Party dresses have been around for hundreds of years. But even after all that time, there is no standard, accepted definition of what they are. Party attire can be worn to both casual and formal affairs. The formality of the attire often depends on the time and location where the event is held. In the beginning, party dresses were strictly formal gowns. They were worn by women of status or privilege to exclusive events. Party dresses grew ever more expensive and elaborate as time passed. Evening and ball gowns were designed for women of means. Dressmakers used heavy, luxurious fabrics that only the rich could afford. It was not until the 20th century that designers started making dresses for average women. As time passed, fashions became less conservative. It was during the reign of Queen Victoria that the term "evening gown" first appeared. Once again, there was no standard definition, but most designers agreed that an evening gown had long sleeves and a hemline that went to the ankles or the floor. Though it was still quite formal, these gowns were made of lighter materials and had fewer layers than their predecessors. Fashionable women even started to show some skin. Formal gowns were readily available in sleeveless versions and with plunging, décolleté necklines. Strapless numbers came along a bit later as comfort and simplicity started to sell. Women wanted party dresses they could actually party in. They wanted to dance the night away in fun and flirty gowns that could be worn to multiple events.

Believe it or not, it's harder than ever for a woman to find the right dress for a specific event. After all, there were only a few dresses in earlier eras and dress codes were more clearly defined. When a woman received an invitation to a party at Court in Versailles, she knew exactly what to wear. But today, she must match her dress to each social occasion and event. Let us take a moment to review a few of the most popular dresses that can be worn to casual and formal affairs. As upper class women began to show a bit more skin with plunging necklines and higher hemlines, party dresses fell in price. Because the designs were less elaborate and they required less fabric, these dresses finally became affordable. Simple strapless and sleeves gowns appealed to women of limited means who wanted to look elegant and have fun.

At a slightly upscale dinner with friends and acquaintances, a woman should feel free to wear pretty much anything she wants. The sexiest number that still retains a bit of modesty and decorum is the mini. The dress has a hemline that falls to just about the knees. Women who want to show even more skin can wear a miniskirt with a matching top. Strapless Black Party Dress to show your perfect body, can make you sexy and beautiful, you can do the best you can. At the end of the day, a party dress should be flattering, comfortable and fun. Dress codes should be followed, if possible. Just don't let them get in the way of a good time. It's a party, after all.

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