Evening dresses

It’s a dress made for after-dark occasions, from dinners and parties to galas. It’s dressier than daywear but not automatically black tie, which is a specific dress code that usually means floor length. The invitation tells you which one you need.

Not always. The invitation sets the formality, so a sleek midi can suit a dinner or cocktail party, while a gala or black-tie event usually calls for a gown. Fabric, finish and styling matter just as much as where your hem lands.

Match the layer to the neckline and the weather. A soft wrap sits nicely over off-shoulder and strapless styles, while a tailored coat or cropped blazer suits sleeker silhouettes. On mild nights, a light shawl is often all you need.