The Best Evening Dresses for Sundown Splendour
Been invited to a formal gathering and need something suitably fancy to wear? Here's what to wear
Read more
The Best Evening Dresses for Sundown Splendour
Been invited to a formal gathering and need something suitably fancy to wear? Here's what to wear
By: George ElliotFor the fanciest events in your diary - be that a party or dinner at an exclusive restaurant you’ve been waiting to try out for months - only one wardrobe hero will truly rise to the occasion: one of this season’s best evening dresses. The dressiest of dresses, perched at the top of fashion’s formality scale, there’s not one hard and fast definition of what an ‘evening dress’ looks like. In reality, they come in many shapes, sizes, colours and finishes. From those that tick off this season’s biggest trends to gowns that prove wearing black is never boring, this definitive rundown of summer's standout evening dresses will help you decide exactly what to wear.
Contemporary Cocktail Dresses
Practical, comfortable, but ultimately elegant, for decades the cocktail dress has long been a firm favourite of night time revellers. If you consider yourself a print-loving maximalist, you'll be glad to know that many of this season's come decked in a blooming, suitably vibrant array of florals. More of a minimalist? Opt for one that's pared-back in colour but striking in shape – perfect for partying the night away, cocktail in hand.
Read more: decipher the cocktail dress code
Fashion-Forward Finery
To ensure your evening attire is distinctly of the moment, set your sights on a dress that speaks to the season's biggest fashion trends. For instance, you might opt for a dress that nails fashion’s current love affair with asymmetry and earthy tones, or one that reflects the revival of historic silhouettes. Sheer gowns and lacy chemise once only found in the bedroom and extravagant embellishments are other trends very much accounted for, too.
Read more: get in on the season's biggest fashion trends
FARM Rio
Brown Paisley Bloom Long-Sleeve Maxi-Dress
Rise and Shine
Any occasion that calls for an evening dress is your opportunity to shine, quite literally. From sequinned midis to minimalist slips cut from sumptuously soft, high-shine satins, revel in all that shimmers this season. The same mentality should also apply to your jewellery choices, so team your chosen dress with a curation of sparkly necklaces, rings and earrings for an outfit that's bound to win you compliments. All that remains to be decided is which party bag you'll take as your plus-one?
Read more: elevate your outfits with the season's biggest jewellery trends
RIXO Savona Satin Halter-Neck Gown, £495
Award Winners
Perhaps you were hoping to take your cue from the red carpet at this year’s Oscars. There was a fitting sense of theatricality to this year's outfits, with sculptural details and maximalist colour schemes reigning supreme. So, consider following suit with an ankle-gracing dress that puts a playful spin on old-school elegance. More of a minimalist? Thankfully for you, many of this season's attendees took to the stage in single colour gowns, reflecting the 'monochrome mania' trend that's set to define spring/summer.
Read more: meet fashion's best loved artisan fashion brands
Liberty
Adelphi Voyage Sheer Cotton Chiffon Veranda Dress
FARM Rio
Black Coconut Grove Puff-Sleeve Maxi-Dress
Best of Black Tie
Black dresses are far from boring, particularly those coming from the most exciting womenswear ateliers around. Take Ganni's Black Ribbon Tulle Midi Dress, £345 as a case in point; cut from textural, bow covered tulle, this voluminous midi is far from conventional. Looking for something that incorporates a little print. Keep the pattern's colour palette to a minimum to keep to the sartorial rules of black tie?
Read more: how to wear black in spring and summer
