Fancy Dress Ideas for People Who Don't Like Fancy Dress

Comfortable formal wear will give you the freedom to dance.

A formal event offers an evening of luxury, but if you can't stand the thought of itchy zippers, or torturous undergarments, it may be a nightmare. Fortunately, fancy dress fashion gives you the opportunity to express your individual style. Use a creative twist to keep your style comfortable, while still conforming to the etiquette of formal wear.

Pants

In some cases, a formal dress or skirt can be cumbersome, such as an event with dancing. But famous women, such as Marlene Dietrich and Katharine Hepburn, brought women's slacks to the forefront as a comfortable option for formal occasions. Black is a color that partners well with many colors and it slims the figure, as well. Blending a pair of high-waist black slacks with a beaded tunic and bejeweled earrings can look regal without being uncomfortable. This look can be even more formalized with a pair of shiny heels and an hairstyle encrusted with gems.

Classic Tuxedo

The classic black and white tuxedo is the epitome of elegant formal wear for men. But the tuxedo's stiff neck and bowtie can be intimidating for the man who isn't fond of formal attire. Replace the stiff bowtie with a thin, black tie or a silk scarf. Both looks are more relaxed and allow you to wear the shirt a little looser around the collar. Forgo the vest and cumber-bun and leave the jacket buttoned instead; this will give you a little more room to breathe.

Loose Clothing

Loose clothing in a fine fabric allows the body to breathe freely while still maintaining a majestic appearance. High quality cotton fabrics can be worn on formal occasions and dressed up with accessories to add glamour to the outfit. For example, a long dress made of a cotton blend will hang well on the body and show off a figure, but it also breathes enough to prevent overheating. This fabric looks best on formal occasions in bold, solid colors, such as red, black and dark blue. During the cooler seasons of autumn and winter, a woman may opt for loose slacks and a fitted blazer in black. The slacks can be a flowing silk fabric or a cotton blend. This can also be dressed up with an ornate brooch and a pair of heels.

Have Fun With It

A formal occasion is an opportunity to express your originality. So, instead of sticking to tradition with a gown or tuxedo, use the event to showcase an individual design. For example, pair up unexpected separate pieces, such as the skirt or a gown with a cotton, sleeveless shirt. This partners well with colorful, flat-soled shoes and a gaudy necklace adorned with colorful gems. Some formal occasions allow a man to wear a suit in lightweight fabrics and decorate his neck with colorful ties, or even go tie-less. A high school dance is an example of a good place to experiment with your personal style, another example are casual weddings and themed parties.

References

• Evening-wear-guide.com: Women's Evening Wear

Resources

• Marlene Dietrich Official Website
• University of Southern California: Katharine Houghton Hepburn
• The Telegraph; James May's greatest hits: I don't do fancy dress; James May