Designs and Styles Sizes
O
ur love affair with the evening dress began in the early 19th century, when its popularity grew as it became fashionable at formal affairs. Always made out of luxurious fabrics, the design of the dress has changed over the years as fashion styles have progressed. Throughout the Victorian era, floor- and ankle-length dresses remained most admired, with most changes being made to the sleeves and neck lines. In the 1830s, off-theshoulder dresses dominated; in the 1840s, low-necked designs; and in the 1850s short-sleeved gowns. In the 1860s, dresses were accessorised with long gloves and the 1890s with a long train. The Edwardian era saw the empire silhouette and in the 1920s the flapper style revolutionised the evening dress. However, it wasn’t until the 1930s that the dress was exceptionally modernised and was swept up onto glamorous and innovative fashion scene. Chic and elegant, evening dresses are a must in every woman’s wardrobe. What better defines the beauty of beautiful women than these exquisite and exclusive evening gowns? Trendy, revealing, attractive, they are meant to define the woman of today..and forever. Nothing can beat the classic elegance of a long flowing evening gown. Dress any woman in an evening gown and watch her change into an absolute diva. Evening gowns are the most appropriate attire for evening events that demand a formal dress code. There is an endless list of styles and patterns that are designed. From high school proms to Oscar nights, elegant formal gowns make their presence felt everywhere.
Evening gowns are available in a range of sizes from 0 to 32. Thus, there is a gown for women of every body type. It simply accentuates the curves of curvy women, and hides the flaws of stout women. Slender and petite women look stunning in these gowns. Plus-size gowns are also easily available to cater the needs of heavier women. Thus, size should not be an issue if you are interested in buying this kind of gown.
Colors
They come in every color of the rainbow. Although, evening dresses are mostly synonymous with beautiful black gowns, other colors also look equally pretty. Black, silver, white, and red are some popular colors. Fuchsia, orange, pink, lemon yellow, and emerald green are for women who like bolder colors. Midnight blue, magenta, purple, violet, and turquoise are the colors which can suit anyone.
Styles
There are innumerable styles which can cater to every woman’s need. For long gowns, mermaid, A-line, and sheath are the popular styles. Pleats and layers are often used to highlight the feminine charm of evening dresses. There are myriad styles of necklines, from the conservative closed ones to plunging necklines. A gown can be designed modestly, for a conservative woman, or in a more revealing manner to make a style statement. Conservative gowns are closed at the legs and provide full coverage to legs and cleavage.
Fabrics
Silk, satin, and velvet are the preferred choices for fabrics for gowns. These fabrics look classy and absolutely stylish. Their natural sheen adds a glamorous factor to the gown. Another material which is also used to make these gowns is tulle. However, it is mostly used for short dresses or long ones with a full skirt. Tulle is mostly used for rendering the stiffness to the dress.
#Enchantment
“The fashionable gowns will be one of two extremes: pencil slim or big skirted like a puff ball. Whatever its cut, its color may be anything from soft dove grey to something called satan red. Fabrics are rich and lustrous, particularly the nontarnishable metallic materials. Newest is aluminum, colored gold or silver and woven into lame or onto rayon or even wool in gleaming designs.�
-Christian Dior
#SurrealReality
Where to Find These Gowns Bridal shops and designer stores are the best places to hunt for evening gowns. Malls also offer a good range of gowns; however, if you are on a budget, these may not be a good option. Try browsing the Internet to find gowns at discount prices. Previously owned gowns are as good as new ones, but come at less than half the price. You may have to wait for sometime to find the gown of your choice in the website listing. Alternatively, you may also look for sales or hunt down some good ones at thrift stores. A classic evening gown is a must-have in the wardrobe of every woman. Vintage gowns also make an equally appealing statement.
#Backing Up
#Awakening
Model and Garment Designer Ankita Malhotra Photography and Styling: Bhavana Sawant