Top Formal Dress Styles
Top Formal Dress Styles
One-Shoulder
An asymmetrical style showcases the upper body, while providing the perfect backdrop for statement earrings.
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One-Shoulder
Diane Kruger
in Valentino
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One-Shoulder
Miley Cyrus
in custom Max Azria
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Printed Strapless
Patterns are a playful addition to an after-dark ensemble; keep the look formal by choosing luxurious fabrics embellished with ruffles and fringe details.
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Printed Strapless
Eva Mendes
in Bill Blass
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Printed Strapless
Kerry Washington
in Oscar de la Renta
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Column
Sleek and understated, the column silhouette subtly sets off the shoulders and decolletage.
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Column
Joy Bryant
in Missoni
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Column
Ashley Olsen
in Calvin Klein Collection
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Rosettes
Feminine flowers make for a romantic look that requires few extra accessories.
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Rosettes
Vanessa Hudgens
in Moschino
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Rosettes
Zooey Deschanel
in Luella
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Ethereal
For a fairy princess effect, nothing beats light-as-air layers of flowing chiffon.
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Ethereal
Eva Mendes
in Christian Dior
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Ethereal
Freida Pinto
in Marchesa
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Primary Colors
Gowns in bold hues of red, blue, and yellow pack a punch-choose a simple silhouette to let the shade shine.
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Primary Colors
Taylor Momsen
in Marchesa
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Primary Colors
Malin Akerman
in Jason Wu
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Embellished Necklines
A dramatic neckline acts as a built-in necklace.
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Embellished Neckline
Molly Sims
in Monique Lhuillier
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Embellished Necklines
Anne Hathaway
in Azzaro
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Mini
Got great legs? Show them off with a short hemline-choose a dress with couture-quality details for a formal effect.
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Mini
Rihanna
in Zac Posen
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Mini
Freida Pinto
in Zac Posen
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Floral
Bring the outside in with blossom-bedecked prints that hint of spring.
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Floral
Carrie Underwood
in Naeem Khan
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Floral
JoAnna Garcia
in Blumarine
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Metallic Beads
Double your sparkle with embellished gowns in gold, silver and bronze.
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Metallic Beads
Jessica Biel
in Oscar de la Renta
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Metallic Beads
Elizabeth Banks
in Kaufman Franco
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Retro
Channel '50s chic with a wasp-waist design in a cocktail length.
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Retro
Scarlett Johansson
in Bill Blass
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Retro
Keira Knightley
in Alexis Mabille