#formal cocktail dresses

[pinknumber5]

etsy.com/shop/AvantArtStudio

[marzipanandminutiae]

Hot Take

museums should label 19th-century women’s clothing primarily by formality (except in the case of garments with specific purposes, eg. “cycling costume” or “nightgown”), not by the 10,000 different terms they might be called at the time

my reasoning is that the current hodgepodge of terms, while technically accurate to the period:

1. reinforces the myth that middle- or upper-class women used to always change their dresses many times a day No Matter What, rather than what seems to me the primary-source-supported reality- that they changed situationally, as necessary

2. promotes unnecessary disconnect between the past and the present. we have varying degrees of clothing formality today, just without specific terms for each one. they had garments that could serve for multiple purposes and be dressed up or down with accessories back then. but because we don’t talk about an “afternoon dress” vs. a “ball gown” and they didn’t talk about the dress code for a party being “nice casual” vs. “dressy.” there’s this false idea that our systems of clothing changes/formality are Totally Different. which is really not the case, I think

3. even they couldn’t agree on what to call each individual outfit! I’ve seen fashion plates in magazines where the textual description and the label on the image give the same dress different names

this post brought to you by: Marzi Has Seen Too Many Gowns Labeled “Evening Gown” On Museum Websites Apparently For Their Formality When In Truth They Do Not Have The Single Factor That Usually Made A Dress Strictly For Evening At The Time (namely, revealing more skin about the chest and arms) And Therefore Would Have Stood Just As Well For Formal Daytime Events

[mididressobsessed]

Source: us.shein.com

[susoriginals]

Vintage Black Formal Dress Bead and Sequins Trimmed Cocktail Gown R & M Richards by Karen Kwong Size 16 Only $15

[furbootandglovelover]

[vikkates]

New pieces I would like The Princess of Wales to add to her wardrobe (1,231/?)    

Dress by Self-Portrait

I’d love to see Kate in this for a reception.

Available here.

[obstinaterixatrix]

I did end up ordering a vest and regrettably the projected delivery is after an event I’d like to wear it to but I am pleased at the prospect of having a specific outfit in my arsenal. if The Look is worth it maybe I’ll get it tailored

[shinyparty]

V Neck Green Satin Short Prom Dresses, V Neck Green Homecoming Dresses, Short Green Formal Evening Dresses SP2727

[goajewelry]

Beautyful women fashions - Garden of Angels

[addictedbespoken]

Women's Black Two Piece Designer Dress Premium Cotton Jacket Skirt Formal Wedding Casual Cocktail Prom Party Skirt Dress Outfit For Female

ADDICTED BESPOKEN We are in the field of Customized Suit/Country Western Suit from last more than 10 years. We do all kinds of custom orders for Men, Women & Kids. These are our completely custom handmade suits. Each suit is crafted for an individual customer based on his tastes and lifestyle. We also offer matching accessories like Lapel Pins, Bow Ties, Narrow Ties, Broad Ties, Cufflinks, Socks, Shoes, Belt and Pocket Squares etc. with a little extra cost, to make out a complete package for you (additional cost will be applied). We are always up to suit your demands and make something special and unique for your custom order! Please contact us if you have any questions about your order. This is made-to-order garment.

[pinknumber5]

avantartstudio.etsy.com

[adozentothedawn]

Holy shit guys

Today is the day of fashion miracles I swear

So first of all, I bought a bowtie! It's very fancy and I am the handsomest boy around.😌

The lighting isn't great but the bowtie is blue like my glasses. :3

Second of all: you remember how I mentioned a while ago needing to lose some weight so I can fit into my ballgown again for my baby sisters' proms? Well. I tried it today, not even a week from the first prom. It fits. It actually fucking fits, even though I had that training break for health reasons. It's not comfortable just yet, but the latch closes. I won't post pictures yet cause it does currently still look a bit like a maternity dress but holy shit I managed to do this so much faster than I thought, I am legit proud.

[mididressobsessed]

Source: mydressline.com

[frownyalfred]

Tips for writing those gala scenes, from someone who goes to them occasionally:

Generally you unbutton and re-button a suit coat when you sit down and stand up.

You’re supposed to hold wine or champagne glasses by the stem to avoid warming up the liquid inside. A character out of their depth might hold the glass around the sides instead.

When rich/important people forget your name and they’re drunk, they usually just tell you that they don’t remember or completely skip over any opportunity to use your name so they don’t look silly.

A good way to indicate you don’t want to shake someone’s hand at an event is to hold a drink in your right hand (and if you’re a woman, a purse in the other so you definitely can’t shift the glass to another hand and then shake)

Americans who still kiss cheeks as a welcome generally don’t press lips to cheeks, it’s more of a touch of cheek to cheek or even a hover (these days, mostly to avoid smudging a woman’s makeup)

The distinctions between dress codes (black tie, cocktail, etc) are very intricate but obvious to those who know how to look. If you wear a short skirt to a black tie event for example, people would clock that instantly even if the dress itself was very formal. Same thing goes for certain articles of men’s clothing.

Open bars / cash bars at events usually carry limited options. They’re meant to serve lots of people very quickly, so nobody is getting a cosmo or a Manhattan etc.

Members of the press generally aren’t allowed to freely circulate at nicer galas/events without a very good reason. When they do, they need to identify themselves before talking with someone.

[charchaandcollection]

Bandhgala Semi Formal Suit in Noida

[vikkates]

New pieces I would like The Princess of Wales to add to her wardrobe (1,189/?)

Dress by Tadashi Shoji

I could see Kate wearing this for a cocktail event or with a hat for a formal daytime event.

Available here.