Party dresses, which in the past used to be an expensive affair, are now available also at totally reasonable prices, which allows anyone to put together stunning party outfits without necessarily spending a fortune.
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Though, if you want to achieve a result that will make you not only gorgeous but chic and sophisticated as well, a wise choice is essential as, when it comes to cheap items, the risk of unpleasant style slipups is just under the corner.
One of the first things to keep in mind when shopping for new, inexpensive items is to avoid any excessive feature: too short, too tight, too sparkling. Always look for proportion and taste, and keep cut-outs to a reasonable minimum (as in the picture below). You will look glamorous and polished at the same time.
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Consider that, even if high-end brands can get sensational results also with extreme styles and designs, this seldom happens with budget-friendly garments, so be careful, and think twice before buying that one-sleeved, sequined, metallic gown.
Your goals should be class and style, not just some trendy-but-so-bad-tasty outfit.
The only excessiveness that can look good on most women is a plunging neckline, as showing some skin around your face and shoulders is always flattering – and for party dresses, you are allowed to overdo, taking advantage of the lovely effect of a deep neckline.
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On the left: ASOS DESIGN Luxe faux feather embellished trousers – On the right: ASOS DESIGN Luxe embellished faux feather cami dress
When it comes to decorations or shiny textiles, be aware that it’s better to only use these pieces for your upper body, as this will add light to your face and will usually look classy – while the same can’t surely be said of iridescent bottoms (which will add inches to your hips and thighs, even if you don’t have any extra pound).
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On the left: ASOS DESIGN Luxe one shoulder sequin maxi sleeve crop top – On the right: ASOS DESIGN Luxe sequin corseted body
Diagonal cuts are another feature that can sometimes be absolutely lovely, as diagonal lines can visually elongate the figure, but only – be wary – when the diagonal line is in the lower part of the garment itself. A skirt (or a dress) that is longer on one side and shorter on the other can make your legs look longer and leaner, and the same goes for a soft top with a diagonal hem, whereas a one-sleeve top not only can shorten your figure, it’s anything but chic as well.
Now as per the choice of colors, party dresses are one of the rare garments that can pull off lovely results even with vibrant or unusual hues. To achieve an impeccable outcome, though, it’s better to opt for low necklines. Bright colors worn too close to your face can highlight spots, wrinkles, and dark circles. Conversely, a low neckline will balance out any possible excessiveness.
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On the left: ASOS DESIGN Petite going out slash front mini dress – On the right: Vesper square neck pencil dress (asos.com)
When in doubt, give preference to bright hues that are at the same time timeless, as it’s the case of the ageless red in the picture above on the right. Conversely, fluorescent tonalities are anything but chic (and will easily make you look pale and tired), and should, therefore, be avoided.
The same goes for styles and patterns. A classic pencil dress with a square neckline (as above on the right) is always a sophisticated option and will look good even if you paid it less than 50 bucks, whereas an overly trendy style (above, on the left) is only suitable for skinny teenagers who would like to look more full-figured.
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Another style that’s trendy and very flattering for most body types is a dress that’s formfitting in the upper body, and looser in the lower part (as in the picture above). This style will make your legs look longer and leaner, flattering your curves instead of showing them off (or hiding them).
And if bright colors are so “not you”, keep in mind that you can get sensational results also with dark hues, as long as you pick out clean lines and add some bright metallic accessories.
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Otherwise, you can opt for some sensual detail, as the lace sleeves in the picture below. You will achieve a lovely outcome, and you will look classy and sophisticated, and at the same time eye-catching in a very sensual yet tasteful way.
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