Best materials for short and long evening dresses

Not only should the style of the cocktail dress match your figure, the feel of the fabric should also be right. You need to find a material that you feel comfortable in, so that you can feel content and enjoy your night fully. Find below some handy tips on what materials are available:

• Satin dresses:
  Satin is one of the most popular choices when it comes to formal wear. This beautiful fabric has a gorgeous sheen finish. It's lightweight and typically crafted for a lace evening dress, and can add that luxurious touch to any outfit.


• Velvet:
  An elegant choice for a red carpet worthy gown: its shine, its drama, and its softness all make this fabric perfect for a seductive, feminine dress. For that extra flair, it is available with subtle accents such as frills, sequins & lace.


• Chiffon:
  A more versatile fabric than its sisters, chiffon is a beauty that can be made from a wide range of materials – including silk, cotton, rayon and synthetic fibres. Its fine, lightweight characteristics give your outfit a beautiful drapery and also allow your skin to breathe, which is ideal when sitting through a long evening dinner. It makes for a brilliant summer gown when styled in floral prints and accented with beading.


• Organza:
  This fine fabric is crisp and lightweight, and ideal for adding that ethereal quality to evening gowns. Made from highly twisted yarns in a loose, plain weave, organza can be made from silk or synthetic fabrics. We love its delicate and dreamy appearance, wiry feel and slight sheen finish.

Customising party dresses

Now that you have a good understanding of the basic styles & materials, it’s time to start adding personality to your outfit that will help you stand out at any event. Below, are five tips that should help get you started on creating the perfect evening outfit:

1. The neckline & hemline should coordinate:
   If you chose a maxi length or ankle length dress, then you can reveal your shoulders a little more – a halter, off-the-shoulder or Bardot style being the perfect choices. However, if the length is short, then the neckline should be higher. Go with a high V-neck and experiment with long sleeves.


2. Work around a core statement jewellery piece:
   In most cases, it’s best to have one bold piece of jewellery and keep the rest of your look subtle. For instance, if you’re wearing if you’re wearing long black evening dress, bold earrings are a sure way of adding that extra touch of elegance. If you are wearing a lower neckline such as a sweetheart, then adding an elegant necklace, in gold or silver would be a better option.


3. Add an evening bag to your look:
   Even though you might not be holding your bag all night, you don’t want it to look like an afterthought. It’s a good idea to have a couple of basic “go-to” clutches in your wardrobe: black, silver, and gold are perfect.


4. Be realistic about your shoes:
   We’ve all been guilty of wearing uncomfortable shoes at one time or another. Before you decide to go with large heels, make sure you’re able to stand for a long period of time without your feet hurting. If you never wear heels, opt for low kitten heels or ballet pumps.


5. A good coat completes the look:
   Whatever the season, it's always good to take into consideration what you will wear in transit. You want to look “complete” from head to toe, so it’s probably a good idea to find a cheap coat, which balances the style of your dress. If you choose a short party dress, then complement it with a thicker overcoat. If you go for a long evening dress, then opt to go with a light coat or cardigan.