If you already have a specific vision or a certain dress you’d like to wear, go ahead and wear it. There’s only so many opportunities to get dressed up each year, so make the most of it! Of course, your options are not limited to a dress: jumpsuits, shirt and tie, or even a three-piece suit are all acceptable formal attire and you should wear what you feel confident in regardless of gender.
However, if you’re looking for a dress but need to spark some inspiration, check out the ball venue by looking at photos online and get a feel for the atmosphere. This can help you gather inspiration based on the sort of look you want to achieve. Going somewhere elegant like a hotel? Perhaps a long, jewel-toned cocktail dress with some gold or silver accessories would fit the vibe. For a venue with outdoor grounds like the Wylam Brewery, maybe some pastel colours or floral patterns would complement the scenery.
If in doubt, a long black dress never misses the mark.
Still stuck for ideas? A Pinterest scroll has never failed me. Often, comment sections will have the details of where to buy the dress shown in the Pin. If in doubt, a long black dress never misses the mark. The glamourous older sister of the Little Black Dress, a long, black evening dress suits everyone and is very versatile. Pair it with black heels, any necklace, and some lip gloss, and you'll look effortlessly elegant.
Once you have an idea of what you’re looking for, Vinted will be your secret weapon. I found my dress on Vinted for £2 and I love it. No-one would be able to tell that my outfit cost me less than a Tesco meal deal (but they’ll know about it when I inevitably tell them — I love to brag about my Vinted finds). Not only is this a sustainable option, but it will save you money, especially if you plan on buying multiple dresses for different occasions. There’s no shame in wearing the same dress all season though! There’s also no shame in reusing old dresses; in fact, it should be encouraged to dig out your prom dress or previous ball dresses for special occasions.
If you’re hoping to stumble across a vintage treasure, try brands like Morgan or Etam, or looking for old-label Next, New Look, Debenhams, BHS etc.
When searching on Vinted, try looking through brands like Coast, ASOS, Zara, or any brand that you’d be interested in buying from first-hand. I find that typing the style of dress you want into the search bar (e.g. “long dress”), then using filters to select the brand, size and colour, is a good way to get results. If you’re hoping to stumble across a vintage treasure, try brands like Morgan or Etam, or looking for old-label Next, New Look, Debenhams, BHS etc. Make sure to favourite anything you like the look of to show the algorithm what you’re into!
Online shops to look at when buying a new dress can be wherever you want, but Tiger Mist, Babyboo, Zara, and Club L London are a good place to start for trendy pieces (you can also try your luck with these on Vinted!). Looking through the wedding guest category is sometimes helpful. If you’re willing to splash out and invest in something pricier, there’s options like House of CB and Windsor. Going shopping in-person has the added bonus of being able to try on dresses to find the perfect fit, although finding something you like on the highstreet can be trickier when it comes to formal evening wear.
Whether you opt for A-line or bodycon, light or dark, old or new, budget or luxury — you will look stunning this summer. Take lots of photos, hype up your girls, and have fun!