Got an important event to go to? Well, it's time to get all dressed up! It's not often we have occasions to get dressed to the nine's, so make sure to grab every opportunity and go all out. Whether it's a wedding or a banquet, an awards evening or a fancy cocktail party, this is your time to show up and show out in a glamorous formal dress. Whether you prefer to keep it comfortable in a short dress or want to go for full-on glamour in a floor-sweeping gown, Superbalist.com has just the dress for you.

Formal dresses have a reputation for being flashy and uncomfortable, but they don't have to be. The key is to find something that makes you feel good and look good. Avoid stiff, uncomfortable fabrics that are so tight you can barely walk in - these kinds of dresses will make you look uncomfortable and feel miserable throughout the night. Instead, think of the occasion at hand and how you can look the part without sacrificing comfort. Make sure to also consider the time of the year. For example, velvet is a stunning fabric but it is thick, so you wouldn't want to wear a velvet dress during the hot summer months - not unless you want to be a sweaty mess at your special occasion, that is. Opt for fabrics that look great all year around, like silk, cotton or linen. These fabrics can be dressed up or down depending on what you pair them with, and can also work across all seasons.

If you've been invited to a wedding and the dress code is formal, you have to stick to the rules. Long formal dresses are typically appropriate for this kind of event. In this occasion, white formal dresses are completely inappropriate as, traditionally, the bride is the only one who should be wearing white. Always stick to the wedding guidelines. For example, if the wedding invite specifically states that guests should wear black or yellow, it is the respectful thing to do to follow the bridal couple's wishes. If there is no specific dress code but you're still unsure of what to wear, the general rule of thumb is to consider the wedding colours. Even if you don't know the colours of the wedding, you can generally tell based on the wedding invite For example, if the wedding invite is navy and gold, it's likely those are the colours that will run through the wedding as well. If you're not a fan of the wedding colours or feel they don't flatter you, no worries! You can wear whatever colour you like (besides white, of course!)

Floral formal dresses are perfect for daytime weddings - especially if they are outdoors, like a garden wedding of a vineyard wedding. Just keep in mind the specific floral print you choose as the larger the print, the more loud the dress. It just depends on whether you find to be the centre of attention or have a quiet confidence. You could even pull off short formal dresses for daytime weddings or cocktail parties if the mood is more semi-formal. Just make sure to keep your accessories elegant and dressy to make your look appear a bit more formal. Think gold watches, a glamorous dangling necklace and a chic clutch bag with gold detailing.

However, a forever classic ladies formal dress is a simple black dress. Black formal dresses work amazingly in so many different occasions and situations. Black is chic, classic, and simple yet striking, and can easily be taken up a notch depending on how you style it. Slip on a pair of gold earrings, a pair of sky-high gold heels and a chic handbag and you've got yourself a glamorous look. Just make sure to pack a pair of sandals for the end of the night when your feet are screaming for release from those heels!

On the lookout for formal dresses for women? Superbalist.com has got you covered. We stock a wide range of formal dresses online for any and every occasion. From short to long, fitted to flouncy, we've got a variety of styles and silhouettes to fit any preference. We also stock a great selection of maternity and plus-size dresses, so that there is truly something for everyone. Shop over 450 of the world's biggest and best brands at your fingertips with Superbalist.com. We stock top brands like MANGO, Jacqueline de Yong, Superbalist label, Missguided, VELVET and more that will have you feeling like the belle of the ball. Shop clothing online now on SUperbalist.com to find your perfect fit.

Formal Dresses Online in South Africa

Formal Dresses

occasion wear for weddings and events

Belted shirt dress - cream patterned

Belted shirt dress - black

Formal Dresses Online in South Africa