If there was one problem that most women could universally agree on, it would be that they don’t know what to wear to an upcoming party, wedding, or formal event. Whether your old gowns don’t fit or are just out of style, it’s always a good time to buy a pretty dress. However, if you’re having trouble deciding which one to buy, we can help. We rounded up some of the best women formal dresses and semi-formal dresses to give you some inspiration.
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Long Sleeve Formal Dress
You want something with full sleeves and a floor-length skirt when you’re looking for modest formal dresses. If that’s the case, this enchanting evening gown has just what you need. With full-length peasant sleeves and an elegant V-neckline at the front and back, this dress makes you look like you just stepped out of a fairy tale. The cinched waist creates an hourglass look, while the higher waistline gives the illusion of a longer silhouette.
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Mini Dress with Ruffle Trim
Searching for summer formal dresses that help you beat the heat? This lovely mini dress has adjustable spaghetti straps and ruffle trim, perfect for a formal summer event. The bodycon silhouette and shorter length make it one of the best petite formal dresses on the list, too. If you’re wearing this during the day, you’ll want to opt for minimal accessories, but a statement necklace and earrings can instantly upgrade your look for a nighttime event.
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Long Sleeve Sequined Dress
Whether you get cold easily or just prefer a little more coverage, it’s great to have options that include formal dresses with sleeves. This captivating formal gown has a floor-length skirt and is covered in sequins for a glamorous look. Its surplice bodice and V-neckline complement the full-length sleeves. And it has a mock wrap design that opens into a knee-high slit on one side. Despite all the shimmer, the minimalist design makes it suitable for various formal events.
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One-Shoulder Formal Gown
No closet is complete without a few black formal dresses. Whether you’re a fan of the ‘little black dress’ or a full-length gown, you can never go wrong with a black dress. This single-shoulder dress has a delicate lace cut out on the side and a thigh-high slit that elongates the silhouette. It’s made from satin, which gives it a luxurious appearance despite the minimalist design. You can dress it up with added accessories or dress it down by sticking to a pair of strappy black sandals.
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Short Dress with Lace Bodice
Spring formal dresses are all about refreshing colors and details that accentuate your feminine features. This stunning number has all the makings of a fun yet formal dress: a layered tulle skirt, halter neckline, and crisscross back. The bodice is decorated with embroidered lace applique from the front and back, while the skirt ends just above the knees. Needless to say, it’s perfect for when you want to dance the night away.
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Bustier Dress with Side Slit
One of the main things keeping women from investing in new formal wear is the cost of it. It’s why so many women are on the lookout for cheap formal dresses that don’t compromise on style. Here’s a modern semi-formal dress that you’ll love wearing. It’s a solid-colored bustier dress with a structured bodice and a midi-length pencil skirt. The bustier design allows it to provide adequate support, and you can even adjust the straps. To complete the look, pair the dress with stiletto heels and layered necklaces.
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Knee-Length Dress with Poncho
If you’re searching for maternity formal dresses, you can always try out loose-fitting dresses and size up for a relaxed fit. This outfit is a simple combination of a solid-colored dress layered with an angled poncho. This is also a good choice if you prefer shorter dresses but don’t like how fitted bodices and cinched waists feel. The poncho is embellished with sequins and has an elegant bateau neckline.
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Ruffle Dress with Side Slit
If you’ve looked through countless women’s formal gowns and dresses and still can’t find ‘the one,’ this one’s for you. With extravagant ruffles along a knee-high slit and a jewel neck, this beautiful gown is great for all sorts of events. It has a fitted silhouette that shows off your figure, while the side slit elongates your legs. This dress pairs well with high-heeled sandals and statement drop earrings.
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Tulle Cocktail Dress
Sorority formal dresses are designed to keep you comfortable as you party for hours while ensuring you always look ready for a picture. This delicate tulle dress looks good at prom, sorority events, and even a night out with friends. It has a lace bodice fully embellished with sequins from the front and back and a V-neckline on the front and back. The layered tulle skirt makes it look like something out of The Nutcracker. You can pair it with some platform stilettos or strappy sandals. Since the bodice is heavily decorated, you won’t need any jewelry with this dress.
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Satin Dress with Lace-Up Back
You can style black formal maxi dresses for just about any event, and here’s a gorgeous example to prove it. This floor-length gown has delicate spaghetti straps, a knee-high slit, and a lace-up back. You can dress it down by skipping on accessories and wearing shorter heels with ankle straps. Add a statement necklace or earrings and high-heeled sandals if you want to dress it up.
Conclusion
With so many formal events, it may seem like a good idea to get one dress for each occasion. From weddings and parties to corporate dinners and galas, we hope the above-mentioned formal dresses for women will inspire you to find the right outfit. From minimalist to feminine and glamorous to modest, there’s something for everyone!
