Unlike your A-Line dress, the increasingly popular sheath-style dress has no waist seam and is created using one dart at the waist, which gives it its straight and sleek shape.
While the sheath’s silhouette may be simple, it’s the perfect choice for a body with some curves! Those with hourglass figures look excellent in this style, with a specific cut chosen to show off your best features! Those with slim waists, bigger busts, and wider hips stand out in a sheath dress, which draws attention to these areas in a flattering way!
This dress shape is versatile and can be worn to a range of different events without making you look out of place. Whether dressed up or dressed down, the sheath dress can make curvier women feel fabulous!
How To Style A Dress
Now that you’ve picked out the perfect dress for your body type, it’s time for the fun part – styling! From shoes to jewelry, there are so many fun ways to show off your personal style using the hottest accessories!
Shoes
When choosing shoes, you may be tempted to go for the highest heel or the sleekest straps. It’s important to remember that there is no accessory more attractive than comfort! If the shoes pinch, rub or make it hard to walk, the expression on your face will be far more noticeable than your footwear!
You may want to choose a higher heel if your dress has a skirt that is long or full, which will prevent dragging, keep your dress clean and prevent embarrassing tumbles!
If your event is less formal, you may wish to accessorize with flats, but a black-tie event almost always calls for heels. Standing out is great, but make sure you aren’t drawing attention for being underdressed!
Jewelry And Handbags
Accessorising with jewelry starts with knowing your neckline. If your neck and chest are exposed, an awesome necklace might be all you need to sparkle all night long!
Typically, one bold piece that compliments your dress is enough! Everything else can be subtler, like a simple earring. You do want your jewelry to match, however, so if you don’t have studs that go with your incredible centerpiece, just skip them!
At formal events, your handbag is not just there to hold your keys – it’s also an accessory! Make sure it matches and compliments your dress!
Dress to Impress
If you want to stand out and show off your personal style and unique body type, knowing how to style a dress is key! Chances are, if you feel fabulous, you look fabulous! Go forth and slay!
If you want to learn more fashion tips, check out the other articles on the blog!
