What is it:
With the return of wedding season and other events, evening dresses are gaining in popularity as customers look for the right dress for every occasion. An evening dress is often thought of as a floor-length dress for formal occasions, but different brands have created their own take on the look, leaving it open to numerous interpretations. Whether for a wedding guest, a graduation party or a grand entrance at an evening event, the evening dress is suitable for many occasions and allows the wearer to dress up for that special event. It gives her a unique opportunity to step out of her everyday routine, even if it’s just for an evening.
Why you should order it:
With the return of events and weddings, the evening wear segment is finally starting to rebound and with it evening and cocktail dresses are making a comeback. Trendy or not, a multitude of clients with busy schedules will keep an eye on possible looks, hoping to snag a unique piece for the occasion. In addition, the most recent Haute Couture week, which ended at the beginning of July and saw numerous celebrities and designers on the streets of Paris, was also the focus of fashion. The effort for this season was much greater compared to previous years, but eveningwear also featured prominently on the FW22 and S/S23 catwalks.
Where we saw it:
While Balenciaga, Schiaparelli and Jean Paul Gaultier presented a new take on the eveningwear category at Haute Couture Fashion Week, many designers stuck to more wearable yet elegant designs on the FW22 runways. Altuzarra presented a range of printed maxi dresses, while Rixo and Alberta Ferretti opted for more metallic materials, with looks that echoed vintage-inspired silhouettes. Alongside a selection of simple, formal wear, Jason Wu opted for bold, solid-colored pieces in the few structured dresses presented during the show. A particularly noticeable trend was voluminous skirts, which were picked up by Christian Siriano, Carolina Herrera and Off-White, each playing with mesh layering to create dramatic oversized shapes.
How to style it:
The evening dress is a garment in its own right, designed above all to make an impression. To bring the look to life, accessories are an essential part. Get inspired by the current Gen Z trends by pairing the dress with a Y2K-style mini handbag or adding a statement clutch that many designers have incorporated metallic materials and oversized quilting. The popular shoe models of the season that go well with such a dress include platform buckle shoes or heavily decorated kitten heels, which give the wearer additional glamour. Complete your outfit with a few simple pieces of jewellery.
The evening wear category is on the rise again as events return to the calendars. Those looking for the perfect evening wear for the numerous events that will take place over the next two years should look for unique evening dresses to make up for the lockdowns of the last two years.
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This article was previously published on FashionUnited.uk. Translation and editing: Barbara Russ