Engagement Party Dresses

So, let’s delve into the ins and outs of dressing for an engagement party, explore how to select ideal engagement party dresses, while keeping comfort, style and the dress code in mind.

Engagement Party Dress Codes

Engagement parties take place in all kinds of venues, whether it be someone’s home, a park, a restaurant or an event centre, so it's essential to choose your attire according to the surroundings. In addition, some engagement party invitations specify a dress code, from casual for a backyard bbq style engagement party, to semi-formal or formal for a hired venue. For these occasions, you need to dress accordingly.

Casual vs. Formal:

• Casual: For relaxed gatherings, consider comfort as well as style. Think breezy sundresses, chic jumpsuits, or fashionable separates. If the party is during the day in spring and summer, think about dresses in cotton, linen, or a lightweight and breezy synthetic fabric like viscose.
• Formal: If the event leans towards semi-formal or formal attire, you have licence to opt for sophisticated cocktail dresses or elegant gowns that allow you to shine. You’ll be looking at fabrics like satin, chiffon, lace or velvet, depending on the dress style and length.

Dress Code Considerations:

• You’ll feel most at ease at an engagement party if you heed the dress code. If the invite says ‘cocktail’ attire, then look for a flattering cocktail dress, jumpsuit or pants and jacket combo, and add some stylish heels, clutch purse along with minimal jewellery. If the party is being held in the groom’s parents’ home and there’s no dress code, you can likely get away with a flattering dress of your choice, as long as it’s appropriate for the setting. This means you might want to avoid anything too short or revealing, and stick to a more reserved attire.

Trends in Engagement Party Attire for 2023

As fashion enthusiasts, you'll appreciate the latest trends in engagement party dresses for 2023.

Midi Dresses:

• Midi dresses are having a resurgence in Australia, offering a blend of style and comfort. They’re perfect for engagement events of all varieties, as you can find plenty of comfortable and airy midi dresses for day parties, and also formal styles suited to cocktail parties and evening occasions. Midi dresses fall below the knee and to mid-calf (or slightly beyond). This means they don’t cover your legs as much as a maxi dress, so you can stay a little cool in the warm Australian weather wearing a midi. Midi dresses can look very elegant, and since many come in A-line styles or with flouncy skirts, they can be super comfortable, which is exactly what you want for a party.

Floral Prints:

• Florals are a joyful choice for an engagement party, as they bring vibrancy and versatility to your outfit. They’re everyone’s favourite during spring and summer, which, let’s face it, is when most wedding-related occasions occur! Floral dresses are quintessentially feminine, and flattering. Moreover, as the print draws in the eye, they are great for disguising minor flaws in your outfit, such as creases and small stains, which can obviously show up at wedding occasions.

Classic Black Dresses:

• The timeless little black dress remains a versatile choice. It radiates sophistication and style, making it perfect for a range of engagement party settings. In addition, it’s super easy to accessorise. With a black dress, you can pretty much opt for any colour of jewellery, handbag or shoe, and it all works!

Selecting Fabrics and Materials

Given the warm temperatures during spring and summer engagements, it’s crucial to choose the right fabric for a party dress. Breathable fabrics like cotton and linen are great to wear on warm days, but often don’t fit the bill when it comes to formal wedding events. So, if the engagement party is a casual outdoor bbq, certainly go for linen, cotton, viscose or silk. However if it’s an evening or formal event, choose fabrics based on their elegant appearance. Chiffon and lace outfits can look wonderful, as will dresses with embroidered detailing.

Can you wear synthetics like polyester to an engagement party? Certainly! Often synthetics have a little bit of stretch, so you needn’t feel constricted for the duration of the party. They also tend not to crease as much as fabrics like cotton and linen.

Dressing for the Australian Seasons

In Australia, we experience a range of temperatures depending on the time of year, so always take the season into account when choosing an engagement party dress, to ensure you're both stylish and comfortable.

Spring/Summer:

• Stay cool while looking chic. Embrace lighter fabrics, shorter hemlines, and vibrant colours to match the cheerful atmosphere of these seasons. Also consider high-low hems, as they offer the long dress look with a shorter dress feel.

Autumn/Winter:

• For cooler months, choose richer colours, heavier fabrics, and longer sleeves, as this will help you stay cosy and stylish during the celebration. Also, it is imperative to wear footwear appropriate for the season, so while kitten heels may look great with your cocktail dress, a closed toe high heel might keep your feet a little warmer!

Fashion etiquette for engagement parties

As a fashionable wedding guest, dressing right is essential to making a memorable impression.

What to Avoid:

• Avoid white attire. While it’s not the actual wedding, white is typically in the bride’s realm. Choose from the huge array of alternative colours and prints instead.
• Steer clear of overly revealing or flashy outfits, especially at formal gatherings. (There’s a place for these, but it’s likely not the engagement party.)

Accessories:

• Accessorise your outfit with statement pieces like necklaces, elegant earrings, a stylish clutch or a mini purse to complete your look.

Remember, as a fashionable Australian woman, it's not just about looking great but also feeling comfortable in your body. Selecting the perfect engagement party outfit is your opportunity to shine while celebrating the love of a special couple. With the right choice and a dash of flair, you'll be all set to enjoy the festivities and create beautiful memories of the joyous occasion.

Besides, if you're heading to an engagement party soon, you’ll need an impressive outfit! We’ve got you sorted at Femme Connection. See our breathtaking collection of party dresses for your next grand event!