Exproperti.com – Formal dresses, formal dress or more formal attire is the traditional western dress code category applicable mainly for the most formal occasions, including weddings, Christenings, confirmation ceremonies, funerals, holiday parties, corporate events, sports events, stag nights, children’s parties and special occasions like Easter, Christmas and New Year’s Eve. The dress code is generally followed by both men and women, although it is slightly modified for men. The most important thing about the western standard formal dress is that it is meant to elevate the status of the wearer. It makes a strong fashion statement.
Characteristics of Formal Wear
A formal dress usually consists of a top and trousers. The tops can be sleeveless, halter-topped or come with spaghetti straps. The trouser can be worn with trousers, jeans or a dress shirt. A white tie is also worn on formal occasions.
Formal dresses are categorized into different types depending on the occasion. They are categorized as evening gowns, luncheon dresses, ball dresses, wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, formal skirts and blouses. Formal gowns are generally worn on special occasions like weddings, engagements, proms and evenings. Formal evening gowns are generally worn to grand occasions like wedding dinners and cocktail parties.
On the other hand, formal day dresses are worn every day, for work, school, shopping, socializing and other everyday occasions. It can be in any style and type. Formal day dresses can be short or long. Formal day dresses can be informal styles like a button-up, V neck, straight, flared and sleeveless.
Tuxedo Outfits Look Elegant Worn By Men
A tuxedo is a long, full dress that usually has a collar and a top. The tuxedo is widely used during night functions such as bachelor or bachelorette parties, graduation parties, wedding ceremonies, pageants, awards nights and other semi-formal events. Tuxedos look graceful when worn by men.
Casual apparel is short, worn to events where it is assumed that the wearer will not be required to wear a formal uniform. Casual attire can be in any design and style, from a nice casual t-shirt and jeans to colourful cotton and knit PJ skirt. The most common style of casual attire is the V neck sweater, with or without a tie. A sweater with a V-neckline is always an elegant look. A casual dress is a good choice for informal occasions.
Formal dress codes are different for men, women and children. It varies according to the culture, age and social class of the attending guests. Some formal dress codes require guests to arrive wearing a jacket and tie while some require guests to arrive in their regular clothes. Formal attire is used to designate roles and ranks such as the organiser, host, bridegroom, groom and bridesmaid.
Various Types of Clothing to Suit the Occasion
There are different types of formal attire; formal, semi-formal dress and casual. For business and corporate events, a business casual dress code is usually followed. Semi-formal dress codes may involve a two-piece outfit in darker colours and some accessories such as jewellery or handbags. Two-piece semi-formal dress codes are suitable for evening affairs and are appropriate for cocktail parties and luncheons.
Cocktail dresses are versatile and come in a variety of designs, colours, fabrics and styles. These dresses can be short or long, from the floor to your shoulders and beyond. Cocktail dresses are appropriate for evening parties and other semi-formal occasions. If attending a formal occasion in a formal dress, it is important to consider what type of dress you will be wearing. For example, if attending an event hosted by an older relative or friend, it would be wise to wear a slightly more sophisticated two-piece cocktail dress.
Casual dresses are suitable for everyday use, even for casual occasions. They are available in light colours and are often machine washable. Casual dresses are often accompanied by t-shirts and fun tops. Some formal attire requires a formal dress but is readily available for women who want to save time and wear something less formal.
Considering Formal Occasion Dresses and Accessories
The colour and design of your dress is not the only thing to take into consideration when choosing a dress for a business formal dress code. Your choice of footwear, neckline and accessories should all coordinate with your dress. You may wish to consider choosing a white or ivory neckline for a formal event, particularly if you are choosing a gown or evening gown. It is always better to wear white because white is a no-fuss colour that matches most colours.
The design of formal wear is generally quite simple, as opposed to casual wear which can be more stylish, although less comfortable. Formal ball gowns or dresses usually require a waist train and full-length sleeves. Wearing a strapless or halter top, or any other style of a strapless gown, will show off your shoulders and appear unflattering. You could also lose the balance of your outfit by wearing high heeled pointed shoes. Avoid this by wearing flat shoes with a narrow cuff or a skirt, or by choosing a strapless gown that has a lower back or is backless.
