Roundups of dresses for a specific occasion, fit or budget, each with how its list was put together.
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Mary Jane shoes are low-cut shoes with a strap across the top of the foot, usually with a rounded toe, and they come as flats, block heels and kitten heels. They suit dresses that end anywhere from mid-thigh to mid-calf, and the strap means they stay on better than a plain flat or pump.
Updated Oct 26, 2026 · By Jenisha Jonchhe
Pick vacation dresses for the climate and the suitcase: linen or cotton for heat, jersey or knit for anything that has to come out of a bag looking fine. A week usually needs a few day dresses, a cover-up and one or two dresses that work at a nice dinner.
Updated Oct 26, 2026 · By Jenisha Jonchhe
An affordable wedding dress is usually a simple ready-to-wear gown in satin, crepe or light lace, bought from a bridesmaid line, a sample sale, a secondhand site or a marketplace, then hemmed by a local tailor. Clean lines cost less than heavy beading and layers, and the money you save can go to alterations, which matter more to how a dress looks than the label does.
Updated Oct 25, 2026 · By Jenisha Jonchhe
For a courthouse wedding, many brides choose a white or ivory dress in midi or short length, or a white suit or jumpsuit, simple enough for a clerk's office and still clearly bridal. Pick something you can sit, climb steps and stand in line in, then add one bridal detail like pearls, a veil clip or a bouquet.
Updated Oct 25, 2026 · By Jenisha Jonchhe
The best date night dress is one that suits the venue and that you won't fuss with all evening: a slip or wrap midi for a sit-down dinner, a sweater dress or knit midi for drinks or something casual. Match the dressiness to the place, then pick shoes you can walk in after.
Updated Oct 25, 2026 · By Jenisha Jonchhe
For a baby shower, the mom-to-be does best in a stretchy maternity dress (a wrap, a maxi or a fitted knit midi) that's comfortable for a few hours of sitting, standing and opening gifts. Guests should wear a relaxed daytime dress, like a floral midi, with flats.
Updated Oct 24, 2026 · By Jenisha Jonchhe
A semi-formal dress is a knee-length or midi dress in a dressy fabric, cut simply enough for a dinner and polished enough for a wedding. Satin slips, crepe sheaths, chiffon midis and long-sleeve velvet dresses all fit; save floor-length gowns for formal and short sundresses for casual.
Updated Oct 24, 2026 · By Jenisha Jonchhe
Let the neckline decide: a V-neck takes a pendant necklace, a strapless or sweetheart neckline takes a short necklace or bold earrings, and a high, halter or one-shoulder neckline takes earrings only. Then match the sparkle to the dress code, with pearls and studs for daytime and crystals for evening.
Updated Oct 24, 2026 · By Jenisha Jonchhe
Choose wedding guest shoes by the dress code first and the venue second: satin pumps or strappy heels for black tie, block heels or low heels for cocktail and outdoor weddings, dressy flats for anything with a long dance floor. If the ceremony is on grass, sand or cobblestones, a block heel or flat beats a stiletto every time.
Updated Oct 24, 2026 · By Jenisha Jonchhe
For a black tie wedding, wear a floor-length gown in a rich fabric like satin, crepe or velvet. Keep the cut simple and let the length and fabric do the formal work; a short cocktail dress belongs at a black tie optional wedding, not this one.
Updated Oct 22, 2026 · By Jenisha Jonchhe
A military ball is usually a formal event, and a floor-length gown is the standard choice for guests unless the unit's invitation says cocktail length is fine. Ask your date what the invitation says, keep the gown modest enough for a formal ceremony, and plan for a long night of standing and dancing.
Updated Oct 22, 2026 · By Jenisha Jonchhe
Heel grips are cushioned pads, usually silicone, gel or fabric-covered foam, that stick to the inside back of a shoe and fill the gap so your heel stays put. They work best when a shoe is slightly too big or slips when you walk; if the whole shoe is loose, a half or full insole helps more.
Updated Oct 20, 2026 · By Jenisha Jonchhe
For finding a dress by what's on your calendar: a wedding, a work event, a black-tie invitation.
A sub-hub of Occasion Dresses for what to wear to someone else's wedding.
For working out what a dress code asks you to wear, from casual to black tie.
