10 ideas for elegant and formal dresses suitable for many occasions

Are you looking for elegant formal dresses inspiration for an upcoming event? At D2Line we understand how hard it could be to pick out a formal dress that fits your personal style and looks stunning on your body type. We are ready to guide you and give you some styling tips.

Check this article for some useful information about the dress codes for different occasions. Get inspired by the 10 ideas for elegant and formal dresses on our list.

What are the dress codes for some important occasions?

Prom

Prom is one of the special occasions that women need formal dresses for. One of the most important things to remember when searching for a prom dress is to find something that is formal and elegant enough and at the same matches your style, energy, and personality.

Wedding

Of course, we cannot leave weddings off the list. These big private events are a celebration of love, so unless you want to offend the bride and the groom, you need to make sure you choose a dress that fits the dress code and the wedding theme. Colorwise, elegant white dresses are off-limits and so are white-ish colors and too bright shades of red. The standard wedding attire is knee-length or long cocktail dresses you would feel comfortable wearing to a fancy dinner. Be careful with the accessories. Make sure no statement piece of your outfit is too big of an attention grabber.

Dinner party

If you are going to a formal dinner party, make sure to communicate with the host what the theme and the dress code are. Consider what colors of formal dresses would be appropriate to wear, too. That way you get to avoid getting under or over-dressed. Typically, dinner parties are black-tie events that require the guests to show up in stilettos, shiny designer accessories, and their favorite long cocktail dress. 

Business occasion

Ready to steal the spotlight at a corporate event or company party with a beautiful elegant dress? While dressing up for the office is business-casual-oriented, when it comes to official dinners and work events, you need to be a bit more formal. 

Provocative clothing is out of the question. Dress smart instead. A suit, dress pants, or a slim-fit midi dress will make you look sharp, neat, and professional. Accessorize in a subtle and minimalistic way and don’ go overboard with bright and vivid colors – keep it neutral.

10 ideas for elegant and formal dresses

Midi dress

The first elegant dress on our list is the midi dress. Midi dresses are stunning with their simplicity and incredible style. Whether you want to be perceived as more serious or professional, or laid back and chill, these dresses can do it all. They are just as conservative as they are attention-grabbing and alluring. That makes midi dresses extremely versatile and suitable for all kinds of occasions and social scenes. 

Feel free to choose a color that you like or best matches the theme of the event you are attending. Typically warm candy colors are quite playful and look amazing on midi dresses. You can combine the elegant garment with a stylish belt, high-heeled shoes, and a matching bag to finish the look.

Puffed sleeves

Puffed-sleeved dresses are back in style and are here to stay! They have that classic appeal and subtle baroque vibe that is a great choice for any semi-formal party or a romantic evening. We believe that pretty soon this formal dress will also become a popular pick for prom celebrations.

Accessorize accordingly by choosing delicate jewelry and small handbags with dress-matching embellishments. For the shoes go for something comfortable, even flats and loafers would look great with a puffed sleeves dress.

Slim-fit

Well, when it comes to formal dresses, nothing beats the classic slim-fit dress. No matter how many fashion trends come and go, silhouette-hugging dresses are forever. It has something to do with their appeal sliding down on a woman’s body,  accentuating her figure.

Depending on the occasion and the dress code you can pick a long or a short slim-fit dress. Long dresses are ideal for cocktails and black tie events, while the short elegant dresses fit the theme of a more professional scene.

V-neck

V-neck formal dresses are another must-have. Formal black dresses or black-and-white dresses look fantastic with a deep V-neck if you have a smaller bust and want to look exquisite and elegant when you dress up. Women with a more curvy figure, large bust and/or pear-shaped body, can also rock this dress in an everyday setting but it is not the best choice for a formal event.

Red formal dresses

The color red is stunning, vibrant, and lively, it brightens up any atmosphere and is a huge attention grabber for dinner parties, formal work gatherings, and cocktail nights. With that in mind, every woman needs to own a red dress she can show off and feel like a superstar in. As for the accessories, go for something that matches the party theme but at the same time is not too ‘loud’.

Cape sleeve

If you love stylish garments that push beyond the classics and the traditional elegant dresses, then you definitely need to own a cape sleeve dress. This certain design looks high fashion and will make you shine bright and gather all the looks anywhere you show up wearing the magnificent style dress. Feel free to add large or small golden jewelry, as well as comfy heels and a chic handbag to the outfit.

Asymmetric print

Now, let’s have a moment to talk about asymmetric formal dresses. We love creative clothing designs, so we just have to appreciate asymmetric wrap dresses with alluring prints. When you find the balance between neutral colors and shapes, you look more feminine and elegant than ever. With this type of dress, you can get a small jewelry set, a large handbag, and comfortable platforms or heels.

Flared midi dress

Flared dresses are perfect for the summer season! They are flowy and playful, but simultaneously make the wearer look like a real lady, elegant and carefree. What we love most about flared dresses is that they are comfortable and if you are body-conscious, these formal dresses can hide almost any insecurity. That you can feel confident and empowered.

Dress with crossed panels

A cross panel dress looks amazing! They bring that interesting outfit element that accentuates the figure and makes a dress look more fashionable and luxurious. These types of classic formal dresses are very appropriate for work-related events and would put any woman in a good professional light. 

Print tank dress

A tank dress with an interesting print is bound to make you stand out on any occasion. The flawless and unpretentious design combined with an abstract print makes this piece indispensable for a semi-formal evening event. Accessorize smart and keep the outfit vibe subtle and elegant.

Do you like our fashion suggestions? Check out our D2Line blog for more styling tips or visit our online boutique to start shopping now!