When it comes to purchasing formal wear for ladies, it can be hard to know which pieces are worth the investment and which may look pretty but are ultimately never going to be worn. After all, the garments that comprise your evening wear wardrobe probably don’t get worn as frequently as other items in your closet.
Therefore, you are better off having fewer pieces that are more versatile and higher-quality than many items that don’t make you feel fabulous.
To help you curate a collection of formal wear that works for you (and ensures you will always feel like a goddess of glamour), read on to learn how you can build a timeless evening wear wardrobe.
1. Prioritize high-quality pieces that will last forever.
When it comes to evening wear for women, there is a wide selection of pieces from which you can choose. While the most common style is a dress, you can also wear trouser suits, a skirt and blouse combination, or a glamorous jumpsuit. In other words, you don’t have to stick to one design or look.
While you may want to experiment with different styles, you don’t want to explore different quality levels. After all, the last thing you want is for the embellishments to fall off while you are at your event, or for the material to only last a couple of evenings. Instead, it is much better if you invest in a couple of made to measure evening dresses (or other designs) that you can ensure are going to be with you for years.
Not only will this mean that you have pieces that are custom-designed for you, but you also won’t need to stress when an invitation comes because you will know that you have the clothing you need to look fabulous.
2. Invest in one powerhouse dress.
One of the best ways to start curating your evening wear wardrobe is by investing in one simple dress that can be worn in a variety of different ways.
Generally, you want this particular item to be in a dark colour that flatters you. Usually, this will be black, but you could also opt for a navy blue, brown, or emerald green dress. By opting for a dress that is simple, you can easily dress it up or dress it down and create an assortment of looks with different accessories.
For example, a navy shift dress can be styled in a variety of different ways, depending on what else you wear with it. In addition to wearing it by itself, you can layer a silk or satin blouse over the top, opt to add a professional blazer and a neutral shoe, or pair it with a glamorous faux fur wrap and a colourful handbag.
This style of dress can be worn to the office and then straight out to a restaurant after work. Or, with different shoes and accessories, you can wear it for a night at the theatre or a fancy party. Again, it is the simplicity of the garment that enables it to be so versatile.
3. Select your jewellery carefully.
Accessories make an outfit, which is why your accessories should play a large role in your evening wear wardrobe. The right accessories add elegance to your outfit and allow you to add touches of your personality. Accessories are also easy to switch up to create different outfits, and they help you achieve your desired look – no matter the occasion.
Generally, the more sparkle a jewellery piece has, the greater the likelihood you should wear it in the evening rather than during the day.
On the other hand, jewellery pieces that don’t have shine or polish are considered more casual. Materials such as wood and plastic are more daytime appropriate than silver or gold, whilst sparkling cut stones are more ornate than polished stones.
Jewellery that is ideal for evening wear is usually more decorative and has a finer construction, which is why it appears to be more delicate. Alternatively, your day-to-day jewellery is going to be more simple in its structure and design, making the pieces less delicate and more practical.
4. Handbags are a fun element to play around with.
When it comes to handbags, the material and the size are the most important elements to consider. For evening get-togethers, your handbag should be smaller and more delicate than what you would usually wear during the day.
Therefore, while you may reach for your large tote, backpack, or messenger bag during the day, you want to wear small clutches or intricate shoulder bags in the evening. Evening handbags come in a wide range of colours, materials, and shapes, making them a lot of fun to shop for and curate in your wardrobe.
For example, if you are wearing an evening outfit with a billowy design, opt for a drawstring pouch that will complement this deliberate lack of structure. A wrap dress always pairs well with a wristlet, whilst a slip dress can be perfectly accessorized with a small shoulder strap purse.
5. Your shoe collection should balance versatility with personality.
Shoes serve as the finishing touch of an entire outfit, making them another crucial item to curate in your evening wear wardrobe. Be meticulous when selecting shoes to ensure they elevate your look in general and not just go with one fashion ensemble.
Ballerina flats will never go out of style, plus they are one of the most comfortable options there are. In some cases, an elegant pair of ballerina flats could be ideal for evening wear, especially for the statuesque; however, there will also be instances when you may feel your outfit needs more of a heel.
By starting with a couple of pairs of neutral evening heels, you will find yourself with options that you can wear with most of your evening dresses. That being said, you also want a fun pair of whimsical heels for extra special occasions, such as masquerade balls or bachelorette parties.
Which pieces do you think your evening wear wardrobe is currently lacking? Which items do you think would make the biggest difference? What is on your wishlist for the upcoming year?
Let us know your thoughts and any purchases you have on your mind in the comments below!
AUTHOR BIO
Kristina Fidelskaya is committed to providing an elegant and feminine wardrobe to modern women with real lives and real needs. Timeless collections based around impeccable materials and craftsmanship, each piece is unique, tells a story, and stays with you for a lifetime. Fusing traditional tailoring with modern, contemporary designs, Kristina Fidelskaya creates luxurious understated products.
