How to Style Evening Dresses for Different Occasions

Is your summer diary full to the brim with celebrations? Perhaps your calendar’s already getting busy with festivities over the Christmas party period. Either way, it’s always lovely to have a reason to dress up in your best, and there’s nothing worse than standing in front of the mirror feeling like you’ve nothing to wear!

If that’s the case, fret not - Klass’s stylists have you covered.

Whether you’re an evening guest at a wedding or dressing for dinner on a cruise, we’ve got the inspiration you need to style your evening dress to be fit for any occasion. You’ll be swishing around in your gown and hearing all the compliments in no time!

First things first, let’s look at what differentiates an evening dress from the other frocks in your wardrobe.

Evening gowns are more formal pieces that exude elegance and sophistication, making them perfect for events like wedding soirées, dinner dances, and anniversary drinks. They’re not as casual as summer dresses, but still come in lots of different shapes, sizes, and lengths. The maxi style is a popular choice for occasion dresses, thanks to the natural elegance that a floor length gown brings. Midi and mini dresses can also fall into the eveningwear category, though it’s wise to double-check they’re within the dress code for the event you’re attending.

• Only wear pieces that are made from lightweight and breathable fabrics, like cotton, to keep you cool under the sun’s rays.
• Make sure you pack your sunglasses and sunscreen to keep the evening sun out of your eyes and prevent sunburn on your skin.
• Take a hand fan so you can feel a breeze if it gets too warm. We recommend choosing a fan that folds up and can be tucked neatly into your handbag, so you don’t have to worry about carrying it around all evening.

For more tips on dressing for summer occasions, check out our blog: What to wear for a summer garden party.

If you’ve been invited to a wedding as an evening guest, then lucky you - we love the love! We also love picking an outfit for this sort of nighttime celebration, because it’s a chance to dress with glitz and glamour, ready for the dance floor. And yes, it is possible to find a formal gown that doubles as your perfect dance partner, without compromising elegance!

• A knee-length split will make your dress easier to move (and groove) in, while giving off a little je ne sais quoi.
• Fabrics with a soft shine, like chiffon, will dazzle on the dance floor and catch all the right light. Whether the full dress is made from the silky material or it’s used for detailing, like a drape, chiffon glides effortlessly over your figure for an eye-catching outfit you’ll feel confident in.
• If you’d like to swish, then a pleated dress will grant your wish. The folds in the fabric combine volume and style, perfect for any photo-worthy occasion.
• For timeless elegance, look for gowns in rich block colours. Pair with nude footwear and accessories, and revel in the refined glamour of your look.

Klass is home to a stunning collection of dresses that are perfect for nuptials, so make sure you take a look while you’re here: Wedding guest collection.

If there’s a holiday which lends itself to going all out with an outfit, then it has to be a cruise. Formal evenings are a staple of any at-sea experience, from the exclusive captain’s dinners to cocktail hours on the deck. A cruise is the ultimate chance to look and feel a million dollars.

Whether you’re coasting the warm climes of the Med or you’re sailing north for some winter adventures, make sure you pack enough formal cruise dress for sundowners and dinners alike. We share lots more advice and details on what to put in your suitcase for a holiday at sea in our blog: How to pack for a cruise.

A summer ball is such a delightful occasion. Raising a toast outdoors, eating delicious food as the sun sets, and dancing in its remnants until late in the evening - summer balls just fill you with sunshine and smiles! Like dressing for a warmer wedding, you should avoid heavy, tight-fitting fabrics and opt for light, flowing materials that will keep you cool well into the evening.

Traditionally, ball gowns are floor length, so you won’t go wrong with a long or maxi style dress. However, if you feel more comfortable in something that doesn’t quite reach the floor, or you just happen to have spotted the perfect midi occasion dress, then go for it. You’ll feel your best and most confident self when you’re relaxed and comfortable in what you’re wearing. As long as it’s the right level of formality for the summer ball, then you’ll be twirling around without a care in the world.

So you’ve found the dress, but you’re not quite done just yet. For the pièce de résistance, you need the right accessories to bring your gown to life. The saying ‘less is more’ is key to adding to your occasion wear, helping to enhance opulence and sophistication. As your gown will be the main star of the show, you don’t want to distract too far from it.

Avoid big and bright jewellery, and opt for simpler, more delicate pieces as to not overpower your dress. A single gold bangle or pair of pearl-drop earrings are simple, but so effective. In a similar way, you want to look and feel the part, so avoid footwear that’ll have you looking for plasters fifteen minutes into your event!

Chunkier heeled sandals are ideal for adding height without compromising comfort. If you’re wearing metallic accessories, try to match the colour of your footwear to bring the look together. Or, if you’ve gone for an understated gown, bring a little something extra with detailing on your footwear, like embellished straps or delicate gem detailing.