Find Your Favorite Formal Evening Dresses and Gowns
You know those elegant events that come with a formal dress code? Well, finding the right formal dress is as simple as heading to David’s Bridal! From black tie galas to formal weddings to prom, there’s a formal dress out there to suit you and the occasion perfectly. Formal dresses can take the form of sweeping ball gowns or slinky black sheath dresses; they can transcend the boundaries of fun and sophistication.
At David’s Bridal, we offer more than 400 formal dresses for your online shopping convenience. Plus, our wide range of options presents a variety of colors, silhouettes, sizes, and fabrics. Using our search filters, you can virtually tailor your shopping experience to view the looks that feel best to you. Then when you meet your match, you can place your order and select the low-cost or free shipping option to get your outfit delivered to your door.
Discover formal dresses for every occasion at David's Bridal
As you make connections at a benefit gala or dance the night away at a charity ball, David’s Bridal offers formal dresses for every event. Here are some of our favorite styles you can shop on our site:
- co*cktail dresses. For co*cktail parties or co*cktail-dress-themed events, a flirty and flowing co*cktail dress can make you look polished and full of life.
- Colorful ensembles. Formal events are associated with dark colors, but black-tie doesn’t always mean a black dress. If the moment calls for it, you can look lovely in olive green or sapphire blue as you embrace the jewel-tone hue.
- Lace numbers. The material of lace is divinely feminine and lends itself beautifully to the formalwear category. From loose to form-fitting, the style is up to you.
- Long-sleeve gowns. When you want head-to-toe glamor, a long-sleeved gown that flatters your figure with a few bejeweled accents can do just the trick.
- Elevated jumpsuits. Formal isn’t synonymous with formal dresses for women; you can narrow your search to an elegant jumpsuit to fit the theme and exude confidence in a figure-flattering and flared garment.
What does formal attire mean?
With the many dress code variations like casual, business casual, semi-formal, and formal, it’s easy for anyone to get confused. But formal attire is about debuting your fanciest duds. Traditionally, this means a gown that’s polished and put together. However, to fit in with the event, you must consider the occasion and the venue.
A ball gown might be the perfect choice for that banquet on your calendar, but a co*cktail dress might be a better selection for a black-tie wedding. You can go for shorter garments, depending on the formal occasion, but when in doubt, check with fellow attendees or strike a balance with a high-low hemline.
Which events are best for a formal dress?
Some common events that require this elevated style of dressing are proms, galas, banquets, balls, weddings, ceremonies, and certain professional events. These occasions often call for dress shopping or planning a poised outfit.
How to measure yourself for a formal dress
It’s great when shopping for any dress (especially formal dresses) to know your dress size. To measure yourself, you’ll need a flexible measuring tape, and you should wear the undergarments you plan to wear with the dress. You’ll then proceed to measure your bust, waist, and hips. To do this, you’ll measure the fullest part of your bust, the smallest part of your waist, and the widest part of your hips.
You’ll then measure yourself from your collarbone to the floor for the dress length. It helps to know your height and the height you’ll be in the shoes of your choice. At David’s Bridal, you can compare your measurements to the sizing charts online to find your size. We offer a range of dress sizes from 0 to 30W and additional specialty sizes for juniors and misses (girls).
David’s Bridal formal dress shipping options
All of our formal dresses can ship standard, expedited, and express to make sure your outfit arrives with plenty of time before the main event. For orders more than $175, you have the option to select free standard shipping throughout the U.S. (except Alaska and Hawaii). Head to the David’s Bridal Order FAQ page to learn more.
Formal dress tips and FAQs
Can formal dress be short?
Formal dresses are typically long in length, but there are a few exceptions. Depending on the special occasion and dress code, midi or knee-length dresses can be appropriate. If you love the ease and comfort of short styles, discover gorgeous jumpsuits and two-piece sets from David’s Bridal.What are evening dresses called?
Evening dresses refer to a wide range of special occasion wear, from co*cktail dresses to ball gowns. Whether the dress code is beachy or black tie, David’s Bridal offers a selection of stunning dresses to showcase your individual style and beauty.Is a formal dress long?
While most evening and formal dresses tend to be long, when attending weddings with formal or semi formal dress codes, you can explore other silhouette options. A midi dress, maxi, and even fun jumpsuit are all appropriate.Can you wear a long dress to a co*cktail party?
Long dresses can absolutely be worn to a co*cktail party if styled correctly. Maxis and midis are popular favorites among co*cktail party guests for their comfortability and on-trend appearance. A general rule of thumb is “you can never be overdressed”, although, we vote to save the ball gowns for an occasion with a formal dress code!How can I accessorize my formal dress?
When preparing your formal ensemble, the dress should take center stage, and then all of your accessories can act as background singers. It’s their job to highlight the piece’s beauty – rather than distract from it. You can wear stunning understated jewelry in silver or gold and neutral-colored shoes or shoes with a pop of color if the ensemble favors a neutral hue.How should I wear my hair?
If you have a high neckline, an elegant updo can better accentuate the top of your dress, elongating your neck area. If you’re wearing a sleeveless or cap-sleeve dress, pair the outfit with loose curls. It’s a good idea to know the dress before you know your hairstyle or base the dress choice around your dream hairdo.Can I wear a jacket with my dress?
For the colder months or outdoor occasions with a chill in the air, you can cover up with a chic jacket. Depending on the temperature, you can drape an elegant shawl over your shoulders, a blazer, or a stylish winter coat.FAQs
Although the terms are used interchangeably, ball gowns and evening gowns differ in that a ball gown will always have a full skirt and a fitted bodice, while an evening gown can be any silhouette—sheath, mermaid, fit and flare, A-line, or trumpet-shaped—and may have straps, halters or even sleeves.
How long should a formal evening gown be? ›
Formal events typically require floor-length dresses, showcasing elegance and sophistication. These floor length dresses, often referred to as formal dresses, are perfect for black-tie events, weddings, and other formal occasions where a refined appearance is essential.
Does formal attire mean long gowns? ›
Both floor-length gowns and lighter co*cktail dresses can fall into the formal category.
Can a long floral dress be formal? ›
While they are worn for informal situations, they may also be dressed up for a more formal and sophisticated appearance. You can convert a floral dress into a breathtaking ensemble ideal for parties, meetings and special occasions by combining intelligent style, the proper accessories, and a touch of confidence.
What color is best for evening gown? ›
Choose Classic Colours
Colour selection is also an important consideration when choosing evening gowns. You want a colour that looks luxurious but also helps you stand out and look beautiful. For formal events, try classic shades like navy, black, and jewel.
Should an evening gown touch the floor? ›
Your perfect dress length should either touch the floor so your shoes isn't visible when you are standing still or leave a graceful and slightly seductive train behind you. Anything in between might give the impression that you skipped your visit to the tailor.
What is the most flattering dress length? ›
No matter your body type, the general idea is to have your dress end at a relatively small part of your leg. For example, at or just below the knee tends to be the most universally flattering skirt length, whereas anything hitting the widest part of your calves can create the illusion of a shorter leg.
Do you wear a bra with an evening gown? ›
Many evening gowns are strapless or have thin straps or a halter neck style. What bra should you wear under a strapless dress? A bandeau bra with removable straps and excellent support for larger breasts is the best option. This style is also perfect for dresses with thin straps (you never want your straps to show).
How do you look good in an evening gown? ›
To complement an evening gown, choose accessories that enhance the overall elegance of your look. Statement jewelry, such as a dazzling necklace, chandelier earrings, or sparkling bracelet, can add a touch of glamour.
Does a woman have to wear a long dress to a formal wedding? ›
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.
Feel The Fabrics
Heavy textured fabrics such as denim and corduroy would look less formal. However among the textured fabrics, lace is the only one that gives the formal look. Light weight, fine and soft fabrics such as chiffon and silk are perfect choices for evening gowns.
Can I wear an ankle-length dress to a formal wedding? ›
Women should wear a floor-length gown that does not reveal the ankles, in sumptuous fabrics like silk and organza. If the wedding seems a bit less formal, however, a sophisticated co*cktail dress might be acceptable, but be sure to consult with the bride first.
What makes a dress more formal? ›
A floor length dress also makes it easier to achieve a more formal look without having to drop the big bucks. Keep styling sophisticated and minimal, let the sleek gown speak for itself.
How do you pose in a long formal dress? ›
Always try to at least slightly turn your head and shoulders to the side. Also, a great idea would be to put one hand on your waist and the other free. The golden rule of all professional models is never to look down during a photoshoot. Instead, bring your chin a little bit forward, but don't overdo it.
What is formal attire for a woman at a wedding? ›
For women, this is once again an opportunity to wear a formal floor-length gown in satin, crepe, chiffon or silk while accessorizing with refined jewelry such as pearls or diamonds. Heels are recommended, but if you're looking to be more comfortable, you can wear dressy flats.
What classifies as a gown? ›
A gown is a dress, usually a long dress, which women wear on formal occasions. The new ball gown was a great success. 2. countable noun. A gown is a loose black garment worn on formal occasions by people such as lawyers and academics.
What is evening gown dress code? ›
Evening wear generally entails white or black tie and suits for men, and formal dresses, co*cktail dresses or gowns for women. It is the most glamorous and formal of occasions, and because of this it can be difficult to plan an outfit for.
Is there a difference between graduation gowns? ›
But there are subtle differences that can help you tell a bachelor's gown from a master's gown. (See illustration below.) Bachelor's gowns have the University seal printed on the left chest. Master's gowns do not have the seal and have a long "tail" on each sleeve.
Can you wear an evening gown to a wedding? ›
Formal Wedding
Men can wear tuxedos or formal dark suits, and women can wear anything from evening gowns to dressy co*cktail attire.
