Need a party dress for a casual but dressy event? Then by all means, go for some color as well as one of the fun new styles available this season.
Dresses come in a pallet of colors, like coral, fuchsia, purple, teal, red and royal blue. They also come in a combination of colors: black and white, taupe and black, and fuchsia and black. And don’t forget the gorgeous prints that combine the best of colors in one great fabric.
Party dresses come in a variety of lengths. Mini-skirt dresses fall as high as 3 inches above the knee. There are also knee-length dresses and dresses that fall below the knees and to the floor. Don’t assume that a full-length dress is too formal for your affair. Truthfully, the more formal the affair, the more upscale the fabric of your dress should be. The length is really not the determining factor.
Whether you’ve been invited to a cocktail party, a dance or a wedding, there are plenty of colorful, fun dresses from which to choose.
Party Dresses
Want to play it safe? Start out with a simple ruched, sleeveless dress with a high neckline and a keyhole cutout. The short skirt flows from the ruched waistline, making it a flattering A-line silhouette for all figures. The dress’s jersey fabric comes in red and blue. It’s kind of like the “little black dress,” except in a vibrant color. Its simple lines let you go anywhere. Everyone will think you look beautiful and neither under-dressed or over-dressed for any occasion.
Want something a little dressier? A strapless tulle dress with caviar beading along the bust and the hem is an elegant choice. The ruching at the empire waist creates a slim look, accented by the fitted bodice. But what makes this dress so stunning are the fabrics: sheer black tulle over champagne lining.
Looking for a dress that spells fun? Show off in this strapless chiffon ruffle dress fashioned in violet. Its pleated bodice adds interest and is also flattering for most shapes. From the bodice, the skirt begins its cascades of ruffles that go from front to back and back around again. It’s basically a full A-line skirt that stops at the knees, making it a good choice for any figure.
Want to try one of the beautiful multicolor print dresses you’re hearing so much about? Step out in a full-length maxi dress created in a charmeuse print. Because it’s full length, it’s perfect for any outing. It has a shirred strapless bodice, an empire waist and a flowing floor-length skirt. The print is an abstract floral design created using fuchsia, royal, black and muted pinks. It is fully lined to ensure smooth lines from bodice to the hem.
LBD
Every wardrobe needs an LBD – a little black dress. It’s the staple of your wardrobe that you can wear anywhere. But just because it’s black does not mean it has to be boring.
For a modern variation of the LBD, try a black halter trapeze dress. Its styling is chic and its function is fabulous – it even has pockets! The simple halter neckline will keep you comfortable, as will the lightweight shimmer fabric. What makes this dress such a standout are its simple lines, shimmering fabric and one 3D self-tie flower detail at the neck. This is one dress that proves that less is more.
LWD
White dresses are not exclusively for brides. It’s a color anyone can enjoy in the summer months. Pair it with a nice summer glow, and it is a look that will turn heads.
For something a little dressier, try a knee-length, strapless organza striped dress. Yes, it’s all white, but the organza skirt has a novel stripe effect. The bodice has a vertical ruching and the waistline has horizontal ruching. Combine this treatment with the striped skirt, and you will see that this is much more than a simple white dress.
One word of advice: avoid wearing a white party dress to a wedding, as the color is reserved for the bride. You will have plenty of other places to wear your perfect little white dress.
Black and White
Combine black and white for the ultimate fun party dress. There’s nothing more standout than a two-tone graphic print. This short, strapless dress is done in a satin print. The fabric is a clean ivory background with black paisley-like swirls. A black pleated tie-back sash wraps under the strapless bodice. Pick up detail on the skirt adds some flare and drama.
The bottom line is to have fun with your wardrobe. Stock it with staples, like an LBD, but be sure you throw in some white, some flattering colors and a nice print or two. Make sure your wardrobe reflects you, but also offers a surprise or two.
Scott Payne is a freelance writer who writes about weddings and specific products such as party dresses.