Style Guide: Gorgeous Gowns for Any Formal Event

December is upon us and with it comes the annual assortment of formal holiday parties, fundraisers and dinners that make up our evenings. If you want your floor–length formal gown to impress this holiday season, consider wearing a luxurious dress from one of the designers down below. Whether you are hoping to achieve a classic look or dazzle in an eye–catching gown, these designers are perfect for the holiday season.

For A Classic Look

A classic dress might be for you if you favor minimalism and clean lines. Forego the glitz of sequins and intricate, detailed patterns for these timeless, classic looks that you can rock to any formal holiday soirée. We have pulled some high–end designers that create elegant looks perfect for any classy affair.

Zac Posen

Zac Posen is an American designer based in New York who designs high–end dresses and skirts. In the past, Zac Posen has designed red carpet looks for Glenn Close, Reese Witherspoon, Uma Thurman, Sofia Vergara and Naomi Watts. Posen’s formal evening gowns are generally sleek, floor–length gowns made from a single color. 

Left: Folded Off-the-Shoulder Faille Gown, Plum. Made from silk. $5,990.

Right: Strapless Sweetheart-Neck Trumpet Gown, Magenta. Made from silk. $6,590

Features that Zac Posen often uses in his designs include a mermaid cut, a strapless or off–the–shoulder top and a fitted waist. A Zac Posen dress does not come cheap; many of his designs sell from between $4,000 and $8,000. However, a Zac Posen dress assures each woman of one thing: quality. The dresses are made out of the finest materials, such as satin or silk. Zac Posen gowns are available through Neiman Marcus.

Left: Strapless Bow-Bodice Mermaid Gown, Indigo. Made from silk. $6,490

Right: Strapless Cat-Ear-Bodice High-Low Gown, Grenadine. Make from silk. $9,490

La Petite Robe di Chiara Boni

La Petite Robe is an elegant collection designed by Chiara Boni. The collection focuses mainly on dresses; however, Chiara Boni also offers pants, skirts and jackets. The long gowns are known for being simple—often using only one or two colors in the designs—and comfortable, thanks to the stretchy material elastane. 

Left: Off-The-Shoulder Colorblock Gown. Made from nylon and elastane. $995

Right: Cap-Sleeve Gown. Made from nylon and elastane. $995

La Petite Robe di Chiara Boni dresses are made in Italy and they generally cost around $1,000, making Chiara Boni the perfect designer for those who want classic, yet affordable gowns. Gowns from La Petite Robe di Chiara Boni are available online at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Right: Angie Keyhole-Detail Gown. Made from polyamide and elastane. $965

Left: Lace-Top Illusion Gown. Made from polyamide and elastane. $995

For an Eye–Catching Look

While you can never go wrong with a classic and timeless look, sometimes a little bling can make all of the difference in a holiday look. Whether you love excess lace, sequins, glitter, or beading, these detailed designers are sure to dazzle. If you want to stand out and shine during the holiday season, consider a flashy party dress from one of the designers below.

Jovani 

Jovani Fashion is a New York designer founded by Jacob Maslavi. This company produces a myriad of different formal dresses, ranging from prom dresses to formal gowns to wedding dresses. Celebrities who have worn a Jovani dress at previous red carpet affairs include Miranda Lambert, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Selena Gomez, Jewel and Arianna Grande. 

Left: Sleeveless Jeweled-Bodice Mermaid Gown. Made from polyester. $795

Right: Cap-Sleeve Sequined Lace Gown. Made from polyester. $760

Jovani’s evening gowns are known for being intricate and having a lot of detail. The dresses use a lot of lace or sequins and they tend to hug the body. Jovani dresses are expensive, but not outrageously so; most dresses are available for between $500 and $900. Jovani dresses are available at high–end stores such as Neiman Marcus, Harrods and local Lux Ave Boutique.

Left:Cap-Sleeve Lace Mermaid Gown. Made from polyester. $650

Right: Sleeveless Beaded Lace Tulle Gown. Made from polyester. $510

Aidan Mattox

Aidan Mattox is an American designer that prides itself on creating sophisticated and dramatic floor–length gowns. Celebrities who have worn Aidan Mattox in the past include Leighton Meester, Paulina Porizhova, Kiera Knightley, Hayden Panettierre and Portia DeRossi. Designs by Aidan Mattox offer a lot of diversity: there are gowns with beadwork, gowns will tulle and gowns with print fabrics. 

Left: Sleeveless Beaded Godet Gown. Made from polyester. $395

Right: Embellished Tulle Cap-Sleeve Gown, Light Gold. Made from polyester and satin. $440

All of the dresses offered by Aidan Mattox are eye-catching statement pieces. Aidan Mattox dresses are generally available for between $300 and $600. These gowns are available at stores such as Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales and Nordstrom.

Left: Sleeveless Metallic Floral Jacquard Ball Gown. Made from polyester. $795

Right: Beaded Tulle Halter Gown, Silver. Made from polyester and satin. $550