Fancy Dresses Worn at Formal Dances
- purple dress and flowers image by Paul Retherford from Fotolia.com
Formal dances begin for girls as early as ten at cotillions and continue well into adulthood at galas, charity events and weddings. It is important to dress appropriately for a formal, out of respect for the host as well as other guests. - A formal event generally follows a black tie dress code. If a man is required to wear a jacket and tie or a tuxedo, then a woman should be in a formal gown. Most proms, cotillions, charity functions and galas require such dress, as do event such as the theatre, opera and ballet. Weddings call for cocktail attire unless black tie is specified.
- Appropriate formal dresses are traditionally floor length, though tea length (falling mid calf) and ankle length dresses are becoming acceptable as well. Various styles are available in these lengths, ranging from column gowns to strapless ball gowns to backless A-line dresses.
In addition to cut, virtually every fabric has been transformed into a formal gown and, when embellished with beading and embellishments, can become works of art. If your gown is a brighter, more flamboyant color, beading should be kept to a minimum. Conversely, a simple black gown becomes exquisite with the addition of crystals, sequins or feathers. - With the many options for formal wear, choosing a dress can be a daunting task. The dress should be appropriate for the occasion. For example, if you are attending a black tie wedding, you should avoid dresses in white or cream colors and steer clear of anything with a train. You don't want to divert attention from the bride.
If you're attending a charity event for a medical cause, it is best to avoid anything too sexy. Anything skin tight or backless may appear inappropriate. Look for a sweetheart neckline strapless dress or something with a constructed bodice and full skirt.
