How to Pull Off A Classy Evening Gown
It’s not every day that you get to wear an evening gown. When the opportunity arises to dress like a princess and put on a floor-length dress, it’s pretty exciting. That said, if you’ve never worn an evening gown before, you’re probably wondering how to pull it off. Don’t stress.
Elegant eveningwear may seem intimidating at first, but with the proper preparation, anyone can pull off a red carpet-worthy look. It’s all about choosing a suitable gown and styling it appropriately.
The guide below explains how to effortlessly wear an evening gown.
How to Wear an Evening Gown 101
Whether you’re headed to a black-tie wedding or a charity gala, this guide has you covered. Find out how to wear an evening gown below.
Pick a Fitting Dress
When picking an evening gown, you want to choose something you feel comfortable in. Picking a flattering dress for your figure can make a big difference.
Here are a few of the different cuts you might consider:
- Ballgown: This style of dress consists of a fitted bodice and a full skirt. It suits every body type.
- Sheath: A sheath dress features a straight, flowing design, cut straight from top to bottom. It’s ideal for athletic body types.
- Mermaid: A mermaid dress is fitted throughout the bodice to about the knee. It then flares out at the knee slightly. This is an excellent look for curvy girls.
- A-line: An A-line gown is like a ballgown, with a fitted bodice and large skirt. However, the skirt is more flowing and less fluffy. An A-line looks great on everyone.
These dresses come in a variety of materials, colors, and styles. You also have style elements to consider, like whether you want spaghetti straps, no straps, or cap sleeves. You can even get elegant dresses with long sleeves made of lace or mesh.
When choosing an evening gown, consider the dress code. If the invite reads “black tie,” stick to a classic floor-length gown. A “white tie” invite is more formal, so dress accordingly. Many white tie events even require gloves!
Finally, consider getting your evening gown tailored to your body. A seamstress can adjust details like the seams at the side and the length of the hem. This will ensure a perfect fit for maximum comfort.
Complement Your Hair and Makeup
Pulling off an evening gown is about much more than the dress itself. You have to consider your entire look from head to toe. Once you’ve picked your gown, think about how you’ll do your hair and makeup. Make sure these elements will complement your dress.
Start with your hair. Say you’ve opted for the entire princess look, which is a fluffy ball gown with a full tulle skirt and a strapless, form-fitting bodice. This romantic style is perfect for wearing your hair down in loose waves or curls. If you’ve gone for a more streamlined sheath dress, on the other hand, you might play up the sex appeal with a slicked-back up-do.
Your makeup should likewise complement, not overpower, the gown. Stick to the rule of thumb of picking one feature and playing it up. If you want to wear a bold red lip, keep your eye makeup light. In contrast, if you’re going to embrace a sultry smokey eye, opt for a muted lip.
Choose Your Jewelry Wisely
When it comes to jewelry, you want to make sure your glitz and glam are on par with your ball gown. Steer away from cheap jewelry and go for traditional gemstones. Again, you want to maintain focus on the dress, so don’t load up too much on sparkles.
However, this doesn’t mean you have to splurge on a diamond necklace that costs more than the gown itself! Look for cost-efficient but elegant alternatives. Swarovski crystals are a great choice and come in various designs and colors.
Overall, keep the jewelry simple. Similar to the makeup rule, focus on one area to play up. If you’re going to wear a statement necklace, there’s no need to layer on loads of bangles on your wrist. If you want to wear long tear-drop earrings, keep the neck bare.
Pair Your Bag and Shoes
Make sure you have a fitting bag to go with your dress. Whatever event you’re attending, you’ll surely want to have easy access to your phone, makeup, and other essentials. A small clutch or purse ensures you’ve got everything you need at your side throughout the night.
If you get your gown tailored to the size, ask the seamstress to keep aside any scraps of fabric. If you’re lucky, you’ll have enough to make a custom bag that perfectly matches your gown. Otherwise, look for bags in coordinating colors.
Since your evening gown is likely floor-length, people won’t see much of your shoes. But that doesn’t mean you can ignore this point! Make sure the shoe complements the dress. They don’t have to be the same color. If all else fails, opt for a simple nude.
Also, beware that if you wear heels, this will make the gown seem shorter. It’s best to try on dresses with heels (if you plan to wear them) so you can get the length right. You don’t want to be tripping over your skirt all night!
Don’t Forget Undergarments
Of course, you’re not going to forget your undergarments. The point is, are the undergarments you’ve got going to suit the dress you’ve chosen? A slim-fit sheath dress may not leave much to the imagination, for example, so you want to get underwear that doesn’t show a panty line.
Similarly, if you want to wear shapewear under your dress, try it on first to make sure you don’t see any seams or bumps or seams. If you’ve got a backless or strapless style, invest in a high-quality adhesive bra to ensure your comfort.
Prepare for Cooler Temperatures
An evening gown isn’t the warmest article of clothing, especially if you’ve gone for a strappy, backless, or strapless cut. Plan a coverup to prepare for chilly weather. Even if it’s summer, temperatures drop in the evening (plus, there may be air-conditioning).
A simple shawl is one versatile option. Opt for a silky, flowy fabric that won’t appear too heavy next to your elegant dress. Also, steer clear of super bold hues or patterns. You want to keep the dress the focal point, and a loud shawl will be a distraction.
If you want to add some modern edge to your evening gown look, you can also pair it with a simple blazer. Another, even edgier alternative is a denim or leather jacket. The contrast of evening wear and street style can make for a striking fashion statement.
Practice Your Look
Wearing a classy evening gown isn’t something you get to do every day. You might be nervous or feel awkward at first when you put it on. But you don’t want to be stressed about your outfit when the actual event you’re attending rolls around!
Alleviate your nerves by practicing your look. Put on your entire outfit a few days before, including the dress, shoes, and undergarments. Spend an hour just walking, sitting, and spending some time in it.
This will give you a chance to master things like walking in a floor-length gown. You’ll also be able to identify potential outfit issues, like a slipping strap or bunching undergarments, and make tweaks before your event if needed. By doing so, you will then be fully confident in your look.
The Final Word on How to Wear an Evening Gown
Ultimately, the key to pulling off an evening gown lies in the C-word: Confidence! Thus, don’t psych yourself out. Having the opportunity to put on a fancy dress is fantastic, and you don’t want to ruin the moment by worrying about what you’re wearing.
Follow the above tips to prepare beforehand, and you should be able to step into the room with confidence. Keep your head high, put on a smile, and enjoy it. Last but not least, don’t forget to take pictures of your princess moment.