If you’re planning dinner and a movie with friends or want to rock heels at a Christmas party, a cute semi-formal short dress is the way to go. Start by identifying necklines and silhouettes that make you feel comfortable and eliminating those that don’t.
Knowing your body shape is also important; our guide to the six common shapes—apple, pear, hourglass, slender, and busty—can help you find flattering fits. The below guide will show you how to find the perfect short party dress.
Table of Contents
Length
If you want to look your best at a party, the length of your dress is an important factor. There are short party dresses that go all the way down to the floor, and there are shorter styles that end just above your knees or mid-calf.
If a casual cocktail party is on your calendar, consider a fit-and-flare style that shows off your toned summer legs and pairs perfectly with heels. For a semi-formal event, try a sleek off-the-shoulder or halter neckline for a flirty look that can be dressed up with a gorgeous clutch and statement jewelry pieces.
You can go for a midi length for a cocktail party with a more formal dress code. These stylish dresses are longer in the front and shorter in the back for an asymmetrical look that balances your body proportions perfectly.
Style
Choosing the right dress style for an event can make or break your look. If you want to create a sleek and sexy look, you can wear a bodycon or mini dress. These dresses are ideal for daytime events and can be worn with strappy heels or sandals. They also come in various colors, like blue, pink, and red.
You can also find a formal dress perfect for prom, homecoming, or graduation parties. It is important to consider your dress’s fabric, color, and fit before selecting it. This will help you avoid buying an inappropriate dress for the occasion.
Choosing the right dress can be an exciting and stressful process. If you are still trying to decide what to look for, list things you love and don’t like. This will help you narrow your options to find the perfect dress for your next big event. You can even find a party dress you can wear on several occasions that is worth the price.
Fabric
Consider your desired look when choosing the fabric for your short party dress. You may stick with something soft and flowing for a more feminine look, or you may opt for something more structured for a more classic style. Whatever you choose, ensure the material suits the occasion and fits your body.
Junior short party dresses are perfect for prom, homecoming, and graduation, but don’t be afraid to wear them outside those events! They’re great for birthday parties, dances, and more. Look for flirty looks that work for date night or sexy styles for a club-like atmosphere.
You can even find a few modest dresses for church wedding ceremonies! And remember to try out accessories with your dress. Many stores will allow you to bring your shoes and bags into the fitting room with your clothing to see how they work and match. You can also use a color wheel to see how certain colors complement each other.
Fit
In this liberated era where hemlines seem to rise and fall independently, it can be tempting to go as short as you dare when shopping for a cute little party dress. While it’s certainly a look worth trying (especially if you’re feeling sexy), there are some important factors to consider when selecting a super-short look, like how it will feel and function when you wear it.
For example, a dress that is so short that you have to tug it down every time you sit can cause discomfort and ruin your posture. It also draws attention to the area where your legs meet, which is unattractive.
Instead, choose a short party dress that looks great on you, no matter what the occasion. The perfect wrap dress, for example, creates an elongating effect by cinching in your waistline and flattering your silhouette without looking “shrinky.” It’s the dress you can wear to a casual cocktail party with bare legs in summer or pretty sparkly tights and a classic bolero in winter.
Accessorize
When choosing a party dress, you want to choose something that makes a statement. But you also want to ensure the dress fits well and won’t feel uncomfortable. Adding the right accessories can help you achieve both goals. Bold accessories highlight your dress’s bold colors or patterns, while understated ones accentuate your face and hair.
For example, a wide brown fashion belt can accent a sexy white mini dress by pulling your look together. And a pair of neutral sandals or pumps can add a casual flair to your outfit. To elongate your legs, try strappy heels or wedges in skin tones. Alternatively, you could even splurge on a pair of lace-up stilettos or booties. If you’re wearing a metallic-colored dress, you can complement that shimmer with matching shoes and bags or mix metals for a modern, trendy look.
If you are not interested in a modern and trendy look, you can also consider vintage items. There are many options available, such as 80s stuff, for a nostalgic trip back to the 1980s, making it a perfect resource for those interested in 1980s culture.
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