Whether it’s for work, dinner or a special occasion, we all need to wear formal clothes from time to time. But formal attire doesn’t automatically have to mean boring. You can still be stylish whilst remaining relatively conservative. Read on for our guide to formal attire for women…

Formal Attire for Women: White and Black Tie Events

If you’ve been invited to a white or black-tie event then it is important to dress appropriately for the occasion. Deciding what to wear is relatively easy for a man but can be slightly trickier for a woman since there is a larger choice of outfit types that fall within these dress code rules.

For a white tie event most women will go for a full-length evening gown that is either ankle length or to the floor. For a slightly less formal black tie event, a similar outfit can still make a great choice, although you do have more freedom to experiment with different styles. Something like a classy cocktail dress is a perfect option that manages to look both stylish and classy.

For Attire for Women: Work Wear

If you want to look both stylish and sophisticated at work then there are many different options available on the market. Traditionalists may look towards the classic women’s business suit, however why not jazz it up a bit by going for one in a more daring colour?

If you’re not convinced that a business suit is quite ‘you’ then you might prefer something like a black-laced long-sleeve dress or paring a pencil skirt with a formal blouse. For more formal business situations or meetings with important clients then you can add a stylish black jacket to complete the look.

From the Desk to Dinner…

Another great option is a relaxed fitting dress. We particularly like the Aline dress from UK label S Dress. This stylish dress is available in two distinctive colours and is the ideal dress to take you from desk to dinner. The front pleating makes for a more relaxed fit, whilst the removable neck tie adds a playful element for the right occasion. When you also factor in the machine washable, no iron fabric, this is a perfect example of formal attire for women that is both stylish and practical.

Coats, Bags and Shoes

If you feel like your core work outfit is a little bland then an easy way to inject a bit of extra style and personality into your outfit is through choosing a stylish coat, bag and shoes. A colourful trendy coat is sure to make a great impact, whilst a matching pair of shoes is sure to complete the look.