How to Design Semi-Formal Wear for Women

Semi-formal wear for women is also referred to as "cocktail" dressing. The dresses are usually shorter (knee-length and higher) with flirty details like ruffles and lace. Semi-formal wear is fun to design because the rules are more lax. You have the freedom as a designer to be as creative and wild as you want without feeling forced to adhere to the rules of more formal styles.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sketchpad and pencil

1. Choose a basic style for the dress or dresses. You can design dresses that are strapless, off-the-shoulder, one-shoulder, spaghetti-strap, long-sleeved or cap-sleeved. Keep in mind that the length of a semi-formal dress is usually between mid-thigh and knee. Make a sketch of the silhouette of the dress. Sketch at least three different silhouettes.

2. Choose the colors. This is an important design attribute as the color of a dress often sets the tone for the entire outfit. With semi-formal dresses, whimsical and bright colors are a great choice. Magenta, turquoise and tangerine are a few good options, too. Of course, black is always a solid classic. Use colored pencils to fill in the color of the dresses in your sketch.

3. Choose the fabric. Like the color, the fabric also can set the tone for a semi-formal dress. Satin gives the outfit a luminous shine, lace gives a provocative look, cotton is more casual and silk gives a softer, more sensual look.

4. Add embroidery, beading or sequins. If you want to design semi-formal wear that is more elaborate, add designs in beads or sequins. Beads come in a variety of colors and can be used to create floral or arabesque patterns, trim the hem or the straps. Sequins are more eye-catching because they sparkle and catch the light. Embroidery immediately raises the quality of the dress because it gives a touch of class and luxury.

5. Add feminine details to give your semi-formal wear design a unique edge. A thin belt fitting snugly around the waist, delicate lace trim, bows and ribbons, a front or back slit, ruffles, pleats, scalloped hem, pockets, strategically placed buttons and zippers. Small yet strategic details can transform an ordinary silhouette into an extraordinary outfit. Finish sketching your design.

Tips & Warnings

• If this is your first attempt at designing semi-formal wear for women, start with something simple like a little black dress.