How to Find the Perfect Formal Dress: Shopping Tips for Fancy Dresses

A formal dress code tends to leave room for interpretation, so there’s no lack of variety when it comes to silhouettes, colors, and other details.

If there are parameters for your formal look (for instance, a color scheme you’re expected to match or a sleeve requirement) make sure you take note of that to help keep your search to dresses that work. If your options are open, it can be helpful to think about the outfits and dresses you wear that make you feel powerful and try to recreate that feeling when you’re in the fitting room.

Once you’re ready to start shopping for your formal dress, there are several items to keep in mind.

Occasion: Since a formal dress code can be very broad, the most important thing to keep in mind when you’re looking for the perfect formal dress is the occasion. For instance, a wedding and prom are both formal occasions, but you likely wouldn’t wear a ball gown to your cousin’s wedding!
Silhouette: Formal dresses tend to have more variety in silhouette than other categories of dress. The best dress silhouette is going to be one suited for the occasion that you feel confident in, so do some research on silhouettes that accentuate your features!
Color: When choosing a formal dress color, it’s important to keep your favorites in mind, regardless of what’s trending. You’ll want a dress in a color that you feel confident in and that also complements your features. Luckily, these dresses come in every color of the rainbow, including white formal gowns!
Material: Material, like silhouette, will likely be informed by the event that you’re wearing your formal dress to, as well as what time of year it is. Rayon, velvet, and silk tend to be the most popular material choices, but make sure you keep the calendar and climate in mind!

There are so many different styles and cuts of formal dresses; let’s explore the top trends for this year to help narrow things down!

Formal Dress Color Options

When you’re thinking about dress options for your formal event, color will probably be one of the most important factors. Deciding on a dress color can seem a bit overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be – just think about the kind of vibe you want to exude at your event. Here are some ideas:

Black Formal Dresses

Black is the most popular neutral in fashion, partly because it’s a universally flattering color and partly because it can suit so many occasions and seasons. A little black dress is the most versatile fashion piece you can have in your wardrobe, and a long, formal black dress can carry you through just as many events.

Browse our black formal dresses

Red Formal Dresses

A red formal dress brings a touch of old Hollywood glamor and makes you stand out from the rest of the crowd. Go with an off-the-shoulder style or a sweetheart neckline to evoke Marilyn Monroe, or choose a one-shoulder dress for a modern twist on a classic color.

Bright red formal dresses always make an entrance, whereas darker shades of red bring more of a subtle elegance.

Browse our collection of red formal dresses

Orange Formal Dresses

While orange isn’t a traditionally formal color, it’s skyrocketing in popularity and can be appropriate for many occasions, especially those taking place in spring and summer. Orange brings warm vibes reminiscent of a sunset or blossoming flowers, making this color perfect for a formal occasion with a playful twist.

To maintain a sense of formality, we recommend choosing a long dress if you’re going with orange.

Green Formal Dresses

Green formal dresses can offer a range of vibes depending on the shade you choose. Deeper forest or emerald greens give an understated elegance, whereas lighter green adds a touch of playfulness.

Regardless of your hue, green is known for indicating growth and luck, which can boost your confidence going into your formal event.

Browse our green formal dresses

Purple Formal Dresses

Traditionally, purple signifies luxury and royalty, which can help you feel powerful and bold as you enter a formal event. Deep purple can serve as an alternative to the traditional black formal dress, which will turn heads while still maintaining sophisticated elegance. Lighter purples add a bit of whimsy while still maintaining a formal tone.

Browse our purple formal dresses

Modern Elegant Dresses: 5 Formal Dress Trends for 2025

Keeping in mind the current trends for fancy dresses can help you feel stylish and unstoppable!

Fitted Formal Dresses

Like their name suggests, fitted formal dresses are form-fitting, and they tend to be long to better hug your whole figure. These dresses are the most versatile style of formal dress, as their designs can range from being playful enough to wear on a night out to being formal enough to don at a black-tie affair.

Fitted formal dresses also tend to give you the most options for accessorizing; many will work with long pendants just as well as shorter necklaces, depending on how detailed the dress is.

Mermaid Formal Dresses

Mermaid dresses are known for being figure-hugging except where they flare at the knees, creating a mermaid fin silhouette. Mermaid dresses are great for accentuating your curves and capturing some of the drama found in princess dresses, making them an excellent middle ground between a totally fitted dress and a ball gown.

The mermaid silhouette is another extremely versatile option for formal events, as you can find dresses that are more dramatic just as easily as you can find mermaid dresses that are more simplistic and elegant. Try an updo hairstyle for an ultra-feminine look!

Ball Gown Dresses

Ball gown dresses are usually what comes to mind when we think of the phrase “princess dress.” Ball gowns are typically tight on the bodice and then flare out dramatically at the hips, making you turn heads whenever you enter the room. Accessories should be kept fairly minimal, as they can easily appear like they’re trying to “compete” with the dress, but you don’t have to stray from them completely.

Because these dresses are a more dramatic silhouette choice, the opportunity to wear a ball gown tends to be rare–you’ll want to save ball gowns for prom and other white-tie events.

Two Piece Formal Sets

Two piece formal sets are great options for formal events that have a bit of a playful atmosphere to them, like a spring dance or a celebration taking place outside during the day. Two piece sets are typically made with a cropped top and a high-waisted bottom portion that can come in all sorts of different styles, ranging from flowing maxi skirts to formal shorts.

For the most part, you can expect to show a bit of skin where the top ends and the bottom portion begins.

Short Formal Dresses

Short formal dresses are phenomenal for a formal dress code that still has a playful atmosphere. These dresses are especially great choices for events with lots of dancing, because they give you more room to move.

Short formal dresses can come in a variety of silhouettes, though you can expect the skirt to be a little higher than your knees. The event is something to keep at the forefront of your mind when you’re looking at short formal dresses, though, as short dresses can easily stray into semi-formal territory.

Find Your Ideal Formal Dress: Fancy Dresses and Elegant Dresses for All

As you choose your perfect formal dress, remember that the most important aspect is that you love it and are excited about wearing it! Whether you love to dress in a playful, cute style or you crave bold looks and drama, your formal dress should reflect your personality and taste.

After all, special occasions are made all the more special by wearing the dress of your dreams—so choose one you really love!

Sherri Hill 57010

Sherri Hill 57010

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