You can choose the best formal attire by taking into consideration the occasion and location of the event. These aspects of a party are usually the determining factors regarding what guests are expected to wear. For women, the best formal attire generally consists of a conservative dress or gown on par with the formality of what the male attendees are wearing. When in doubt on what to wear, reread your invitation, ask a friend who also plans to attend, or contact the host of the event. As a rule, the best attire fits your body shape well, but to achieve this you may need to have one or more pieces of the outfit altered.
The best formal attire depends largely on the occasion. Events often have a dress code that could make some forms of attire inappropriate, even if it is relatively formal. If you received a wedding or dinner invitation, read the invite in full for any mention of what kind of attire is expected. For example, two common kinds of formal wear are black tie and white tie, which are simple terms for a suit and black tie and a tuxedo with a white tie, respectively.
Women’s formal attire is usually much different from men’s attire. Even in countries where the garment is essentially the same, it is often more socially acceptable for women to don more colorful patterns. A general rule of formal women’s attire is to avoid showing too much shoulder and cleavage. Less conservative pieces may be more acceptable at casual to semi-formal events but, in general, formal events are fairly conservative.
Choosing the best formal attire to wear also depends on the location of the event. Formal wear in the United States and the United Kingdom can be much different from what is commonly worn in other countries. For instance, at a very formal event in Japan, a person may be expected to wear a kimono.
Most clothing is cut to fit the ideal consumer, but few consumers have the exact measurements required for a perfect fit. Magazine models and mannequins alike are usually covered in pins or clips to gather up loose fabric and make the clothing fit perfectly. To get this kind of fit permanently, you will need to take your formal attire to a tailor. If possible, speak to a tailor about your desired look before purchasing a formal outfit, in case he or she has tips on what to buy.