35 Formal Dresses To Look Stunning In
Daydreaming about the very first night back on the town? The very first event where formal dresses are not only encouraged but required? The way you’ll feel slipping into the dress of your dreams?
While those days might not be around for a while, here are 35 stunning formal dresses to keep your spirits up. You never know when that long awaited event will be safe enough to finally attend! And when it comes, these formal dresses (and jumpsuits!) will be sure to help you make a statement!
1. Floral Maxi Dress
The perfect dress for any formal occasion. A floral pattern is the perfect way to introduce some spring and summer vibes into any outfit, no matter the season! Pair your floral maxi with some sneakers or even with some black heels for a cohesive and classic look.
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2. Floral Mini Dress
Just a length change from the maxi, the floral mini will also provide the brightest of vibes and a super fun formal outfit.
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3. Halter Dress
Halters are a great way to show some shoulder with the nice halter neckline. Super flattering and fun, a halter can seamlessly transition from a casual beach dress to a formal event ensemble.
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4. High-Low Dress
Available in so many varieties- in neckline, length, silhouette, a high-low dress is a super fun way to fix up your dress collection.Â
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5. Tea Length Dress
Sleek and simple, a nice tea-length dress will do wonders for your next formal occasion. Whether headed to a school formal, sorority formal, or a wedding reception, this length is so flattering for any person on any occasion!
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6. Silk Jumpsuit
A perfect and subtle (or not so subtle) pop of color for any occasion, a silk jumpsuit will definitely make a statement as your formal fit.Â
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7. V-Neck Maxi
Modern and sophisticated. This silhouette is the perfect formal option.
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8. Pleated Dress
This next dress is the formal dress you never knew you needed. Whether your pleated dress includes some wide kimono-like sleeves or spaghetti straps, it’s the perfect way to combine countless elements of grace.Â
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9. Long Sleeve Jumpsuit
Any color, any formal occasion… you’ll never go wrong with this classic look.
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10. Beachy Maxi Dress
Have a formal event that’s at a non super formal location? A simple maxi dress is the perfect purchase. Wear this dress for a sunset walk down the beach or do a dinner party, the choice is yours. But a cotton or semi-stretch maxi dress is the most comfortable formal dress decision you could make.
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11. Skater Dress
Sleeveless, backless, puffed sleeves… you name it, the skater silhouette will have an adorable dress option for you.
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12. Off the Shoulder Dress
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13. Long and Neutral
A simple, long, potentially lace or sheer dress is the perfect option for any formal occasion. Fancy enough for a bridesmaid and stylish enough for you to turn heads. A floor length, earthy toned dress is great to pair with a cute clutch for that anniversary dinner you’ve been waiting for or any other formal event.Â
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14. Sequins, sequins, and more (or less) sequins
Whether you like the full-on sequin look or something a little more scattered and tame, a sequin detail is the perfect formal touch to any dress.
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15. Modern & MetallicÂ
A new and fun way to dress for the formal, a metallic dress is a great way to add some spunk to your style.
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16. The One Shoulder
Another dress with a bit of flare and a whole lot of attitude: the one shoulder. This shoulder silhouette is the perfect way to change up a classic dress just enough. The one shoulder look can come in a variety of ways; from completely one-sided to a sloped neckline with a drop sleeve. Whatever one-shoulder look you go for, it will be sure to give off elegance and a little bit of sexiness, too.Â
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17. A Slit Up the Side
When thinking about formal dresses, a nice long slit might be exactly what you have in mind. An a-line with a nice cut up the side is classic and super chic. Whether it’s silk, sheer, or another style, a slit is always a great addition to a formal dress.
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18. Two Piece
A two piece formal dress is an amazing option for any formal event. The break in fabric around the torso can add so much to a look.Â
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19. The Slip Dress
The simplest a dress can get, a slip dress is great for countless occasions. From a short to floor length, any variation of the simple slip will be a comfortable and effortless formal dress option.
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20. Keyhole Neckline
Whether you’re looking for a long dress, short dress, or (as shown here!) a jumpsuit, there will be a keyhole neckline option available for you. The popular cut out adds a bit of change to a could-be simple silhouette. Larger and smaller keyholes are also variations you can find within this formal look category.
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21. Puffed Sleeves
Super fun and flirty, puffed sleeves add a ton of youthfulness to any dress.
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22. Wrap Dress
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23. Flutter Sleeves
A sleeve to make a statement! The flutter sleeve is the perfect way to add a bit of volume to the arms while still staying subtle.Â
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24. Elegant Bodycon
Bodycon dresses come in all shapes and sizes. For your next formal event, find one that suits you… a little longer, a little shorter, sleeves or spaghetti straps. The options are endless.
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25. Ruffled Sleeves
Looking for something that combines chicness and uniqueness? Ruffles all the way.Â
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26. The Secret Romper
Want to look fancy and formal while still wearing shorts? A secret romper or romper-dress is the way to go. The oftentimes flowy short silhouettes make these rompers look like a dress!
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27. Open Back
Business in the front, (open) party in the back. An open back can elevate any dress to a completely different level of style. An open back is such an interesting way to change up any formal dress.
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28. Tiered Skirt
Layered skirts are all the rage right now. Some come in a few, small tiers while others’ tiers reach the floor. Tiered skirts are a great way to add a bit of volume without overwhelming your body underneath the material!
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29. The Basic Bustier
Bustier tops are coming back! Bustier tanks on top of tees, bustier wiring in sweatshirts, bustier silhouettes as necklines to a dress… any occasion and any clothing top looks amazing with the touch of the basic bustier.
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30. Prints & Patterns
Prints and patterns flooded the runways this year. Patterns are a fun way to customize your wardrobe and formal (and non-formal!) fits in a fun way. Try out a polka dot pattern or even a fun animal print!
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31. Asymmetrical
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32. Tie Dye Dress
Summer 2020 provided us with many, many, many forms of tie-dye inspiration. Sweatshirts, sweatpants, shirts, face masks… anything imaginable was dyed this year, including dresses! Tie-dye is a super fun pattern for the summer, but can also be transitioned into the fall super seamlessly! Just pair your tie-dye dress with a sweater or use dye colors a bit more toned down (if you’re creating your own).
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33. Cross-Front Neckline
Scarves, shirts, dresses… this cross-front halter neckline is totally in this summer. Chic-up the look by sporting it on a nice dress!
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34. Twist Dress
A front twist is a supper flattering waist-cinch on any dress. Try your front twist silhouette in a bold color to make a statement in your formal look.
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35. Long & Linen
Linen is a great material for your summer-into-fall wardrobe. Light enough to keep you cool (even when wearing a floor length dress), but soft enough in color and feel to pair with a jacket when necessary.
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What are you dreaming about wearing as soon as the world opens up? Which of these 35 formal dresses is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below, and share this article with any friend who needs a reminder that formal events will come back… eventually!
featured photo from @leannemarshallofficial, a formal and bridal dress boutique! Check out her page here!
