Chic Evening Dresses For The Modern Woman

However, evening dresses for the average modern woman are a bit different. Today's woman often chooses short, tight-fitting dresses over voluminous gowns with long trains. Formal events usually consist of functions like a cocktail party, wedding, homecoming dance or the prom. The elements that separate an evening dress from an everyday dress are things like the fabric, style, length, color and embellishments.

The fabric can be silk, charmeuse, satin, sateen, shantung, spandex, leather, suede, taffeta, chiffon, lycra, crepe, velvet, velour and organza. Many modern dresses are a combination of two or more materials. This enables the dress to get the best of each type of fabric. For example, spandex combined with velvet provides a tight yet forgiving fit that is also dressy. Some dresses are even a combination of solid and sheer fabrics.

Evening calls for more exposed skin in the form of deep necklines, exposed arms and legs. Many dresses are very short and are considered mini dresses. However, some women do opt to wear long dresses. When they do, there is usually a sexy slit that travels up the side of the leg or in the front or back of the dress to expose flashes of flesh. Necklines are often off the shoulder, one shoulder, sleeveless, thin straps or halter style. The fit of the dress is very snug and form-fitting, although the short hem may have billowing puffs or pleats.

Details like ruching or gathering, jeweled accents at the neckline, bust or waist, ruffles, tulle, netting, mesh, lace, strategic cutouts and corsetry provide additional flair. The waist may be cinched with a decorative accent like a faux jewel encrusted belt, brooch, sash, ribbon or bow. While black continues to be one of the most popular choices for evening dresses, other colors like purple, red, silver, metallic grey, gold and even white are widely prevalent. Animal prints in shades of camel and chocolate, black and white, black and yellow, as well as silver grey and black snakeskin, are also popular.

Evening dresses call for flashy accessories like a rhinestone encrusted silk clutch purse, sparkly drop earrings, oversized cuff bracelets, suede platform heels with a peep toe front, cut out center and side bow detail or leather rhinestone encrusted spike heels. Vintage jewelry pieces in the form of multiple strands of pearls or a colored faux gemstone hair clip will look fresh and modern when paired with contemporary dresses. For those cool evening, choose a lightweight silk or pashmina shawl or oversized scarf.

The most important thing to look for when shopping for an evening dress is proper fit. A dress that is too big will appear to sag and be lumpy, while a dress that is too tight will be constricting, reveal bulges and may even rip or tear. Comfort and style, together in one dress, are the keys to having a wonderful evening.