What to Wear With Long Evening Dresses

An event that would call for the use of long evening dresses is usually that of class and elegance. Therefore, everything one wears with her gown should be just as chic. Remember that whatever worn with the dress should accentuate it. So if your gown has minimal adornments, choose accessories that are more daring and more glitzy. However, if your evening dress is already flamboyant on its own, then match it with accessories that are on the subtle side of the spectrum.

Jewelry prescribed for a long evening gown are usually the authentic kind. When attending a formal event, wearing small, but real, jewelry is better than going for big, but fake, embellishments. Another generally reliable theory in accessorizing for black tie occasions is to only wear one chunky piece at a time. If you’re going to wear a ring with a very large stone, a thickset bracelet will be unsightly. If you’re going to wear a necklace with a magnificent pendant, go for stud earrings instead of a dangling pair. Lastly, always take into consideration the neckline and style of your dress. A bracelet would go well with sleeveless or strapless gowns, while a charming necklace would be a good choice for dresses with open necklines.

As for evening shoes, you can never go wrong with a pair of stilettos. Flats and wedges or other types of shoes with bulky heels undermine the refinement of a long evening dress, so refrain from wearing any of the latter. Black pumps are always a good choice for gowns in dark hues, but a pair of heels in a corresponding color is also a good idea. On the other hand, even if it is common practice to match your bag with your shoes, the same is not true when it comes to formal events. Instead, your clutch or purse should go well with your dress. Also, never opt for bags with shoulder straps as doing so spoils a gown’s silhouette. A wrist strapped or hand held bag is the best option for this type of affairs.

Moreover, for evening dresses that are strapless, sleeveless or backless, wearing a nice wrap or stole can add to its tastefulness. A contrasting or matching shawl in velvet, silk or another fabric corresponding to that of the gown would do well in making your look seem more complete. Fur coats and feather boas, on the other hand, would look nice worn with evening gowns during the colder times of the year. Just keep in mind that when wearing any type of wrap, wide and short is always better than anything that is very long. Also, keep the placement of your shawl in check at all times, make sure it is nicely adorned through your elbows or over your shoulders, because a disproportionately arranged wrap or stole is very unattractive.

In conclusion, whatever accessories you choose to wear with your long evening dresses, make sure they are all in harmony with the gown. Don’t go overboard with embellishments. They are only supposed to accentuate the dress and not steal the spotlight away from it.