Find Your Favorite Formal Evening Dresses and Gowns
You know those elegant events that come with a formal dress code? Well, finding the right formal dress is as simple as heading to David’s Bridal! From black tie galas to formal weddings to prom, there’s a formal dress out there to suit you and the occasion perfectly. Formal dresses can take the form of sweeping ball gowns or slinky black sheath dresses; they can transcend the boundaries of fun and sophistication.
At David’s Bridal, we offer more than 400 formal dresses for your online shopping convenience. Plus, our wide range of options presents a variety of colors, silhouettes, sizes, and fabrics. Using our search filters, you can virtually tailor your shopping experience to view the looks that feel best to you. Then when you meet your match, you can place your order and select the low-cost or free shipping option to get your outfit delivered to your door.
Discover formal dresses for every occasion at David's Bridal
As you make connections at a benefit gala or dance the night away at a charity ball, David’s Bridal offers formal dresses for every event. Here are some of our favorite styles you can shop on our site:
- co*cktail dresses. For co*cktail parties or co*cktail-dress-themed events, a flirty and flowing co*cktail dress can make you look polished and full of life.
- Colorful ensembles. Formal events are associated with dark colors, but black-tie doesn’t always mean a black dress. If the moment calls for it, you can look lovely in olive green or sapphire blue as you embrace the jewel-tone hue.
- Lace numbers. The material of lace is divinely feminine and lends itself beautifully to the formalwear category. From loose to form-fitting, the style is up to you.
- Long-sleeve gowns. When you want head-to-toe glamor, a long-sleeved gown that flatters your figure with a few bejeweled accents can do just the trick.
- Elevated jumpsuits. Formal isn’t synonymous with formal dresses for women; you can narrow your search to an elegant jumpsuit to fit the theme and exude confidence in a figure-flattering and flared garment.
What does formal attire mean?
With the many dress code variations like casual, business casual, semi-formal, and formal, it’s easy for anyone to get confused. But formal attire is about debuting your fanciest duds. Traditionally, this means a gown that’s polished and put together. However, to fit in with the event, you must consider the occasion and the venue.
A ball gown might be the perfect choice for that banquet on your calendar, but a co*cktail dress might be a better selection for a black-tie wedding. You can go for shorter garments, depending on the formal occasion, but when in doubt, check with fellow attendees or strike a balance with a high-low hemline.
Which events are best for a formal dress?
Some common events that require this elevated style of dressing are proms, galas, banquets, balls, weddings, ceremonies, and certain professional events. These occasions often call for dress shopping or planning a poised outfit.
How to measure yourself for a formal dress
It’s great when shopping for any dress (especially formal dresses) to know your dress size. To measure yourself, you’ll need a flexible measuring tape, and you should wear the undergarments you plan to wear with the dress. You’ll then proceed to measure your bust, waist, and hips. To do this, you’ll measure the fullest part of your bust, the smallest part of your waist, and the widest part of your hips.
You’ll then measure yourself from your collarbone to the floor for the dress length. It helps to know your height and the height you’ll be in the shoes of your choice. At David’s Bridal, you can compare your measurements to the sizing charts online to find your size. We offer a range of dress sizes from 0 to 30W and additional specialty sizes for juniors and misses (girls).
David’s Bridal formal dress shipping options
All of our formal dresses can ship standard, expedited, and express to make sure your outfit arrives with plenty of time before the main event. For orders more than $175, you have the option to select free standard shipping throughout the U.S. (except Alaska and Hawaii). Head to the David’s Bridal Order FAQ page to learn more.
Formal dress tips and FAQs
Can formal dress be short?
Formal dresses are typically long in length, but there are a few exceptions. Depending on the special occasion and dress code, midi or knee-length dresses can be appropriate. If you love the ease and comfort of short styles, discover gorgeous jumpsuits and two-piece sets from David’s Bridal.What are evening dresses called?
Evening dresses refer to a wide range of special occasion wear, from co*cktail dresses to ball gowns. Whether the dress code is beachy or black tie, David’s Bridal offers a selection of stunning dresses to showcase your individual style and beauty.Is a formal dress long?
While most evening and formal dresses tend to be long, when attending weddings with formal or semi formal dress codes, you can explore other silhouette options. A midi dress, maxi, and even fun jumpsuit are all appropriate.Can you wear a long dress to a co*cktail party?
Long dresses can absolutely be worn to a co*cktail party if styled correctly. Maxis and midis are popular favorites among co*cktail party guests for their comfortability and on-trend appearance. A general rule of thumb is “you can never be overdressed”, although, we vote to save the ball gowns for an occasion with a formal dress code!How can I accessorize my formal dress?
When preparing your formal ensemble, the dress should take center stage, and then all of your accessories can act as background singers. It’s their job to highlight the piece’s beauty – rather than distract from it. You can wear stunning understated jewelry in silver or gold and neutral-colored shoes or shoes with a pop of color if the ensemble favors a neutral hue.How should I wear my hair?
If you have a high neckline, an elegant updo can better accentuate the top of your dress, elongating your neck area. If you’re wearing a sleeveless or cap-sleeve dress, pair the outfit with loose curls. It’s a good idea to know the dress before you know your hairstyle or base the dress choice around your dream hairdo.Can I wear a jacket with my dress?
For the colder months or outdoor occasions with a chill in the air, you can cover up with a chic jacket. Depending on the temperature, you can drape an elegant shawl over your shoulders, a blazer, or a stylish winter coat.FAQs
Formal events typically require floor-length dresses, showcasing elegance and sophistication. These floor length dresses, often referred to as formal dresses, are perfect for black-tie events, weddings, and other formal occasions where a refined appearance is essential.
Does formal attire mean long gowns? ›
Both floor-length gowns and lighter co*cktail dresses can fall into the formal category. Aside from dresses, blouses, dressy skirts, and dress pants are potential choices for females at formal events.
What is the difference between a gown and an evening gown? ›
Although the terms are used interchangeably, ball gowns and evening gowns differ in that a ball gown will always have a full skirt and a fitted bodice, while an evening gown can be any silhouette—sheath, mermaid, fit and flare, A-line, or trumpet-shaped—and may have straps, halters or even sleeves.
What is evening gown dress code? ›
Traditionally, black-tie attire is a dress code reserved for formal evening events. Guests commonly choose sophisticated floor-length gowns but depending on the occasion, beautiful long dresses are often worn too.
What is the most flattering dress length? ›
No matter your body type, the general idea is to have your dress end at a relatively small part of your leg. For example, at or just below the knee tends to be the most universally flattering skirt length, whereas anything hitting the widest part of your calves can create the illusion of a shorter leg.
Should a formal gown touch the floor? ›
Your perfect dress length should either touch the floor so your shoes isn't visible when you are standing still or leave a graceful and slightly seductive train behind you. Anything in between might give the impression that you skipped your visit to the tailor.
Does a woman have to wear a long dress to a formal wedding? ›
Traditionally women are expected to wear a floor length evening dress to a formal wedding. Often a sophisticated and dressy co*cktail dress is also appropriate, however if the bride is traditional we recommend a floor length dress. A full length dress means that the ankle is not visible.
What is the formal dress code for a woman? ›
For Women. For women, it helps to have a selection of gowns to use for formal events. Opt for gowns and dresses of different lengths so that you can adjust your outfit for white tie, black tie, and formal events. Skirts, blouses, and fancy jewelry can also be useful when attending special occasions.
Can I wear a short black dress to a formal wedding? ›
Since nuptials are celebratory occasions, the dark hue was labeled off-limits for attendees in the past. However, in today's modern-day age, wearing black to a wedding is completely acceptable, and in many cases, it's even encouraged.
What color is best for evening gown? ›
What is the best color for an evening gown? The choice of color for an evening gown depends on personal preference and the event's theme or dress code. Classic colors like black, navy, or deep jewel tones such as emerald green, sapphire blue, or burgundy are timeless choices that exude sophistication.
Many evening gowns are strapless or have thin straps or a halter neck style. What bra should you wear under a strapless dress? A bandeau bra with removable straps and excellent support for larger breasts is the best option. This style is also perfect for dresses with thin straps (you never want your straps to show).
What color should a woman wear to a black tie event? ›
It is important to search for a gown colour that compliments your skin tone, eyes and hair colour, so there is no need to strictly stick to black if you prefer to wear a bit of colour. Accessories are also the perfect way to finish your black tie look.
What is elegant attire dress code? ›
Formal attire is typically reserved for the most elegant and prestigious events. Here, dressing to impress is paramount. For men, a black tuxedo, crisp white dress shirt, black bowtie, and polished dress shoes are the essentials. Women usually opt for floor-length evening gowns or elegant co*cktail dresses.
What is the difference between a gown and a long dress? ›
The difference between a dress and a gown is largely one of semantics and personal preference. The word "gown" tends to refer to more formal garments, like those worn for weddings, proms or balls. A "dress" can be any one-piece garment with a skirt of any length, and can be either formal or informal.
What length dress do you wear to a formal? ›
Black Tie Optional or Formal
Women are more than welcome to wear a floor-length dress, but if you prefer a knee-length co*cktail dress, then feel free. Just make sure it's not too revealing.
Can a formal evening dress be short? ›
Yes you can go short—here's how! Invited to a formal party or wedding and want to rock a short dress style? We say go for it. Short party dresses can totally work for a more buttoned-up event.
What length dress is appropriate for an evening wedding? ›
Men should wear a tuxedo with tails while ladies should wear a full-length ball gown. Gloves and clutches are appropriate accessories.
Should a long bridesmaid dress touch the floor? ›
Long bridesmaid dresses
Long or maxi bridesmaid dresses are certainly the most popular and commonly used in a wedding. They are designed to fall to below the ankle and possibly even touch the floor slightly. The main reason why long bridesmaid dresses are featured most over the other options are they're very versatile.
