Women's Formalwear Key Terms

Learn more about women's formalwear for business and leisure functions

Women's formal wear ranges from the business suit to the formal evening gown. Formal wear also includes all of the accessories to accent the clothing, including belts, bags and jewelry. Knowing what types of formal wear for women that are available will benefit any retail store that wants to stock women's formal clothing. Name brands and current fashion trends should also be considered when choosing the right women's formal wear to stock.

 

Business suits

Business suits for women are a type of formal wear for work. They are often paired as a jacket and pants or a jacket and skirt, with appropriate fits for all types of business situations.
Try: The Sideroad offers advice and what aspects to consider when choosing the best business attire for the occasion.

Close-toe shoes

Close-toe shoes do not show off any part of a woman's toes and are used worn business suits.
Try: Expert Village offers videos on proper business attire, including the reasons why close-toe shoes should be worn with any business suit.

Open-toe shoes

Open-toes shoes are a less-formal type of shoe. Open-toe designs are used for evening gowns, cocktail dresses and other types of formal evening wear.
Try: Blue Suit Mom offers advice on wearing open-toe shoes at work when the dress code does not expressly prohibit it.

Color palette

A color palette refers to the available colors of women's formal wear. When choosing formal wear, a main color is chosen and then colors from the color palette are used to accent the main color.
Try: Business Etiquette offers a guide to women's business attire that includes what color palette to choose from and how to match shoes and accessories.

Evening wear

Evening wear is a general term used for women's formal clothing that is not appropriate for day-to-day business use, but works well for meetings and business functions outside of the office.
Try: Fashion For Real Women provides the five essential pieces women should have to create a stylish look for evening wear.

Formal gowns

Formal gowns are dresses used on very special occasions. Some events that commonly call for formal gowns include weddings, proms and galas. Formal gowns typically feature full-length skirts.
Try: Advanced Etiquette provides a guide for knowing when to wear a formal gown based on what the invitation says, where the event is located and what time of the day it will take place.

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