6/12/2011

Beautiful and Elegant Black Tie Formal Dresses

The black tie event requires a woman to wear a long floor length dress. However, when it comes to black tie optional dress for ladies, just like men, they are not required to wear the long formal gown. However, unlike men, ladies have a lot of options for dressing at a black tie optional wedding or any such event. Many ladies prefer to wear a short, dressy cocktail dress for such events. Other than the cocktail dress, it is also fine to opt for an evening suit. Also, it is a good idea to dress in a nice fitting slacks paired with a glamorous top for a black tie optional party. The color of the dress should be a dark one, preferably black. It is also important to wear the appropriate accessories like high heeled shoes, jewelry, etc. with the dress to look perfect.
When it comes to black tie optional formal dresses, many ladies are confused as to what exactly are you expected to wear. One of the most difficult decisions that people have to make, when they have to attend a party or may be an event is the dress that they should wear. This is because each party has a dress etiquette which has to be followed by the guests. Usually most formal events like weddings, business meetings, etc. are said to be black tie events. Additionally, ladies are expected to wear a long, preferably floor length gown for the black tie event. Receiving an invitation for a black tie event may become a little problematic for the guests, especially men as not everyone owes a tuxedo. This has caused the introduction of the black tie optional attire for formal events. However, this term has actually caused confusion among people. So, if you have been invited for a black tie optional event, here are some important things that you have to know about black tie optional dress code.
There are various patterns of ladies’ clothing that you can select to embellish that particular black tie event. Ladies can most elegantly carry this formal dress, in various fashions. Ranging from the cocktail dresses, traditional evening gowns, the designer gowns to the classic little black dress, you can select anything from the above mentioned according to the occasion. For example, if it is a drinks’ party, then you can opt for the little black dress. But if you are looking for a black tie wedding dress, then a long and elegant evening gown is all that you need! However, make sure that the evening black tie attire for ladies that you are opting for are tailored in high end fabrics like silk, rayon, satin, crape, jersey material, suede, tulle and many other flowing fabrics. If it is beaded with feminine artistry and fabrics like rhinestones, small metals, beads, small pearls, delicate embroidery, velvet, etc. then you are sure to be the star of that event.
You can choose any of the designer evening dresses and dress patterns that suit your complexion, body shape, body type and the nature of that black tie event. If you are looking for plus size black tie dresses, then make it a point to stay away from stiff fabrics and full sleeved dress patterns, since they emphasize the heaviness of the arms and make you look over sized. You may rather opt for dresses made in flowy fabrics that come with less frills. Or you can also choose ruched, draped and gathered dress patterns, with ‘v’ necks and deep neck cocktail dresses, since they make you look thinner. No matter which one of the black tie dresses that you choose, make sure that they are accompanied with some matching fashion accessories. Some basic most things include having a natural makeup with matching lip and nail color look best.
You can choose lighter lipstick shades and more highlighted eye makeup. Choose minimal jewelry, which won’t overwhelm your outfit. Choose jewelry that can highlight your dress. You can opt for delicate diamond or pearl jewelry, a charm bracelet, etc. When it comes to handbags, a small clutch in matching color shade is all that you need. While for footwear, you can opt for strappy sandals, slipper mules, and open toes shoes, etc. which is some of the excellent choices to wear with black tie dresses.

Various Styles on Prom Dresses

Look for prom dresses? With all the types of formal gowns and dresses available, there are also many terms that describe the length, design, neckline, and style of a prom dress. You might feel overwhelmed when speaking with a sales clerk at a formal wear shop or even while shopping online for prom dresses. Below we’ve put together some helpful terms and definitions to help you be an informed shopper for prom dresses and other prom-related items of girls’ interests.
Ballroom Gowns and A-Line Prom Dresses
A ballroom gown has a very large skirt that billows out from the waist to the mid-calf or ankles. It might have a fitted waist and top or a corset type top. The A-line or princess dress flares out to the hemline and is narrow near the waist. It forms an “a” shape as it fits to your body from top to bottom.
Styles
Some of the prom dress styles you might see include the ball gown, princess, sheath, lace-covered, high-low, baby doll, chiffon, one-shoulder, empire, golden glamour, modest, and halter.
 
Baby Doll, One-Shoulder, and Sleeveless Gowns
The baby doll prom dress is typically very short and cute. It usually fits at the top and flows at the bottom with a high waistline in between. Baby doll dresses usually come with a tied ribbon or belt around the stomach area to give the baby dress look. One-shoulder prom dresses have only one shoulder strap, of course, with the other side being sleeveless. These are usually long and elegant gowns. There are also completely strapless formal gowns and prom dresses. These can be worn with or without a jacket or wrap.
 
High-Low, Lace-Covered, and Chiffon Prom Dresses
The high-low dress zigzags vertically at the hemline so it is short in some spots and long in others. The sheath prom dress is one that clings to the body and hides nothing concerning your figure. The lace-covered dress can be a satin or satin-like material underneath with lace as a top layer. Chiffon dresses look similar to a fancy night robe worn by the girls of Rome or Greece. With a high empire waist, the dress is long and flows from the hips down to the ankles. It is great for almost any figure.
Necklines
Necklines are also important when choosing a prom dress. The empire neckline scoops out and then connects with a very high waistline. A sweetheart neckline looks like the top of a heart. A jewel neckline is simple and round, located just above the collarbone. The Bandeau neck comes around to each collarbone, similar to a sailor’s suit that is super romantic.
Types of Sleeves
Cap sleeves are short and cover only the upper arms and shoulders. Juliet sleeves are puffy at the shoulders and taper all the way to the wrist. Some sleeves start below the shoulders or appear to hang off the shoulders. Also, spaghetti straps are thin straps with no sleeves.
Halter, Golden Glamour, and Modest Prom Dresses
The halter prom dress looks similar to a halter top at the sleeves and then flows toward the knees. It is usually no longer than just below the knees and may look similar to a high-low dress at the hemline. The golden glamour dress is usually shiny gold to appear like Hollywood style apparel. The modest prom dress is beautiful, simple, and modest. It covers everything while still giving the wearer a touch of glamour and elegance.