Formal Dress

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Found something you love but want to make it even more uniquely you? Good news! Many sellers on Etsy offer personalized, made-to-order items.

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Don’t see this option? The seller might still be able to personalize your item. Try contacting them via Messages to find out!

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There are many different types of formal dress sold by sellers on Etsy. Some of the popular formal dress available on Etsy include: formal dress for women, formal dress pattern, formal dress for women wedding guest, formal dress sewing pattern, formal dress toppers, and even formal dress women long. Check them out here.

From handmade pieces to vintage treasures ready to be loved again, Etsy is the global marketplace for unique and creative goods. It’s also home to a whole host of one-of-a-kind items made with love and extraordinary care. While many of the items on Etsy are handmade, you’ll also find craft supplies, digital items, and more.

Galas, ceremonies, fundraising events, proms, and some weddings are occasions to wear formal dress for men and women. Some of life’s most memorable moments happen when wearing a formal dress. Shops on Etsy sell unique formal dresses perfect for twirling around ballroom floors. Senior prom, winter formal, and homecoming are memorable occasions to wear formal dresses for teens. Formal dresses for weddings add to the elegance and magic of a day filled with love.

Designers on Etsy make formal dresses in various lengths to match the occasion and your style preferences. Here are some of the most common hem lengths for formal dresses.


  • Floor: As suggested by the name, these long formal dresses skim the floor without dragging.
  • Tea: Fun and flirty, formal tea-length dresses range from the mid-calf to the knee. Short formal dresses are also known as cocktail-length or below-the-knee dresses.
  • Ballerina: This style falls anywhere between the ankle and mid-calf. Ballerina formal dresses look great with a classic pair of heels.
  • Maxi: One of the most popular lengths for casual and formal dresses, maxi formal dresses sit just around ankle length.
  • Evening: This style sits an inch or two above the floor, allowing the front of the shoes to peek out slightly.

The right silhouette leaves you feeling confident and comfortable all evening long. These are some of the most popular formal dress silhouettes.


  • Ball gowns: Magical and memorable, ball gowns are the perfect dress for anyone who wants to feel like they’re in a fairytale. Ball gowns feature fitted bodices and full, flared skirts.
  • Mermaid: Enchanting mermaid formal dresses hug the length of the body from the bust to the knee, where the fabric flares out.
  • Sheath: This style follows the flow and shape of the body, creating a narrow form from the neckline to the hem. It’s effortlessly stunning and typically lighter than fuller-skirted dresses.
  • A-line: Typically associated with vintage formal dresses, A-line dresses feature a fitted bodice and a lower half that gradually widens to mimic the shape of the letter A.

Whether you’re looking for a winter formal dress or a formal maternity dress, the most important thing to consider when choosing a formal dress is your comfort and confidence. Here are a few other considerations to keep in mind when looking for your next formal dress.


  • Occasion: Your perfect prom dress probably looks different than a formal dress you’d choose as a wedding guest. Consider the event, the theme of the gathering, and any preset color scheme to help narrow the search.
  • Season: A long-sleeve formal dress keeps you warm and toasty at a cold-weather event. Strapless dresses or lighter fabrics make great options in the spring and summer. Black formal dresses are best indoors or in cooler temperatures. Neutral tones work well in the warm sun.
  • Venue: Are you headed to an award ceremony or performance where you’ll sit most of the time? A less fitted dress keeps you and your ribs comfortable all night. Will you be up and moving on the dance floor? Shorter hems can keep you from snagging or slipping while you slide.