What could be one of the most exciting-and often challenging-parts of our wardrobe decisions is dressing up for special occasions. Be it weddings, cocktail parties, or quite literally everything in between, having a few go-to dresses that work across a variety of events saves us a lot of time and stress.
Well, today I am excited to share with you my top 5 dresses that every woman should have in her wardrobe, which will enable one to look great on very special occasions, besides teaching how to complement them with appropriate accessories in order to turn them into a fully stylish outfit. Be it to attend a formal gala or to enjoy a casual garden party, such dresses are versatile and timeless pieces, perfect for multiple occasions.
1. The Little Black Dress (LBD)
First on the list has to be the classic little black dress, or LBD. It is that one piece every woman should have in her wardrobe because of the elegance it carries with itself and for the fact that it never goes out of fashion. Whether it is a formal dinner, office cocktail party, or just a casual date night, the LBD is an excellent choice.
How to Style the LBD
Give your LBD that extra oomph with bold, statement jewelry-like necklaces or oversized earrings. If you’re going to a more formal occasion, then definitely go sleek with black heels and a clutch. And in order to dress down the LBD, try pairing these with some flats or ankle boots for an effortless, chic style.
2. The Cocktail Dress
The next one is the cocktail dress, which is a must-have for semi-formal events, like work functions or birthday parties, or even a night out with friends in style. A cocktail dress usually falls just above the knee or below it and can be found in numerous cuts and styles to find the perfect fit for your body type.
Styling Tips for Cocktail Dresses
Add some metallic or sequin heels and a clutch in a matching color and style to really give your all-over look that added oomph. If the event is a little more low-key, you can always fall back on classic black or nude pumps. Simple stud earrings and a sleek bracelet will complete the look perfectly.
3. The Maxi Dress
And the third essential dress that a woman should have in her arsenal is the maxi dress. This is great for those more casual, outdoorsy occasions, like a beach wedding, a garden party, or other casual events during the day. You will be comfortable in a maxi dress and will still look stylish. Plus, it can be the showstopper of any event since it is floor-length.
Maxi Dress Styling Guide
Go for a casual style with flat sandals or wedges in relation to a maxi dress. Add to that a straw hat and necklaces in layers if you go for the boho vibe. If you go for heels during evening events and a more structured bag, then you’ve absolutely finished it off at a very polished, sophisticated end.
4. The Wrap Dress
My absolute favorite, and one which would suit just about any body type, is the wrap dress. Be it a garden party or a casual office gathering, one can always bank on comfort with a wrap dress. It’s that perfect mix of casual yet polished that makes it very versatile for so many events.
How to Style a Wrap Dress
That’s just the beauty of the wrap dress: it’s so simple that you can either keep the accessories very minimal or just have a little fun with some bolder choices. Pair it with delicate jewelry and some block-heeled sandals for a day look, or swap in sleek pumps and a structured bag for something a little fancier. Add a simple necklace or statement earrings to bring the look home.
5. The Evening Gown
For highly formal events, such as galas, black-tie weddings, or dinner parties, a woman must wear an evening gown. This has got to be one of the most dazzling things ever created and can be made from super-luxurious fabric, like silk or satin. The hemlines are much longer, and the details may include intricate beading, lace, or perhaps just a hint of shimmer.
Evening Gown Styling Tips
Team this with some classic stiletto heels and dainty jewelry so that the gown speaks for itself. A little clutch, metallic or neutral tones, completes this. Remember to go with sleek and polished hair for a truly formal look. Consider a beautifully executed bun or soft waves.
6. The Shift Dress
When it’s all about going super minimal and effortlessly chic, look to the shift dress. This, in my books, is a kind of dress perfectly befitting for events where comfortability does not have to be sacrificed for style, like brunches, baby showers, or even office functions. The shift dress is usually short in length, loose, and boxy, making it easy to move around in while still keeping style.
How to Style a Shift Dress
Pair the shift dress with some ballet flats or block-heeled sandals for a casual look. Wear it up to a nighttime event if you only have to dress it up with high heels and a statement necklace; add a clutch, and you are set to go!
7. The Statement Dress
Not least but last, of course, is the statement dress. This, of course, is the dress worn when one wants to flip heads and make an impression. It can be any bold color, some wild print, or even an uncommon silhouette. Just think of this as your “wow” dress-perfect for milestone birthday parties, New Year’s Eve, or any occasion in which you want to go out with a real bang.
How to Style a Statement Dress
Well, since the dress is doing the talking, you can keep the accessories at a minimum. Neutral-colored heels and a small bag would do just fine so that nothing clashes with the boldness of the dress. But you could go for experimental dramatic earrings or that one standing ring if it just complements the whole look.
8. Red Dress
A red dress is iconic and powerful. It’s ideal for events where one wants to make a bold statement; think romantic dinners or holiday parties, or even formal events, like the wedding reception, depending on the dress code. Red is an attention-commanding color that oozes confidence, and once put together well, it’s sure to be the star of your wardrobe.
How to Style a Red Dress
As red is a catchy color, accessories should be toned down. One could wear a bright red dress with black or nude heels and keep the jewelry relatively more subtle, like gold earrings or a tiny chain bracelet. If you’re feeling wild, go all the way with metallic details, like a silver clutch-even red lipstick-to complete your look.
9. The White Dress
A white dress is synonymous with elegance and purity. It’s one of those versatile pieces that works for anything from casual summer days out to bridal showers, or even garden parties. The simplicity of a white dress allows you to play around with different accessories, making it a blank canvas for any style.
Styling Tips for a White Dress
You can wear your white dress with a sun hat and strappy sandals for a fresh, breezy look during daytime events while metallic heels and a clutch are great for evening affairs. More importantly, gold jewelry shows really well with white and can make it very lavish.
If you want more tips on how to style your white dress, check out my blog post on 10 Ways to Make a White Dress Pop with Accessories for some inspiration on taking it to the next level!
Conclusion
With these 9 basic dresses in your wardrobe, you need never concern yourself with what to wear for any special occasion. From the eternal little black dress to the statement piece in red, each offers a great deal of versatility and elegance, with the ability to be styled for multiple events. Be it to attend a casual garden party or an evening formal gala, these dresses-and the right accessories-will have you looking your best.
