The fanciest evening dresses perfect for the swankiest occasions on your calendar
If you've ever received an invitation with the dress code 'Formal', you'll be familiar with the smorgasbord of sartorial queries that this seemingly straight-forward instruction throws up.
Does my dress have to be full length? Are bare shoulders acceptable? What about a deep V-neck? Or a bare back? Are thigh splits tacky yet?! Is there such thing as too bright?
Often regarded as one of the fashion world's most panic-inducing instructions, it in fact welcomes a surprisingly broad array of options.
Other than the hemline (mid-to-full-length does tend to work best), you can wear near enough any colour, any cut, and any shape... and there's very little chance you'll ever manage to wear too many sequins.
Feeling brave? Whether you're heading to prom, a black tie dinner or even a high-end ball, take a look through our shoppable edit of the very best to snap up and swirl around in...
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Looking for something a little different? Here are our picks of the most unique summer dresses and best trouser suits .
Sheer Tulle Midi, £4,270, Alexander McQueen
Colour Block Sequin Dress, £95.99, Zara
Feathered Hem Slip Dress, £2,363, Attico
Silk-Satin Gown, £1,150, Galvan
Cowl Neck Mini, £45, ASOS Design
Metallic Midi, £1,385, Attico
Lace-Trimmed Midi, £320, Self-Portrait
Floral-Print Maxi, £540, Bernadette
Draped Satin Maxi, £65, ASOS Design
Floral-Print Tulle Gown, £350, Needle & Thread
Strapless Velvet Gown, £875, Marchesa Notte
Silk Taffeta Gown, £4,450, Alexander McQueen
Sequinned Dress, £119, Zara
