The Best Short Formal Dress

Buying Guide

When it comes to formal events, long dresses aren’t the only option. Short formal dresses are elegant, eye-catching and often much easier to wear than their longer counterparts. Short formal dresses are lightweight, offer more mobility and keep you feeling cool and comfortable.

When choosing a short formal dress, first consider where you’ll be wearing it. Consider how formal the event is. For example, are you going to a wedding at an outdoor location or a black-tie gala in a famous ballroom? This will help you determine how formal the dress needs to be. Also consider the temperature at the event. For example, if it’s an air-conditioned hotel, it’s going to feel much cooler than a reclaimed barn in the summer months. Knowing the temperature will guide you in the type of fabric you should choose for your dress.

When it comes to the shape of the dress, it’s helpful to consider your body type so that you choose a look that flatters your figure. If you have a bigger bust, opt for a dress that provides a lot of structure at the top so you have ample support. For those who have a smaller bust, lower necklines or backless dresses may work well. If you have a straight body shape, go with a short formal dress that accentuates your waist, such as a dress with a fluffy skirt. If you are pear-shaped, opt for a dress with and off-the-shoulder style to accentuate your upper half.

Consider how short the dress is in relation to the length of your torso and legs. On one person, a dress may go to the knees while on someone else the same dress may end at the upper thigh. For many formal occasions, going too short can be seen as a faux pas, so give consideration to what is appropriate at the event you’re going to.

• In terms of color, there is so much variety when it comes to short formal dresses. The classic little black dress is iconic and versatile, and is always in style – no matter the venue. A little twist on this style is to go with a similarly dark color, such as navy blue or hunter green. Other dark colors such as burgundy or amethyst also look elegant at formal occasions, especially those held in the evening. For daytime formal occasions, opt for colors on the lighter side, like pastels.
• Look for short formal dresses with intricate details such as beading, sequins, embroidery and other embellishments. Small elements such as these can elevate a simple dress into an extravagant one.
• Choosing the right footwear is essential when wearing a short formal dress. From stilettos to wedges to strappy sandals, carefully select the footwear for your outfit because it will be on full display. While with long dresses the shoes are not a focal point, with short dresses the shoes are often at the center of attention.
• Pay special attention to the care and maintenance instructions of the short formal dress. Many formal dresses, especially those with embellishments, are dry clean only or hand wash only. Some may be able to go in the washing machine, while only a few will be tumble dryer friendly.