What Is an Evening Gown?
14 Dec 2023
You have been sent an invitation and you don't know which dress is best for the event? Life consists not only of working days, walks, and sitting with friends. There are plenty of festive and formal occasions that allow women to put together a dressy look. Sometimes there are special occasions that require a special outfit. An evening dress is one of those things. What is an evening dress? No matter how fashion changes, evening dresses are not the exception, but, as in the XV century, its main purpose - to make its owner refined and elegant.
Will you not look too pompous in a floor-length dress or too frivolous with open knees? First, carefully study the invitation, as a rule, there is a dress code. Evening dress is a garment that is worn to solemn events in the evening. It can be a banquet, wedding, ball, graduation, or other event that requires special attire and elegance. It occupies a special place in everyone's closet. With it comes self-confidence, special grace, and femininity.
Evening dresses differ from everyday dresses, as a rule, brighter colors, more expensive materials, and luxurious design. It differs from everyday clothes by its elegant and refined design, as well as quality materials and high level of performance.
Since these occasions do not happen very often, choosing this kind of clothing is not an easy decision. Of course, since you don't come across this category of clothing often, you may also be wondering what exactly is an evening dress. This definition is not clear to many people.
Will you not look too pompous in a floor-length dress or too frivolous with open knees? First, carefully study the invitation, as a rule, there is a dress code. Evening dress is a garment that is worn to solemn events in the evening. It can be a banquet, wedding, ball, graduation, or other event that requires special attire and elegance. It occupies a special place in everyone's closet. With it comes self-confidence, special grace, and femininity.
Evening dresses differ from everyday dresses, as a rule, brighter colors, more expensive materials, and luxurious design. It differs from everyday clothes by its elegant and refined design, as well as quality materials and high level of performance.
Since these occasions do not happen very often, choosing this kind of clothing is not an easy decision. Of course, since you don't come across this category of clothing often, you may also be wondering what exactly is an evening dress. This definition is not clear to many people.
History of Evening Gowns
Expensive fabrics, feminine silhouette, and elegant jewelry - that's exactly what evening dresses should look like today. But its fashion history was rich in events. Every self-respecting woman should have at least one evening dress in her closet. She wears it on special occasions: to go out on the red carpet, to a reception for the president, or to the premiere of a theater production of a famous director.
The term "evening dress" originated in Great Britain in the XIX century, during the reign of Queen Victoria. It was something between an everyday outfit and a luxurious ball gown. In this form, ladies attended dinner parties, theater, and receptions. The exterior decoration of evening gowns was luxurious but somewhat conservative. The preferred color scheme was pearl gray, yellowish cream, brown-red, and purple tones. During the century, the look of evening dresses underwent significant changes.
The middle of the XIX century made fashionable outfits that were very narrow in the front, and the back was decorated with a large number of bows, ribbons, fringes, and ruffles. Later, ladies began to choose dresses made of velvet without unnecessary elements, and at the turn of the century, women again began to wear closed dresses with many decorations.
By the end of the XIX century ball gowns were a thing of the past, and evening dresses became the most luxurious element in the closet. This is facilitated by the emergence of ready-to-wear stores. Now evening gowns become available not only to the privileged strata of the population but also to people more simply.
Next, two great men intervened in the history of evening dress: Coco Chanel and Paul Poiret. Both wanted to free the woman from the captivity of the corset. Poiret thought it was ridiculous to divide a woman into two parts. The king of fashion created the La Vague silhouette, which gently repeated the curves of a woman's body. A woman in a Poiret dress looked young and agile, which was to the taste of fashionistas of the time.
The First World War affected not only the life but also the appearance of women. Dresses became not only simple and practical but also as patriotic as possible. People had to work for the good of the front, and women simply had nowhere to go in their outfits: for a while all theaters and operas were closed, and receptions were not held.
But even when life returned to a more normal course, the very notion of "evening dress" was banned. At that time, the most fashionable color was black, and the style was as simple as possible - the hem ended at the level of the calves, so as not to constrict movement, there were no ruffles, flounces, and ribbons.
After the war, women did not want to return to the former fashion, appreciating the convenience of simple styles. At the peak of popularity is a flat straight silhouette dress with ankle length. This causes a real scandal in a world where the evening dresses were supposed to be as long as possible. Feathers, sequins, fringe - all this was an indispensable attribute of the evening dress.
All fashion trends were quickly picked up by Coco Chanel. In 1926 she created the most popular model - a little black dress. It was even shorter and covered only the knees (Gabrielle considered them the most ugly part of the female body). Simple semicircular neckline, long narrow sleeves, and a complete lack of frills: fringe, buttons, ruffles. Thus, Coco Chanel realized a real revolution in the world of fashion.
Modern fashion has absorbed the best elements of the last century. Evening dresses today are a rethinking of the entire fashion heritage of the XX century. The variety of colors, styles, and fabrics allows any woman to find something that suits her. Fashion houses fight for the right to dress up the stars for the red carpet. They know that each dress will be examined from all sides, glossy magazines will make a rating of the best and worst outfits, fashion experts will devote articles and TV programs to them, and women all over the world will dream of an evening dress like their idol.
The term "evening dress" originated in Great Britain in the XIX century, during the reign of Queen Victoria. It was something between an everyday outfit and a luxurious ball gown. In this form, ladies attended dinner parties, theater, and receptions. The exterior decoration of evening gowns was luxurious but somewhat conservative. The preferred color scheme was pearl gray, yellowish cream, brown-red, and purple tones. During the century, the look of evening dresses underwent significant changes.
The middle of the XIX century made fashionable outfits that were very narrow in the front, and the back was decorated with a large number of bows, ribbons, fringes, and ruffles. Later, ladies began to choose dresses made of velvet without unnecessary elements, and at the turn of the century, women again began to wear closed dresses with many decorations.
By the end of the XIX century ball gowns were a thing of the past, and evening dresses became the most luxurious element in the closet. This is facilitated by the emergence of ready-to-wear stores. Now evening gowns become available not only to the privileged strata of the population but also to people more simply.
Next, two great men intervened in the history of evening dress: Coco Chanel and Paul Poiret. Both wanted to free the woman from the captivity of the corset. Poiret thought it was ridiculous to divide a woman into two parts. The king of fashion created the La Vague silhouette, which gently repeated the curves of a woman's body. A woman in a Poiret dress looked young and agile, which was to the taste of fashionistas of the time.
The First World War affected not only the life but also the appearance of women. Dresses became not only simple and practical but also as patriotic as possible. People had to work for the good of the front, and women simply had nowhere to go in their outfits: for a while all theaters and operas were closed, and receptions were not held.
But even when life returned to a more normal course, the very notion of "evening dress" was banned. At that time, the most fashionable color was black, and the style was as simple as possible - the hem ended at the level of the calves, so as not to constrict movement, there were no ruffles, flounces, and ribbons.
After the war, women did not want to return to the former fashion, appreciating the convenience of simple styles. At the peak of popularity is a flat straight silhouette dress with ankle length. This causes a real scandal in a world where the evening dresses were supposed to be as long as possible. Feathers, sequins, fringe - all this was an indispensable attribute of the evening dress.
All fashion trends were quickly picked up by Coco Chanel. In 1926 she created the most popular model - a little black dress. It was even shorter and covered only the knees (Gabrielle considered them the most ugly part of the female body). Simple semicircular neckline, long narrow sleeves, and a complete lack of frills: fringe, buttons, ruffles. Thus, Coco Chanel realized a real revolution in the world of fashion.
Modern fashion has absorbed the best elements of the last century. Evening dresses today are a rethinking of the entire fashion heritage of the XX century. The variety of colors, styles, and fabrics allows any woman to find something that suits her. Fashion houses fight for the right to dress up the stars for the red carpet. They know that each dress will be examined from all sides, glossy magazines will make a rating of the best and worst outfits, fashion experts will devote articles and TV programs to them, and women all over the world will dream of an evening dress like their idol.
What Is Evening Wear for Women?
Nowadays, the need to have and wear an evening dress appears much more often. And the requirements for the length of the dress have become less strict. It can even be a mini, provided that other conditions are met. One of the main conditions is a special requirement for the quality of fabrics.
Evening dresses are first of all a beautiful and expensive fabric. No intricate style will not make an outfit of cheap fabric evening, solemn. Traditional velvet, brocade, organza, and all kinds of silk are complemented by new fabrics embroidered by hand, embroidered with rhinestones and metallic threads. Here the possibilities of the modern textile industry are practically limitless. Evening attire made of exquisite fabric can do without jewelry and decorative details in the form of frills, draperies, bows, and a simple dress from a piece of luxurious fabric will allow you to pass the dress code for any social event.
Still, it is better if your evening dress is created by a professional designer. Their talent and imagination make a princess out of Cinderella, turn a dream into reality. Evening dresses are always dressy, but the occasions to dress up dressy and festive are different, so evening gowns should have a few. On the birthday of a friend in an expensive restaurant, of course, you will wear a very different dress than at the wedding of his daughter. And such nuances designers are noted in the models quite accurately.
For models of evening dresses for young girls (school leavers, bridesmaids) designers prefer bright colors and eye-catching details. If it is strapped, then rather decorative their intertwining, rather than an urgent need. If the ruffles - then wide and lush, if the flower - then huge, if the rhinestones - then a lot. Such a kind of peculiar game in the evening adult attire, sharpening the image of the evening dress.
Strangely enough, in the models of evening dresses for other age categories, designers show more conservatism than in outfits for other purposes. They more often follow the general direction of fashion, rather than using "hot", super trendy accents. Still, they are hard to imagine without low necklines, open shoulders, and backs - just as they were years ago.
Evening dresses are first of all a beautiful and expensive fabric. No intricate style will not make an outfit of cheap fabric evening, solemn. Traditional velvet, brocade, organza, and all kinds of silk are complemented by new fabrics embroidered by hand, embroidered with rhinestones and metallic threads. Here the possibilities of the modern textile industry are practically limitless. Evening attire made of exquisite fabric can do without jewelry and decorative details in the form of frills, draperies, bows, and a simple dress from a piece of luxurious fabric will allow you to pass the dress code for any social event.
Still, it is better if your evening dress is created by a professional designer. Their talent and imagination make a princess out of Cinderella, turn a dream into reality. Evening dresses are always dressy, but the occasions to dress up dressy and festive are different, so evening gowns should have a few. On the birthday of a friend in an expensive restaurant, of course, you will wear a very different dress than at the wedding of his daughter. And such nuances designers are noted in the models quite accurately.
For models of evening dresses for young girls (school leavers, bridesmaids) designers prefer bright colors and eye-catching details. If it is strapped, then rather decorative their intertwining, rather than an urgent need. If the ruffles - then wide and lush, if the flower - then huge, if the rhinestones - then a lot. Such a kind of peculiar game in the evening adult attire, sharpening the image of the evening dress.
Strangely enough, in the models of evening dresses for other age categories, designers show more conservatism than in outfits for other purposes. They more often follow the general direction of fashion, rather than using "hot", super trendy accents. Still, they are hard to imagine without low necklines, open shoulders, and backs - just as they were years ago.
The Differences Between Cocktail and Evening Dresses
If we are not talking about a beach party, then most often the choice rests on a cocktail or evening dress. They are usually worn for graduation and anniversary parties, concerts, theater performances, wedding ceremonies, charity receptions, etc. Cocktail models are suitable for events scheduled before 7-8 pm, for events with a later start an evening dress is necessary.
Evening dresses are floor-length dresses, usually with open arms. They are always made of expensive quality fabrics. Models differ in both styles and decor: it can include embroidery, glass beads, lace, beads, and a variety of complex applications.
The main difference between models is in length: cocktail dresses can have different lengths - usually just above the knee, but not below the ankle, evening - can be on the floor and have a train of any length. In addition, they do not differ conceptually. Both models are harmoniously complemented with accessories and jewelry, with richer and more chic jewelry, such as diamonds, being suitable for evening attire.
According to the rules of etiquette, the dress can be open in one area - legs, shoulders, back, or chest, but not all at once. However, today there is a large number of models that do not adhere to these traditions, allowing you to emphasize the advantages of the figure and skillfully hide its shortcomings.
Evening dresses are floor-length dresses, usually with open arms. They are always made of expensive quality fabrics. Models differ in both styles and decor: it can include embroidery, glass beads, lace, beads, and a variety of complex applications.
The main difference between models is in length: cocktail dresses can have different lengths - usually just above the knee, but not below the ankle, evening - can be on the floor and have a train of any length. In addition, they do not differ conceptually. Both models are harmoniously complemented with accessories and jewelry, with richer and more chic jewelry, such as diamonds, being suitable for evening attire.
According to the rules of etiquette, the dress can be open in one area - legs, shoulders, back, or chest, but not all at once. However, today there is a large number of models that do not adhere to these traditions, allowing you to emphasize the advantages of the figure and skillfully hide its shortcomings.
Types of Evening Dresses
A-Silhouette Dresses
The noble A-silhouette adds sophistication, elegance, and femininity to an evening dress. The long skirt smoothly extends from the waistline, and can slightly open the shoes, reach the floor, or pass into the train. The seductiveness of the image will add translucent fabrics, and luxury will emphasize the shimmering textures, satin, or exquisite trim.
Mermaid Style Dresses
Evening dresses "mermaid" - a variation of the "gode" style. The cut is characterized by a more pronounced fit in the thighs and a spectacular expansion of the skirt from the middle of the thigh or knee line. This cut makes the skirt similar to the tail of a fish or a mermaid. Interesting refined variations, in which flared or collected in folds hem ends with a plume.
The top and bottom of the outfit can contrast in color, texture, or decoration. Attractive models with gradient coloring or spectacular prints. More restrained look monochrome evening dresses "mermaid".
"Tail" skirts can be made of contrasting matter, such as airy tulle. This option looks extravagant and enhances the contrast of the curves of the figure. Dresses made of the same material look softer, and their charm gives them multiple layers and unusual finishes: lace appliqués, embroidery, and translucent inserts.
Straight Evening Dresses
Straight evening gowns are the standard of brevity, grace, and elegance. They look restrained and harmonious due to the narrow or flowing straight skirt. Often such models do not have a pronounced accent on the waist, and the decor is located in the neckline and back. But some designers complement the outfits with trim in the form of embroidered beaded ornaments, lace applications or translucent inserts, or elegant leather or satin belts.
Often a straight dress has cuts on the skirt, giving piquancy to the laconic cut. The sensual cut allows you to show off slender legs while maintaining some understatement.
Empire Evening Dress
Evening dresses "empire" conquer femininity and elegance. Their features of flowing skirts to the floor, folds, and draperies, lightweight tops, and exaggerated waists. This makes the outfit very delicate and refined, and a sensual neckline or naked back will add a piquant note.
Soft, well-draping fabrics are used for sewing. The bodice is often decorated with lace inserts and applications, voluminous flowers, embroidery of crystals and beads. The dress can be complemented by thin or wide straps, sleeves "lanterns" or "wings", and the original straps through the neck, and the model with open shoulders will effectively demonstrate the neck and shoulders of the girl. Dresses of Greek style often present satin, lace, or embroidered belts under the chest.
Midi Length Evening Dress
The midi length looks no less solemn but is characterized by greater practicality and comfort. Midi evening dresses charm with their elegance and allow you to create any image - from discreet to piquant. The cut of the skirt varies and can be narrow straight, flared, and even puffy.
For sewing used satin and lace, thin guipure and tulle, chiffon, and organza. The top of the outfit is decorated with a strict top, a sensual neckline, and a variety of sleeves or straps.
Mini Baby-Doll Dresses
Evening dresses in the style of "baby-doll" with a short skirt and high waist - a flirty and cute outfit for young girls. This design often used detailed characteristic of children's clothing: ruffles, lantern sleeves, and bows. The skirt often has a lush style and is made multi-layered. At the same time, designers complement the models with provocative touches: deep cutouts, open back, and translucent inserts. The image turns out to be tender and sensual.
Baby doll dresses look light and airy in pastel light colors. Add zest will help with pea print, light textures, or delicate embroidery. Brightness in the image will bring a dress in strawberry, juicy blue, yellow, and bright pink color.
The noble A-silhouette adds sophistication, elegance, and femininity to an evening dress. The long skirt smoothly extends from the waistline, and can slightly open the shoes, reach the floor, or pass into the train. The seductiveness of the image will add translucent fabrics, and luxury will emphasize the shimmering textures, satin, or exquisite trim.
Mermaid Style Dresses
Evening dresses "mermaid" - a variation of the "gode" style. The cut is characterized by a more pronounced fit in the thighs and a spectacular expansion of the skirt from the middle of the thigh or knee line. This cut makes the skirt similar to the tail of a fish or a mermaid. Interesting refined variations, in which flared or collected in folds hem ends with a plume.
The top and bottom of the outfit can contrast in color, texture, or decoration. Attractive models with gradient coloring or spectacular prints. More restrained look monochrome evening dresses "mermaid".
"Tail" skirts can be made of contrasting matter, such as airy tulle. This option looks extravagant and enhances the contrast of the curves of the figure. Dresses made of the same material look softer, and their charm gives them multiple layers and unusual finishes: lace appliqués, embroidery, and translucent inserts.
Straight Evening Dresses
Straight evening gowns are the standard of brevity, grace, and elegance. They look restrained and harmonious due to the narrow or flowing straight skirt. Often such models do not have a pronounced accent on the waist, and the decor is located in the neckline and back. But some designers complement the outfits with trim in the form of embroidered beaded ornaments, lace applications or translucent inserts, or elegant leather or satin belts.
Often a straight dress has cuts on the skirt, giving piquancy to the laconic cut. The sensual cut allows you to show off slender legs while maintaining some understatement.
Empire Evening Dress
Evening dresses "empire" conquer femininity and elegance. Their features of flowing skirts to the floor, folds, and draperies, lightweight tops, and exaggerated waists. This makes the outfit very delicate and refined, and a sensual neckline or naked back will add a piquant note.
Soft, well-draping fabrics are used for sewing. The bodice is often decorated with lace inserts and applications, voluminous flowers, embroidery of crystals and beads. The dress can be complemented by thin or wide straps, sleeves "lanterns" or "wings", and the original straps through the neck, and the model with open shoulders will effectively demonstrate the neck and shoulders of the girl. Dresses of Greek style often present satin, lace, or embroidered belts under the chest.
Midi Length Evening Dress
The midi length looks no less solemn but is characterized by greater practicality and comfort. Midi evening dresses charm with their elegance and allow you to create any image - from discreet to piquant. The cut of the skirt varies and can be narrow straight, flared, and even puffy.
For sewing used satin and lace, thin guipure and tulle, chiffon, and organza. The top of the outfit is decorated with a strict top, a sensual neckline, and a variety of sleeves or straps.
Mini Baby-Doll Dresses
Evening dresses in the style of "baby-doll" with a short skirt and high waist - a flirty and cute outfit for young girls. This design often used detailed characteristic of children's clothing: ruffles, lantern sleeves, and bows. The skirt often has a lush style and is made multi-layered. At the same time, designers complement the models with provocative touches: deep cutouts, open back, and translucent inserts. The image turns out to be tender and sensual.
Baby doll dresses look light and airy in pastel light colors. Add zest will help with pea print, light textures, or delicate embroidery. Brightness in the image will bring a dress in strawberry, juicy blue, yellow, and bright pink color.
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