One of the things we look at when choosing an evening dress is whether it flatters our natural figure. Apart from finding a dress that flatters your figure, it is also essential to choose one appropriate for the weather when you are wearing it.
Social events happen all around the year. So, the perfect dress for one season may not be the right one for another. Having said this, we must tell you that there are no hard and fast rules on what should or shouldn’t be worn during a particular season. Nonetheless, choosing a suitable dress for the season will ensure more comfort and colours that look right at the time.
Here are some style tips to help you choose the best dress, depending on the weather at the time.
SPRING
Spring is one of the best times of the year, weather-wise. The days are pleasant after a cold winter. The natural landscape takes on bright colours, and you can draw inspiration from this when choosing your dress. This is also when many events are held outdoors, making the most of the pleasant weather and beautiful scenery. So, your dress for such events should preferably be lightweight.
Here are some points to consider when choosing a dress for a spring-time event.
A cover from the cold: While a warm wool coat may look out-of-place at a spring-time event, the weather can still be windy this time of year. So, we suggest that you choose a dress with short sleeves to keep your shoulders covered and warm. Cap-sleeve dresses or three-fourth sleeves are great to cover up your arms, while allowing you to look smart and stylish too. The other option is to choose sleeveless or strapless dresses, and carry an accessory like a stole or shrug that you can wear it if gets chilly.
Smart necklines: Spring in general has a casual, fun feel. So, instead of looking overly dressed up and sophisticated, the better option would be to look smart. Off-the-shoulder necklines, halter necks and slits in skirts add thrill to a dress. So, explore these options.
Simple silhouettes are best: Simplicity is stylish, and minimal no-fuss dress silhouettes pack an instant impact. The sheath and A-line are better than ball gown and fishtail styles, when you choose a floor length gown. For more impact, add sparkling accessories. If you choose shimmery fabric in your dress, avoid bling elsewhere, so your look isn’t too cluttered.
Stylish skirts with interesting hemlines: Soft, breezy skirts in chiffon, voile and organza with a lot of liquidity are ideal for spring. Asymmetrical hemlines make a skirt casual, yet stylish in an instant. Cocktail and tea length dresses would normally be better choices than full-length gowns.
Flower power: Flowers are synonymous with spring, and they are the perfect print for spring dresses. Choose dresses with soft floral designs on them as an ode to nature, and look fresh and feminine.
Soft and neutral palettes:In spring, soft muted colors are a great choice. Take inspiration from the colors of the natural scenery, and choose hues with touches of blue and green in them. Soft pastels, pinks, yellows and greens are suitable for this weather. You can also consider intense floral and nature prints on light backgrounds, if patterns are your thing.
SUMMER
Summer starts with warm weather, and then goes on to become hot and humid. Base your dress choice on the intensity of heat you expect at the time of the event you will be attending. During the first half of summer, choose heavier and elaborate fabric, but transition to light, breathable and airy fabric as the weather becomes hotter.
Here are some tips to help you choose your summer event outfit.
Relaxed dress code: Summer is the time to dress down, get rid of layers and stick with minimalist dress patterns. Focus on colors instead of design details. Look to bright flora and fauna for inspiration. Even at an evening party, it is best to choose an outfit that is more informal than strictly formal. It will not only feel comfortable but will look good too.
Strapless and sleeveless for indoors, but full-sleeves for outdoors: As the temperatures rise, we wold all prefer to shed layers and stick to the bare minimum pieces of clothing. However, if the event you attend is outdoors fully covered tops are recommended to stay sun-safe. You can still choose fabulous designs that don’t look frumpy, by keeping colors light and the design balanced in the silhouette.
Time to play with pattern: Polka dots, chevron, stripes, floral prints; any pattern looks great in summer and is apt for the season. This is the time to pick vibrant colors and rich prints that look cheerful when the sun shines on them.
Short hemlines are in: Short hemlines are best in summer, for obvious reasons. Experiment with different lengths, varying from above the knee to ankle length. However, avoid full length gowns as they look out-of-place in this weather.
Simple silhouettes: A-line skirts and column style dresses are great in this weather. Sheer and illusion necklines and sleeves feel great and refreshing. Avoid layering unless it is in fabric with a smooth drape, or you can end up looking bulky.
Make sensible fabric choices: Cotton, satin, tulle and organza are ideal for summer events. It may be a good idea to avoid satin finishes and silk as these stain with sweat and can look terrible when it does.
Light and bright colors look good: Stay away from intense dark colors, as they are overly warm for the hot weather. Instead stick with light, pleasant colors or tropical colors that pop. Oranges, yellows and reds are all great for this time of year.
AUTUMN
The weather becomes cooler, as winter is near. Warm and cozy outfits look good in autumn, and you don’t need really warm accessories as you can still walk around without feeling too chilly. Here are some fashion tips to consider when choosing your autumn evening dress.
Jewel tones and prints are a hit: As the weather becomes cooler, increase the intensity of color in your chosen outfit. Deep jewel tones are wonderful and can be paired with metallic accents for a sophisticated and stylish effect.
Aim for style and elegance: Just like outdoorsy looks are great at summer and spring events, style and elegance are statement signs for autumn and winter. Formal gowns in earthy or intense colors are perfect for formal events, and they can either be cocktail-length or full-length. Accent colors like orange, brown and red work well with most neutrals.
Choose longer sleeves: As the days grow shorter, let the sleeves grow longer, for both practical and style reasons. High necklines like bateau, scoop or half-collar styles with a V-dip in the center are refined and sophisticated.
Elaborate silhouettes work well: This is the time when both long and short dress styles work well. You can either choose bold and elaborate embellishments with short hemlines, or long gowns with plenty of details. Layer up with a gown that adds volume to your frame and it will look just right in this weather.
Luxe embellishments: Hand embroidery, elaborate crystal work, sparkles and gems are all appropriate in autumn, especially when they are paired with deep, intense colors. Other accents that look good in this weather include ruffles and feathers. Animal prints, Aztec prints and leafy prints are other prints to choose from.
Experiment with necklines: With the weather relatively pleasant, you can consider all types of necklines for this season. While off-the-shoulder necklines and strapless styles are fun and flirty, fully covered high necklines, cowl necklines or those that skim the collarbones and expose no more look polished and perfect. In case it gets too windy, you may like to carry a stylish accessory like a pashmina wrap, that will not only look stylish but will also be a practical solution to stay warm when outdoors. Similarly, add style to your outfit with interesting footwear like knee-high boots that are in-keeping with the weather at the time.
WINTER
Winter is the holiday season, and there will be many functions to attend. This is the time when you should go shopping, so you have a great dress for every occasion that comes up. Refined elegance and bright colors should be the highlight of your look, so you look festive and blend in with the colorful extravaganza that is typical of winter partying. Here are the dress ideas that are good for winter.
Bring on the sleeves: Winter is the season when long sleeves are a good option. However, you can also choose shorter sleeves or sleeveless styles, as long as you have an accessory like a bolero or sash to cover up your shoulders and arms when you step outdoors. Illusion necklines and sleeves are dramatic and chic, perfect for the ambiance at a winter party.
Bold and modern accessories: Dress up a simple silhouette with big and bold accessories. Winter is the time to choose dramatic jewelry and makeup. Think in terms of gold, sparkles, pearls and colored gemstones which are big enough for a statement effect. For a modern look, it may also be fun to add an accessory like a belt or sash that adds greater impact to a simple color and design. Finally don’t forget a shawl, cape or jacket to stay cozy in, when traveling to and from your event venue.
Unexpected elements are fun: There are simple ways to add more oomph to an outfit. This includes ruffles, scalloped lace lines where you least expect it and powerful motifs as embellishments. A short skirt with abundant ruffles is youthful and interesting, while a two-piece dress with ruffles at the waist renders an informal touch to a formal dress.
Prints in one color tone: Although monochromatic color schemes are popular in winter attire, you can experiment with prints, as long as they don’t look like they belong to the summer. Prints in intense colors and with smaller motifs spanning over the entire length are the ideal choice. Don’t forget to mix it with plenty of plain colors for more drama. Alternately, look to shimmering fabric for an overall effect that isn’t cluttered. Color blocking with autumnal colors like browns and red are also a good idea.
Thick and flowing fabric: Layered dresses and thicker fabric are perfect for winter. Not only does this keep the cold at bay, it also helps you look dressed up. Voluminous skirts, embellished sleeves and decorated necklines are best sported in winter. Fabrics that work in this weather include velvet, velveteen and silk. The smooth finish of silk makes it ideal for night-time affairs.
Dressy silhouettes: The trick is to balance your overall look with a silhouette that complements the color of the dress and the embellishments on it. For a simple silhouette like the A-line or sheath, make sure you look good with the right choice of bold accessories to go with it or with a dress that is embellished aplenty. However, this is the time to sport modern silhouettes like the mermaid, as it is appropriate for the weather and looks glamorous. Ball gowns are good on women who want more impact with the dress and not bother too much about accessories.
At Best for Bride, apart from wedding dress collections, we have a wide variety of designer evening dress collections to satisfy all your expectations. Take a look today and you are bound to find many that will catch your eye. Dressing up for any event, be it in any season, has never been easier!
