How to Wear Short Dresses to Formal Events (2024)

FAQs

How to Wear Short Dresses to Formal Events? ›

The answer is yes! Next time you have a formal event to attend, don't feel like you have to wear a long dress. A short dress can be just as chic and elegant.

The answer is yes! Next time you have a formal event to attend, don't feel like you have to wear a long dress. A short dress can be just as chic and elegant.

Unless otherwise specified on the invitation, 'black tie' in general permits any length, so midi and even shorter styles, within reason, are acceptable. But, given the formality, showing a lot of skin might draw stares from other guests.

I go by Susan's mother's rule on how short is too short: Put your arms down at your sides--if your hemline falls below your fingertips, it's safe to wear. You should also consider how appropriate a minidress is for the event you're attending.

Traditionally women are expected to wear a floor length evening dress to a formal wedding. Often a sophisticated and dressy co*cktail dress is also appropriate, however if the bride is traditional we recommend a floor length dress. A full length dress means that the ankle is not visible.

Scrunchies, side clips, or hair ties are the greatest options, and open hair looks stunning with any outfit. Short dresses are attractive, modest, and comfy for keeping up with current trends. You can wear it with a belt, accessories, cap, sandals, boots, and other items of your choice.

No matter what your body shape or size is, you can make strategic choices to help you look sleek and slim in a dress. Choose the right undergarments, opt for a silhouette that lengthens your body, and add accessories that draw the eye to the right areas to complete the look.

How to make simple dress more formal? ›

A loose blazer is ideal if your dress has sleeves, like this one from Camilla and Marc; a patterned blazer does wonders for a plain dress; and a jacket the same colour as your dress is for a super-formal look.

You can never go wrong with 2-part sandals, gladiators, pointed pumps, muled, or ankle boots. Platform knee-high boots are very on-trend. Accessorize with jewelry and your favorite shoulder bag or clutch. Top your outfit off with a beret or Panama hat for an elevated look.

Florals aren't just for spring! A colorful floral print can infuse your formal attire with a touch of nature-inspired glamour. Whether it's a floral-patterned dress or a gown adorned with intricate flower embroidery, this style choice adds a whimsical and vibrant element to your look.

Now when you ask yourself if you can wear a short dress to a formal event, you know the answer is “YES!” Simply choose a co*cktail dress or party dress with one or more of the features above and you'll know you've got yourself a short formal dress.

In fact, co*cktail attire is perfect for semiformal weddings, business events, happy hours, fundraisers and other dressed-up celebrations. co*cktail attire is chic, sophisticated and polished—but not full-on formal.

Black is usually best suited for formal celebrations, as the color is "very conservative and very polished-looking,” Smith shares. Couples usually specify the guest code at the bottom of their invitations and on their wedding website, so if you've been invited to a formal affair, black is a resounding “yes.”

So for the men, think tuxedos with a bowtie or a stylish customized suit with a statement tie. Ladies, you have many options, from the little black dress, colorful jumpsuit, an A-line gown, or a formal knee-length co*cktail dress; you can't go wrong. No matter what you choose to wear, remember to accessories.

Semi-Formal Wedding Attire for Women

"No heavy beading or floor-length gowns. Instead, women can don anything from a mid- to knee-length skirt with fabrics featuring minimalistic patterns and/or muted colors."

Men wear an evening suit with tails (also known as a dress suit) with a white vest and bow tie. For women, a floor-length evening gown is a must.

A step down from white-tie attire, black-tie dress codes usually indicate a formal, evening event. Women should wear a floor-length gown that does not reveal the ankles, in sumptuous fabrics like silk and organza.