Aug 18

How to choose the right colour dress for your event

When it comes to choosing the right outfit for an event, there is often a lot to think about. But perhaps one of the most important considerations is the colour and pattern you choose. While you want to capture attention with your outfit, you want admiration rather than someone questioning its appropriateness.

So how do you choose the right colour dress for the next event you are attending? Here are six tips to help.

1. Get to know what colours look good on you

Not every colour will suit you, in fact some colours can completely wash you out, so it is important to get to know what colours look good on you and suit your skin tone. If you aren’t sure, put aside the time to go shopping with a very honest friend and try on a host of colours. If you don’t have a friend who can make it along, take pictures of yourself in the mirror with each outfit for reference.

2. Take into consideration your fashion choices

If you aren’t very adventurous when it comes to fashion, and you couldn’t see yourself wearing that brightly patterned cocktail dress more than once, then opt for a more classic, block colour you can wear again and dress up with different accessories and shoes.

Image of resort dress from Australian fashion designer range by Stokes Thompson

A red dress can be bold and striking

3. Think about the weather and season

If it is a rainy day white and pale pastels might not be the best choice – unless of course it is your wedding day! Depending on the material, there is a good chance it could become transparent when wet, and show every mark – including the unfortunate mud streaks that can fling up the back of a long dress while walking on wet, muddy ground.

On the other hand, you may want to avoid wearing darker colours on a hot summer’s day that can retain more heat, particularly if you will spending most of the day outside.

4. Consider the event you are going to attend

Different events and dress codes can often determine the colour you choose to wear. For example a business launch, awards ceremony, or high-end networking event may call for a more conservative, classic colour range. Where a garden luncheon, charity event or beach wedding may give you more flexibility and choice when it comes to colours and patterns.

5. Draw on current trends

If you want to go for a more fashion forward look, opt for a dress in the season’s best colours. If you find the current colours are a little too vibrant or plain for your liking, or not the most flattering in a full block colour, look at patterns that incorporate them or bring them out through your accessories.

6. Know what statement you want to make

Different colours can make different statements, for example black can be slimming and elegant, burgundy and navy can convey sophistication and bright red can be bold and striking. As a general rule, dark colours tend to express more authority and power, bright colours tend to be more friendly and fun and pastels can be considered more classy.

While there are many factors to consider when choosing the colour you wear, perhaps the most important factor is to make sure you are comfortable and confident as this will ultimately determine how you look and feel at the event.

Do you agonise over colours or do you look for a dress you like and take whatever colour it comes in?


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