Designer Dresses for a Special Occasion

Advantages of Designer Dresses for Special Events

When it comes to looking your best for a special event, many women opt for designer dresses. Well-known names in fashion have high standards in quality and craftsmanship. Simply put, better fabrics and better dress designs can make a woman look – and feel – her best. For a special occasion, it's often worth the splurge for a great name to know you'll have the perfect look, be it a party, holiday event, formal dance or dinner, charity event, or some other gala affair. For women on a budget, there are also many ways to snag a stunning evening gown from a high-end designer listed below.

Choosing a Designer Dress for the Occasion

Choosing your designer gown for your event depends on a variety of factors. Consider the following when shopping for your dress:

• Your budget: You may want a one-of-a-kind vintage Chanel gown, but is it worth it if it puts you in debt? Consider both high and mid-level designers for greater selection and more price points. Also consider renting or borrowing a dress, purchasing a designer dress from a consignment shop, or choosing a simpler designer gown and dressing it up with fabulous accessories to save money. Consider shopping at stores luxury discount stores authorized to sell designer names, such as Bluefly.com.

• Your personal style: Although there are modest special occasion gowns available, many formal designer dresses are on the daring or sexy side. Decide just how much skin you’re willing to show and what styles meet your personal preferences and flatter your figure.

• The role you play in the occasion: If you are at the center of attention, such as hosting, speaking, or receiving an award at an event, you want to ensure you are dressed according to your role and have a stunning dress.

• The level of formality of the event/occasion: Designer dresses are available in a range from less-formal frocks appropriate for more casual special events to very formal gowns for black-tie affairs.

• Any dress code requirements or requests: Often given by word of mouth, a mention of dress code gives attendees a better idea of how casual or formal the dress should be.

Where to Buy Designer Dresses for Special Occasions

The famous haute couture designer names – such as Chanel, Dior, Versace, Dolce and Gabbana, and Vera Wang - have stunning gowns, but prices can be steep. Consider emerging designers with special occasion dresses among their collections, and smaller dress designers who are less well-known but still offer exquisite designs. Look for designer dresses for special events at boutiques, high-end department stores, and vintage shops to find the dress that meets your needs. Most bridal shops also have special occasion and formal dress sections as well. When shopping online, be sure to check sizing recommendations and return policies, and order well in advance of the event in case alterations or a return are necessary.

The following is a sample of some of the online stores offering designer dresses for special occasions.

• Jovani: With their stunning colors, sexy designs, and wonderful attention to detail, it's no wonder Jovani gowns have a substantial celebrity following.

• Simply Dresses: Browse designer evening, event, and party dresses by price point, color, event, or your body type.

• Cinderella's Closet: Designer dresses from Sheri Hill, Mori Lee, Alyce Designs, and many more are available at this store.

• Darius Cordell: Couture special occasion dresses (and bridal wear).

• Sara Grace is an online shop offering selections in designer dresses for special events, prom, and bridal needs, including collections from Cassandra Stone and Mon Cheri.

Five Flattering Designer Special Occasion Dresses

When shopping for a designer dress, look for styles that create balance and show off your best assets. Here are a few flattering dress styles, and why they're fabulous.

Flattering Special Occasion Dresses

Designer Dress	Figure Flattering Feature
	This stunning silver evening gown by Jovani is not only eye-catching, but it is an excellent choice for women who are small busted or have straight, rectangular figures. The bust detail gives the illusion of a larger chest, and the gentle drapes of the layers fabric create a softer, curvier silhouette.
	This black and turquoise evening dress from the Wedding by Sean Collection is a good choice for women who are larger on top. The cut of the neckline is not overly low for comfortable coverage, the waist detailing draws in the waist, and the hemline details draw the attention away from the chest.
	An elegant halter style dress, like this one from Nicole Miller, is great for hourglass figures. The halter banding draws the eye to really define the waist and accentuate curves.
	For women who are apple shaped (carry extra weight in the mid-section), an empire waist evening gown, like this aqua dress by Jovani, falls gently away from the waist for a flattering look.
	For women who are pear shaped (carry extra weight in the hips), choosing a gown that emphasizes their upper half, such as this chocolate gown with corset-style bodice, will complement and balance their figure for a beautiful look.