Top Formal Dress Styles

By Instyle
Updated Feb 27, 2015 @ 11:32 am
Credit: Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Top Formal Dress Styles

Start Slideshow

1 of 39

One-Shoulder

Credit: George Pimentel/Getty Image

An asymmetrical style showcases the upper body, while providing the perfect backdrop for statement earrings.

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 39

One-Shoulder

Credit: Daniele Venturelli/WireImage

Diane Kruger

in Valentino

3 of 39

One-Shoulder

Credit: Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Miley Cyrus

in custom Max Azria

Advertisement

4 of 39

Printed Strapless

Credit: Gregg DeGuire/ Getty Images

Patterns are a playful addition to an after-dark ensemble; keep the look formal by choosing luxurious fabrics embellished with ruffles and fringe details.

5 of 39

Printed Strapless

Credit: Gregg DeGuire/WireImage

Eva Mendes

in Bill Blass

6 of 39

Printed Strapless

Credit: Jim Spellman/WireImage

Kerry Washington

in Oscar de la Renta

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 39

Column

Credit: Gilbert Carrasquillo/ Getty Images

Sleek and understated, the column silhouette subtly sets off the shoulders and decolletage.

8 of 39

Column

Credit: Jean Baptiste Lacroix/WireImage

Joy Bryant

in Missoni

9 of 39

Column

Credit: SGP Italia srl/WireImage

Ashley Olsen

in Calvin Klein Collection

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 39

Rosettes

Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Feminine flowers make for a romantic look that requires few extra accessories.

11 of 39

Rosettes

Credit: Kiyoshi Ota/Getty Images

Vanessa Hudgens

in Moschino

12 of 39

Rosettes

Credit: Lester Cohen/WireImage

Zooey Deschanel

in Luella

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 39

Ethereal

Credit: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

For a fairy princess effect, nothing beats light-as-air layers of flowing chiffon.

14 of 39

Ethereal

Credit: Jean Baptiste Lacroix/WireImage

Eva Mendes

in Christian Dior

15 of 39

Ethereal

Credit: Jeff Vespa/WireImage

Freida Pinto

in Marchesa

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 39

Primary Colors

Credit: JEAN-BAPTISTE LACROIX/ Getty Images

Gowns in bold hues of red, blue, and yellow pack a punch-choose a simple silhouette to let the shade shine.

17 of 39

Primary Colors

Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage

Taylor Momsen

in Marchesa

18 of 39

Primary Colors

Credit: Tsuni/Gamma

Malin Akerman

in Jason Wu

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 39

Embellished Necklines

Credit: Presley Ann/Getty Images

A dramatic neckline acts as a built-in necklace.

20 of 39

Embellished Neckline

Credit: Todd Williamson/WireImage

Molly Sims

in Monique Lhuillier

21 of 39

Embellished Necklines

Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage

Anne Hathaway

in Azzaro

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 39

Mini

Credit: Mike Coppola/Getty Images

Got great legs? Show them off with a short hemline-choose a dress with couture-quality details for a formal effect.

23 of 39

Mini

Credit: Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Rihanna

in Zac Posen

24 of 39

Mini

Credit: Janet Gough/Celebrity Photo

Freida Pinto

in Zac Posen

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 39

Floral

Credit: Raymond Hall/Getty Images

Bring the outside in with blossom-bedecked prints that hint of spring.

26 of 39

Floral

Credit: Mark Davis/Landov

Carrie Underwood

in Naeem Khan

27 of 39

Floral

Credit: Lester Cohen/WireImage

JoAnna Garcia

in Blumarine

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 39

Metallic Beads

Credit: Marc Piasecki/Getty Images

Double your sparkle with embellished gowns in gold, silver and bronze.

29 of 39

Metallic Beads

Credit: Ciao Hollywood/SplashNewsOnline.com

Jessica Biel

in Oscar de la Renta

30 of 39

Metallic Beads

Credit: Jon Furniss/WireImage

Elizabeth Banks

in Kaufman Franco

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 39

Retro

Credit: Dan MacMedan/Getty Images

Channel '50s chic with a wasp-waist design in a cocktail length.

32 of 39

Retro

Credit: Tony Barson/WireImage

Scarlett Johansson

in Bill Blass

33 of 39

Retro