Elegant Dresses for Special Events: How to Choose

A special event is easier to enjoy when you are not thinking about your dress. The right one fits the dress code, suits the place and the season, and lets you sit, eat and dance without adjusting anything. Here is how to choose it.

1. Start with the dress code

The invitation tells you most of what you need to know.

• Black tie: a floor-length gown. See our black tie dresses.
• Formal or evening: a long dress, or a very dressy midi. See our evening dresses.
• Cocktail: a midi dress or a shorter, structured style such as a corset midi dress.
• No dress code given: a midi or a simple maxi in a dressy fabric is rarely wrong.

2. Choose the length for the place

A maxi dress looks best in a ballroom, a hotel or an evening reception. For gardens, beaches and cobbled streets, a midi or a maxi without a train is easier to walk in.

3. Pick a fabric for the season

• Satin and crepe have weight and a clean line; they suit autumn, winter and evening events.
• Chiffon, georgette and tulle are light and move with you; they suit spring and summer.
• Lace works all year and adds texture to a simple shape.

4. Use colour carefully

Black, navy and burgundy are safe for formal events. Soft colours such as butter yellow, baby blue and blush pink suit daytime and summer. At a wedding, leave white and ivory to the bride.

5. Make sure it fits

An elegant dress is mostly a well-fitting dress. Measure your bust, waist and hips and compare them with the size chart on the product page; for structured and corset styles, choose the larger size if you are between two. Our size guide shows how to measure.

6. Keep the rest simple

If the dress has a strong detail, such as a cowl back, a corset bodice or sparkle, keep jewellery and bag simple. If the dress is plain, one statement piece is enough.

Ready to look? Start with elegant dresses for women or browse all dresses.