Party dresses are available in so many the styles that your biggest issue will be finding just one. With the versatility this style of dress today, you can have a few essential party dresses in your closet and be ready to accept every invitation. Two classically popular styles are cocktail dresses and ballroom dresses or ball gowns. Both offer selections that range from the simple to the elegant, allowing you to completely set the tone for the evening.
Cocktail dresses make the perfect party dress for almost every occasion. They can be short and sassy or ballerina length and classy. In addition to social cocktails, the cocktail dress works for banquets, bar mitzvahs, family gatherings, formal dances, graduation, holidays, homecoming, military balls, pageants, prom, quinceanera, semi-formals, sweet sixteen celebrations, and weddings. They are also ideal for travel, such as dining on a cruise ship.
Since cocktail dresses range in length, they can be worn for both semi-formal events and formal occasions including as prom dresses 2011. They can also be very elaborate or they can replace the little black dress that must hang in every girl’s closet. While a long dress is usually considered more formal, that does not discount today’s shorter dress. Party dresses can be really short, above the knee, below the knee, tea length, or floor length. Regardless of length, the main thing a party dress must have is style.
As fancy as cocktail dresses are, they do completely replace the true ballroom dress. Ballroom dresses are the ultimate formal party dress and are usually reserved for formal affairs, black tie galas, military balls, pageants, and prom. They are floor length gowns and even though they have traditionally been wide skirted with ruffles and layers reminiscent of the Southern Belle era, they are also available in simple floor length styles and mermaid drops. Unlike a ballerina dress that floats at the ankle, the mermaid dress comes straight down and then has a little flare at the bottom.
Ballroom dresses are similar to cocktail dresses and other party dresses in that they too range in bodice style. Sleeveless, strapless, spaghetti straps, short sleeves, and long sleeves are all available options. Necklines include halter style, v-neck, high neck, and sweetheart necklines. Skirts can be straight, wrapped, ruffled, bowed, or shirred. Colors can be solid, bold, or pastel and while they can also have prints and patterns, they are usually more subdued.
Party dresses are elegant and sophisticated and they can also have a bit of frivolity. To maximize your party wardrobe, consider a couple of party dresses in varying styles, lengths, and colors so that you will be ready for every occasion.
