Women's Occasion Wear
Most of the difficulty with an invitation is not finding something to wear. It is working out how formal the day actually is, and buying accordingly.
Reading the Dress Code
Black tie means floor length. That is the one rule that holds. Black tie optional or formal allows a floor-length gown or a very dressy midi. Cocktail means knee to midi — a full-length gown is too much. Semi-formal or dressy casual is a smart midi or a good jumpsuit. When the invitation says nothing at all, dress one notch above what you expect; it is the easier mistake to recover from.
Where to Go From Here
For a wedding you are attending rather than hosting, start with wedding guest dresses — satin, velvet, sequin and lace, with a black tie option. For parties, galas and evening events more broadly, occasion dresses covers the same fabrics without the wedding framing. If a dress is not the answer, there are jumpsuits and rompers and skirts.
Fabric Tells You the Formality
Satin, velvet, sequin and lace read occasion. Jersey and cotton do not, however good the cut. If you are unsure whether something is dressy enough, the fabric is a more reliable guide than the silhouette.
Free shipping over $50 and easy 30-day returns.