You’ve received an invitation in the mail calling for evening wear attire. The event is fast approaching and it’s time to choose an outfit. Not sure what to wear? What is evening wear for women? Don’t fret—we’ve got you covered. Long gone are the days where evening wear equates to ball gowns and tuxedos. Endless options await that will have you feeling comfortable, confident and stepping out in style. Keep scrolling to learn more about evening wear for women.
What is Evening Wear For Women?
Traditionally, invites that request evening wear for women means formal to semi-formal attire. This includes floor-length gowns, luxurious fabrics like chiffon or velvet and sky-high heels. Yet living in the COVID-era has offered us a new definition of evening wear. With smaller gatherings and safety at the forefront, evening wear encompasses a wearable aesthetic mixed with elevated, polished finishes.
Tuck those ball gowns to the back of your closet until your next black-tie affair. Instead, reach for women’s summer cocktail attire like flirty dresses, chic jumpsuits and modern separates. You can’t go wrong with one of these fabulous evening wear ideas.
Stylist Tip: Want to try a flirty number without showing much skin? Ace your evening wear ensemble in a form-fitting dress with a sheer illusion. Think nude slip with a red mesh overlay. Fabrics that offer depth and dimension will make you look like a million bucks without breaking the bank—cha ching.
Evening Wear For Women: 3 Sophisticated Ensembles
As the world begins to open back up, we’re eager to start safely mingling again. From semi-formal work events to rescheduled weddings to downtown dinner parties, you’ll need women’s evening wear on hand. But don’t run to the store just yet. Before you start mentally adding new pieces to your closet, pause and take inventory of your current wardrobe. More than likely there are a few hidden gems that will step up your evening fashion game. After all, this is the first step to build a more sustainable wardrobe. Let’s take a deep dive into our top styling suggestions on how to wear evening wear.
Perfectly Polished Two-Piece Pairings
Have you been missing post-work happy hours? It’s time to cheers to your well-deserved promotion or put the bow on that long-term project. Upgrade your business casual wear for celebratory soirees with coworkers. Effortlessly mix workwear and evening wear by reaching for a pleated midi skirt. Let the skirt take center stage, and shine in the spotlight by pairing it with a simple camisole. Lace-up heels complete this stunning outfit and elevate your mid-week ensemble. Literally.
A Classic Cocktail Dress With A Twist
A perfect little black dress will always be a quintessential evening wear for women staple. Dress up for a cocktail hour wedding in a LBD. Refresh your black frock by choosing one that features details like embroidery, ruching or statement sleeves. Feeling bold? Add a pop of color to infuse some personality into the look. Ready to channel your inner Bob Ross? Bring your blank dress canvas to life by painting your ensemble with a colorful headband or vibrant sequin flats.
Jumpsuits: The One And Done Women’s Evening Wear Outfit
Jumpsuits are a standout piece for women’s evening wear. Wondering why? We love the mix of comfort and sophisticated feels that an understated jumpsuit offers. Plus, jumpsuits are on trend this spring and summer—it’s a win-win.
Heading to a dapper date night dinner? Try a sleek jumpsuit with a distinguished wrap silhouette and tie-waist. The sweeping neckline flatters your frame as it draws the eye upwards and visually narrows your torso and shoulders. Slide into a pair of heels with stylish details. Hello, bows and beads. Don’t forget your favorite clutch to tuck away your on-the-go necessities. Clutches with ring handles and woven detailing are on our must-have list this season. Yours too?
Level Up Evening Wear For Women With Layers And Accessories
You’ve got a picture-perfect evening wear for women outfit picked out. Five, four, three, two, one—level up, level up, level up your look. Get inspired by the Ciara bop we can’t get out of our heads, and take it up a few notches. Accessories, shoes and layering pieces are the secret weapon to add some pizzazz to your evening wear. Here are a few styling hacks to take your nighttime attire to new heights.
Add Shimmer And Shine To Your Look With Jewelry
Wondering what’s one of the easiest ways to elevate your evening wear? Adorn your look with jewelry. Dainty earrings and delicate necklaces add subtle twinkle to your outfit. Channel this season’s biggest trend and layer various chain necklaces to master your evening wear. Bonus points for adding a retro pendant or coin necklace.
Celebrating another trip around the sun? Ice yourself with a geometric charm, chandelier earrings or a cuff bracelet for an Instagram-worthy vibe that takes the cake. Statement pieces featuring gemstones add a pop of color to your evening wear for women.
Stylist Tip: Coordinate a women’s mask to your outfit to stay safe and healthy in enclosed social settings. Adding a mask necklace to your face covering complements your jewelry picks while keeping your mask close by.
Layer Up Your Women’s Evening Wear Look
Part of leveling up is layering up. As the sun goes down, so do the temperatures. Stay covered while dining al fresco with a layering piece at arm’s reach. Tailored blazers and cozy cardigans are ideal layers to toss over your evening wear for women. Rocking a blazer over a bodycon dress? Add texture and shine by selecting one in a luxurious velvet finish. Choose a cardigan in plush fabrics like cashmere or wool along with trending details like pearl buttons for the crème de la crème. We promise you’ll be dressed to impress with either layering option.
Step Out In Stylish Shoes
We believe the right pair of shoes can change your life. The same sentiment applies to evening wear for women. Fancy footwear adds a final touch to your after-hours ensemble. Slip into a pair of pastel block-heeled sandals that offer better support than a stiletto. Nude-colored heels are always a good choice—they pair seamlessly with any color while elongating your leg line. If even the thought of lofty heels makes your feet hurt, try square-toed flats or kitten heels instead. Square-toed styles are having a major moment right now, and your closet may be begging for a pair. No matter the height, choose a pair of shoes that are equal parts comfortable and glamorous to keep you toe-tapping all night. Find confetti stuck to your soles at the stroke of midnight? It’s safe to say you’ve had an unforgettable evening.
Have an event on the calendar? Take your style quiz, order a Fix and ask your stylist to include evening wear options. You’ll receive five curated items just for you that you can try on from the comfort of your own home. All that’s left is to blast your favorite pump-up jams while you try on your new looks. Shipping and returns are always free.