There’s just something about seeing the words “formal dress code” on an event invitation that inspires equal amounts of fear and excitement. Getting dressed up – no matter what the occasion – is always quite fun, but the stricter and more sophisticated the event, the more difficult it is to dress for.
But don’t stress! If you’re in Perth, there’s no shortage of formal dress options. From boutique stores to online shops to designer dress hires, you won’t have any trouble finding the perfect dress. Here’s our rundown of the formal dress code and our favourite stores for affordable and stunning evening dresses for every kind of event.
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The Formal Dress Style
Before we get into our top picks for the best formal dresses in Perth, we need to clear up what “formal” means in the first place. Unless you understand how the dress code works, it’s not going to be easy to pick out something appropriate to wear!
“Formal” is actually a broad label that could apply to several categories like black tie, black tie optional, cocktail, and even semi-formal. No matter which way it’s used, however, the formal dress code always expects something dressier and more elegant than your usual workday or weekend attire.
For men, this usually means a suit and tie or even a tuxedo. For women, long maxi dresses, ball gowns, mid-length cocktail dresses, and even suits can all be considered formalwear. Fabric also plays a part in making something evening-appropriate. Stick to “refined” fabrics like silk, tulle, lace, chiffon, velvet, taffeta, and more. Cotton and polyester might work but are often too casual for formal dresses.
Because of the blurry lines between dress code categories, you might still have some doubts about what to wear. In that case, just simply ask the host what they expect you to come in – or better yet, ask what they’re going in. That will give you a great benchmark on how to dress.
Where To Wear Formal Dresses
To make things even more complicated, sometimes a dress code isn’t specified for an event, you’re just simply expected to come appropriately dressed. This can cause a lot of stress, especially since you won’t know if you’ll be too over or underdressed.
If you’ve received an invite without a specific dress code, the rule of thumb is to dress up. It’s better to show up to a dinner party in a long, elegant dress than it is to show up to a traditional wedding in shorts and flipflops!
Lastly, there are just some occasions that call for a more formal style of dress. These include:
- Weddings
- School formals (it’s in the name, after all)
- Award ceremonies
- Very posh restaurants
- Charity balls and fundraisers
- Galas
The Top Formal Dresses In Perth
Taylor Strapless Fishtail Gown
Price: Available upon request
Store/Designer: Dion for Brides
Where: North Perth
Although it’s mainly a bridal shop, Dion for Brides makes excellent and trendy formal evening dresses. There are dozens of sultry and sexy styles, but we immediately fell in love with this gorgeous 1920s-style gold fishtail gown.
Shop Dion for Brides Evening Wear here.
Navy Off The Shoulder Gown
Price: $149.95
Store/Designer: Sassy Divas
Where: Online only
Don’t underestimate this little (and cheap) online shop! Sassy Divas has everything from beautiful ball dresses to stunning bridesmaid gowns. While their sequined dresses are definitely worth a second look, the simplicity of this blue maxi gown makes it perfect for any occasion. And they even stock plus size gowns up to a size 24!
Odessa Off Shoulder Gown
Price: $279
Store/Designer: Glam Corner
Where: Online only
Glam Corner proves that secondhand can be just as fabulous as brand new! Rent out designer dresses at affordable prices, like this $1600 Badgley Mischka boho-inspired formal dress.
Vena
Price: $420
Store/Designer: Goldilocks Boutique
Where: Osborne Park
Whether you visit their physical store or shop online, you won’t have any shortage of choices for formalwear at Goldilocks Boutique. They have an incredible collection of cocktail dresses and evening gowns, like this modest yet sexy long-sleeved maxi.
Shop Goldilocks Boutique here.
High Neck Sequin Two-Piece Gown
Price: Available upon request
Store/Designer: Haute on High
Where: Fremantle West End
White gowns often tread into bridal territory, but this high-neck two-piece gown screams glamour more than it does wedding. You can get gorgeous gowns, short dresses, and more from Fremantle dress boutique Haute on High. Or order online, where you can get free nationwide shipping if you spend over $150.
Jovani
Price: $826
Store/Designer: Lace and Button
Where: North Perth
Lace and Button’s selection of evening gowns can get a bit pricey, like this 800-dollar stunning red embellished long dress. But with Afterpay, you can have this dress with four fortnightly instalments. Bonus: the shop offers dresses for petite (size 00) and plus size (size 24+) beauties.
Conclusion
Dressing up for a big event can make you feel glamorous, beautiful, and confident – especially with the right outfit. These shops will help you find a dress that’s stylish, unique, and 100% you. Happy shopping!
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