Party Dresses

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” is true, as the old saying goes. If Jack- or perhaps his female counterpart, Jenna, works works works, that is not going to make for a cultured character! Sometimes you have to loosen up and live a little! What’s a girl got to do to put some spice in her life? Well, going to a party is a surefire way to mingle and have some fun. A little bubbly, a little conversation, some dancing, some fun. Sounds good, right? But, what to wear to a party? Of course- wear a party dress.

The term “party dress” is a very broad one. Loosely defined as usually a dress of a nicer, dressier quality that is reserved strictly for attending events where looking good is top priority, aka, such as a party. They usually are more detailed and more fashionable then casual dresses and most of the time would not be appropriate for regular daytime or work use.

There are various types and levels of parties. Some parties are more casual, such as backyard summer parties. Others are more conservative, such as charity events. Some are Black Tie, meaning the most formal elegant attire is required. Others are wild and risqué, like club parties where you can wear tiny, revealing party dresses.

Within each “type” of party there are still yet different dresses that are appropriate. For instance, a summer backyard party can require a more casual party dress if it consists of throwing some hot dogs on the paper plates and sitting around a picnic table. However, if it consists of photographers and catered gourmet food, then a more expensive, fashionable dress is required.

Therefore, the types of party dresses that exist are endless. There are long party dresses, medium length, and mini party dresses. Loose party dresses to skin tight impossible to breathe party dresses. Sleeveless to long sleeved. The variations and colors are endless. As stated, the fabrics and details tend to be more abundant, expensive, and exclusive.

Read More

Because when you are at a fete, you want to appear your best, both physically and mentally. Wearing last years style will make you look like you are out of the loop, and that you know nothing about what to wear and what is hip. Therefore, it is important to stay on top of the trends. Three top trendy party dresses at the moment are body conscious dresses, wide sleeve dresses, and hi-low dresses.

Body conscious dresses are the perfect party dress staple, to have in your closet and use all year round. These dresses usually are short in length. They are form fitting, hence the name body conscious. Constructed of a stretchy material, they surprisingly can be very flattering even if your body is not so thin.

When to wear a body conscious dress? Because of their length and fit, these are reserved for parties at clubs, lounges, or house parties where it is appropriate to look sexy and not so serious. These party dresses are not appropriate for black tie events, and may be a little over the top and sexy for your friends casual backyard party.

Wide sleeve dresses are dresses with long, wide, loose sleeves. Sometimes they are just very wide, other times long and narrow then wide bell at the end. Often the sleeves are of a different fabric or color then the rest of the dress. Sheer fabrics are popular to use in construction of the sleeves. As for the rest of the dress, it may be plain or a different color. Usually these dresses are more fitted, to balance out the bell sleeves.

Their length varies from mini to maxi, although most are mid thigh length or shorter. So, when to wear a wide sleeved party dress? It depends on the length. If it is of a more sophisticated style and material with a longer length, then it can be worn to a formal event, wedding, even perhaps Black Tie. If it has a sexier neckline and shorter hem, then it is deemed more suitable for nightclubs and fun wild parties. Women’s apparel company Von Vonni has several of these style dresses.

The most trendy of the three is the hi-low dress. A hi-low dress is a dress that is shorter length in the front, and a longer length in the back. This makes a sort of train, and is very dramatic especially if the wind is blowing. Hi low dresses can be a variety of lengths. Generally they are not too loose. Necklines and sleeves vary from long to short, low to modest.

What kind of party can you wear a hi-low dress to? Well, these dresses come in an array of different fabrics, styles, and materials. Some are strictly casual. The ones that are of nicer fabrics, with more detailing and certain colors can be used as party dresses. A floral, sheer, medium length hi-low dress is perfect for a casual party at a friend’s house, or a summer engagement party.

Sometimes women casually shop and buy party dresses, saving them for the right moment. Other times women search out in set of one, with a select party in mind. So if you are mission shopping, the first thing to keep in mind is what event am I attending? This is crucial, because you don’t want to be wearing a mini one shouldered dress to someone’s wedding.

The second thing to consider when buying a party dress is the location/season. Are you going to be outside or inside? Is it winter or spring? Will the temperature inside and out be hot or cold? These factors determine the color, length, print, and material of the dress. If you are attending a birthday party in January, you don’t want to leave the store with a tropical floral print silk dress!

The third thing to consider is your price point, and how to match it to fit the occasion. Your normal price point might be low, but for a super special occasion like a wedding or your birthday you might up your price point a little. In general, dresses for more formal events tend to always be higher, no matter what brand. Although your normal price point may be low, you might want to splurge a little, as wearing a cheap looking party dress to a very swanky event may make you stand out if it isn’t constructed well enough.

The fourth factor to consider is not mandatory, but may be. If your price point is “the skies the limit”, then you can forget this. However, if money is tight, you may want to consider practicality. Could you possibly use the dress again, for some other event? If you are going to look for a dress like this, do not go for very trendy party dresses. Trends come and go. Go for a classic look.

Besides these factors, there is the basic knowledge a woman should always keep in the back of her mind before she struts to the shops. Your dress size, your body type and what shapes flatter it and your preferred brands should already be common knowledge. This will make shopping for a party dress less stressful and efficient.

If you are a man and for some reason are in the market for shopping for a woman’s party dress, there are a few things to know. When it boils down to it, a man really shouldn’t consider buying one for a woman. This type of dress is very personal, and a woman has  to/should feel her absolute best in it, regarding both comfort and attractiveness. Even if the you know her well, you might not know well enough.

If you insist upon buying her a party dress (or have better or impeccable taste), then consider the event foremost. All of the rules mentioned that women should consider, you should take into consideration as well. Don’t go for anything too trendy, or borderline appropriate. Stick to more classic pieces that you definitely are sure will work for the event.

So, you have the dress. What next? Shoes! If you already own shoes that complement the dress and are appropriate for the occasion, then you don’t have to worry about it. However, if the occasion is really special, skip the scuffed pre-worn shoes and buy new ones if you can. When buying the shoes obviously consider the color, material and detailing on the dress. If the party dress is sequined, rhinestone encrusted pumps may be a bit too much sparkle!

Your shoes don’t have to match, but they should at least complement the party dress. Same goes for the handbag and jewelry that you pair with it. Don’t over load on the jewelry if the dress has bead, rhinestone or sequin detailing, as you will appear overdone and shine too brightly (yes, it is possible!).

Now, when you are attending a party, there are always some essentials to stuff into your handbag. A small vial or roller ball of your favorite (or seductive party-appropriate) scent is essential. If you are dancing like there’s no tomorrow and working up a sweat, you don’t want to smell! The mini parfum will keep you smelling fresh, not funky.

Essential number two to put in your handbag is tampons or thin pads. Of course, if you just finished that time of the month, then you don’t need to throw one in your bag. However, if it is nearing, or you are irregular, it never hurts to have one on hand. If you don’t you might find yourself in an embarrassing, compromising situation, and with a ruined party dress.

The third essential item is lipstick or lipgloss. When at a party, you are constantly talking, eating, drinking, and always moving your lips. Even if your lipstick is the kind that doesn’t come off, it usually fades a bit after this much action. Plump up your pucker to match your party dress and keep looking sexy by sticking your weapon of choice in your purse.

Fourth item on the list? Money/credit cards, and possibly your ID. Even if you are only going to a casual daytime party, you never know if your host might run out of something and ask if you could help out. As for a club party, there might be drinks to buy, and you need your ID for the door besides just that cute party dress. Also, never say never. Even if you arrive with someone, you may end up alone and needing a taxi later in the evening if something or someone goes amiss!

The fifth but certainly not final nor last essential item is a pair of roll up flats. If you have a bit of a walk to do to and from the party, and are planning on tottering around in six-inch heels, do your feet a favor and wear the tiny flats on your walk. These are also perfect if you have to drive- navigating a car in heels and a party dress is not so easy. Also, if you dance too much and get blisters, you can always slip them on.

Von Vonni is a contemporary women’s apparel designer. He designs skirts, tops, bottoms and dresses. His specialty happens to be dresses, particularly dresses that are appropriate for nice events. Von Vonni is the perfect company to buy a party dress from, as there are a variety to select from for a variety of different types of parties.

One common party is a Birthday Party. These can range in expense and fanciness. Going to a birthday dinner at someone’s house? The Von Vonni Lolita dress in Beige Maggie is great for this occasion. It hits mid-calf, making it more demure. The mid-range v-neck and sleeveless style add some sex appeal. The floral print is festive, and the dress has a loose fit that is nipped in at the waist with a fabric belt. It is the perfect birthday party dress because it is a blend of conservative and sexy, erring on the demure side.

One party where everyone is sure to get wild is a bachelorette party. These are girls only parties, and are usually held at lounges, restaurants, or clubs. It’s the soon to be brides last “single” night, so sexy dresses are the norm. Necklines tend to be low, backs can be exposed, and hemlines can be so short your old middle school teacher would blush.

The Von Vonni  Short Transformer Dress is a great choice for this type of event. It is made of clingly yet loose jersey, with an above the knee hemline. The top can be tied any number of daring, provocative ways, that give you a come hither look. It comes in plenty of bright, fun colors and prints to suit this wild evening. This party dress will definitely draw some attention!

Another typical type of event that requires a party dress is an Engagement Party. If you are attending one, you should dress semi-conservatively and fashionably, but you don’t have to completely cover up! The Von Vonni Flora Dress fits the bill. Its hem almost reaches the ground, and it has a loose fit that tapers to a more narrow fit. It is modest, yet it has a v-front and back and is a sleeveless style with wide armholes. The black belt gives it some shape, and the colors it comes in- black, nude, red and jade, are all understated yet sexy and elegant.

Galas and charity events are very formal parties. Sometimes they even require Black Tie Attire, meaning a floor length elegant gown is necessary. The Von Vonni Lisa Silk Maxi Dress is a stunner and will garner appreciative stares. The luxury of silk and the long train of this dress is pure sophistication. The delicate floral pattern, beautiful yet muted colors are beautiful but not loud. The low-tie back is daring and adds a sultry appeal.

Going to your friend’s annual Fourth of July outdoor beach party? This requires a more casual yet pretty party dress. The Von Vonni Lucy Dress in maxi length tiedie is your ideal option. Made of jersey, it has a tight bodice and casual, loose skirt that flows to the ground. It is comfortable, yet the pattern is fun and edgy. The tube style shows some skin. Pair it with some pretty jewelry and enjoy!