With the summer heat in full swing, this morning I found myself thinking of a number of charity events that will be on my fall calendar. One event, which is the Preview Party for our annual Junior League fundraiser, Mistletoe Marketplace, is probably the best opportunity of the year for women in my town to show off their favorite formal wear. In years past I have been in New York in late summer, and I’ve kept my eyes open for a really great formal dress to wear to fall parties.
Over the years, my shape has changed, and then changed again: we all gain and lose weight. However, with the addition of a few pounds, I’ve found that I now have décolletage, and I’ve had to think hard about what to wear, as I really look busty these days. So many of the open neck gowns that I wore in the past are a little snug now in the bodice and bust, and it really gives the gowns a totally different look. I have a favorite sleeveless Prada gown with a sweetheart neckline, but with the addition of a few pounds, the shape has changed entirely. It is no longer the minimalist column gown, but instead, it draws too much attention to my décolletage.
If you have a big chest, it’s best to avoid open neck gowns, in the interest of subtlety. However, you may not be going for a subtle look. Just be aware that an open neck will draw all eyes to your chest. For that reason, you may want to wear something with a little more coverage, in order to accent your face and hair. A halter gown can minimize a large bustline. With coverage to the neck, all eyes will be drawn to your face.
Some women really like to present a flashy appearance, and if that’s your style, just be sure your neckline is secure. You really don’t want to have any parts moving in the wrong direction! If you decide to go for a look that emphasizes your bustline, make sure your bodice is well fitting, and consider, especially if you are older, wearing something sleeveless rather than strapless. I’m ambivalent about whether or not to accessorize a strapless or skimpy bodice with jewelry. If your chest is truly spectacular, with good skin tone and an attractive neck and shoulders, then I would probably only accessorize with some dangly earrings.
Is your best feature your back, or is it, perhaps, your shoulders? Then, choose a gown that reveals that feature, but don’t reveal everything at once. The key to maximizing the impact of a dress is to choose something that has focus. This is true in daywear as well as formal wear.
Backless gowns are so attractive when they have a relatively high neckline in front. I’ve worn gowns with cap sleeves and a low back, twice in recent memory. They both had a trumpet shape through the skirt, and I was very comfortable in both gowns. A halter gown really accents pretty shoulders.
This is a versatile evening skirt, and I own one that is very similar, purchased years ago at Bergdorf Goodman. It looks spectacular with a simple black silk sweater. I saw a similar skirt at www.romanticprom.com
The takeaway message for today is to accent one of your best features, and don’t let your outfit overwhelm you. Enjoy shopping for the fall season – start looking today, as it’s never a good idea to rush out at the last minute, if you can help it. If you know you have some formal events on your calendar, be aware as you shop online or in your favorite stores. When the event comes around, you’ll be relaxed and you’ll have time to concentrate on a facial and a manicure!
A halter gown, evening skirt, favorite formal wear, great formal dress, strapless
EVENING DRESSES FALL SEASON
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