A party dress is more than just a piece of clothing: It’s a statement, an expression of style, and a piece of fashion history. Whether you’re attending a bachelorette party, celebrating an anniversary or birthday with your friends, or just getting together with the girls for a night of fun, a great dress is essential. There’s a wide selection of dresses to choose from in a variety of styles and colors. From sequin and lace minis to dreamy velvet and off-shoulder beauties, there are options for every occasion.
Party dresses aren’t your typical wardrobe staples: They are survivors of broken hearts and talismans for new romances. And like that song you never get tired of singing, you’ll keep wearing your favorite party dresses long after the celebration has ended.
There’s no single answer to the question of why women wear party dresses, as it’s a personal choice based on many factors. Some may wear them to show off their figure, while others choose them because they make them feel confident and attractive. In either case, a good party dress is one that makes you look and feel your best.
Choosing the Perfect Dress
The first step in finding your party dress is to decide what kind of look you’re going for. For example, if you’re shopping for a holiday-appropriate dress for a Christmas party, you’ll want to focus on festive hues such as red or green. You might also consider fabrics that work well for the season, such as silk charmeuse or velvet. Many online retailers let you filter search results by color and fabric, making it easy to narrow down your choices.
For upscale events such as formal weddings, charity galas and fancy holiday parties, a tea or floor-length dress is the way to go. This look will work well for most skin tones, and it can be accentuated with jewel-toned accessories. A floor-length gown can be worn as-is, or you can enhance its appeal with a tuxedo jacket for an extra-glam effect.
A slinky silk or velvet party dress is an excellent choice for an evening event, as these fabrics are formal enough for the occasion and complement most skin tones. If you’re shopping for a cocktail dress, try entering keywords such as “slinky” or “shine” into the search bar. These terms will bring up a variety of party dress options, including this Leota Dana silk jersey dress with a neutral zig-zag pattern that works year-round.
Shorter party dresses can be a good choice for less-formal occasions or for younger teens who aren’t ready to wear full-length dresses just yet. This ribbed one-shoulder dress from H&M is a chic option that’s easy to pair with a simple choker necklace and bangle bracelets.
If you’re looking for a party dress that’s a little more eye-catching, try a bodycon mini with open-back details or an asymmetrical hemline that’ll provide plenty of opportunities to capture stunning selfies. Alternatively, you can opt for a brightly colored option such as hot pink or tangerine orange to add a touch of drama to your outfit. The best part about a party dress is that it’s easy to find something that fits your personality, budget and occasion. party dresses
