Top Formal Dress Styles

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

Top Formal Dress Styles

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One-Shoulder

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

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One-Shoulder

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Diane Kruger

in Valentino

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One-Shoulder

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Miley Cyrus

in custom Max Azria

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Printed Strapless

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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

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Eva Mendes

in Bill Blass

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Printed Strapless

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Kerry Washington

in Oscar de la Renta

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Column

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

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Column

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Joy Bryant

in Missoni

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Column

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Ashley Olsen

in Calvin Klein Collection

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Rosettes

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

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Rosettes

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Vanessa Hudgens

in Moschino

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Rosettes

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Zooey Deschanel

in Luella

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Ethereal

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

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Ethereal

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Eva Mendes

in Christian Dior

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Ethereal

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Freida Pinto

in Marchesa

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Primary Colors

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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

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Taylor Momsen

in Marchesa

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Primary Colors

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Malin Akerman

in Jason Wu

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Embellished Necklines

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A dramatic neckline acts as a built-in necklace.

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Embellished Neckline

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Molly Sims

in Monique Lhuillier

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Embellished Necklines

Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage

Anne Hathaway

in Azzaro

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Mini

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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

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Rihanna

in Zac Posen

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Mini

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Freida Pinto

in Zac Posen

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Floral

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

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Floral

Credit: Mark Davis/Landov

Carrie Underwood

in Naeem Khan

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Floral

Credit: Lester Cohen/WireImage

JoAnna Garcia

in Blumarine

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Metallic Beads

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

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Metallic Beads

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Jessica Biel

in Oscar de la Renta

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Metallic Beads

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Elizabeth Banks

in Kaufman Franco

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Retro

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

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Retro

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Scarlett Johansson

in Bill Blass

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Retro

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Keira Knightley

in Alexis Mabille

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Mermaid

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Play up your curves (or create them) with a fitted gown that flares out at the knee.

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Mermaid

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Olga Kuylenko

in Dolce & Gabbana

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Mermaid

Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage

Molly Sims

in J. Mendel

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Pink

Credit: Dave J Hogan

Nothing says pretty like rosy hues! To avoid the girly-girl associations, pick a dress with an avant-garde shape.

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Pink

Credit: Imagine Photography

Kerry Washington

in Jason Wu

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Pink

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Katy Perry

in Basil Soda

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