The Ultimate Buying Guide for Royal Blue Dresses for Women: How to Choose, Style, and Accessorize
Overview
Royal blue is a stunning and versatile color that looks great on women of all ages and skin tones. Whether you're attending a wedding, a cocktail party, or a casual day out, a royal blue dress can make you feel confident and stylish. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. In this buying guide, we'll walk you through the different types of royal blue dresses, key considerations when choosing one, important features to look for, prices, tips for styling and accessorizing, and frequently asked questions.
Types
- Formal royal blue dresses: These are typically long, elegant dresses that are perfect for formal events like weddings, galas, and proms. They can be made from luxurious fabrics like satin, chiffon, and lace, and often feature intricate beading or embroidery. Popular styles include ball gowns, A-line dresses, and mermaid dresses.
- Casual royal blue dresses: These are more relaxed and comfortable dresses that are perfect for everyday wear or casual events like brunches, picnics, and beach parties. They can be made from lightweight fabrics like cotton, linen, or jersey, and often feature simple or playful designs. Popular styles include sundresses, shirt dresses, and wrap dresses.
- Plus size royal blue dresses: These are designed specifically for women with fuller figures, and come in a range of styles and sizes. They can be formal or casual, and often feature flattering cuts, waistlines, and necklines. Popular styles include empire waist dresses, A-line dresses, and maxi dresses.
- Petite royal blue dresses: These are designed specifically for women who are shorter than average, and come in a range of styles and sizes. They can be formal or casual, and often feature shorter hemlines, higher waistlines, and smaller prints. Popular styles include shift dresses, wrap dresses, and sheath dresses.
Key Considerations
- Body type: Consider your body type when choosing a royal blue dress. Different styles and cuts can flatter different body shapes, so choose one that accentuates your best features and hides any problem areas.
- Occasion: Think about the occasion you'll be wearing the dress to. A formal event may require a more elegant and sophisticated style, while a casual day out may call for a more relaxed and comfortable style.
- Skin tone: Consider your skin tone when choosing a shade of royal blue. If you have warm undertones, opt for a brighter, more vibrant shade of blue. If you have cool undertones, opt for a darker, more navy shade of blue.
- Comfort: Make sure the dress you choose is comfortable to wear. You'll be wearing it for several hours, so it should fit well, feel good against your skin, and allow you to move around freely.
Features
- Neckline: The neckline can have a big impact on the overall look of the dress. Popular necklines include V-neck, scoop neck, halter neck, and off-the-shoulder.
- Sleeve length: The sleeve length can also impact the overall look of the dress. Popular sleeve lengths include sleeveless, short sleeves, and long sleeves.
- Hemline: The hemline can vary depending on the style of the dress. Popular hemlines include maxi, midi, and mini.
- Fabric: The fabric can impact the overall look and feel of the dress. Popular fabrics include satin, chiffon, lace, cotton, and jersey.
- Details: The details can add a touch of personality and style to the dress. Popular details include beading, embroidery, ruffles, and bows.
Prices
Royal blue dresses can range in price from under $50 to over $500, depending on the style, fabric, and brand. Casual dresses tend to be less expensive, while formal dresses tend to be more expensive. Plus size and petite dresses may also be more expensive due to the additional tailoring required.
Tips
- Accessorize with neutral colors: Royal blue is a bold color, so it's best to accessorize with neutral colors like black, white, or nude. This will help balance out the outfit and keep the focus on the dress.
- Add a pop of color: If you want to add some color to your outfit, consider adding a pop of red, pink, or yellow with your shoes or jewelry.
- Choose the right shoes: The right shoes can make or break an outfit. For a formal event, opt for high heels or strappy sandals. For a casual day out, opt for flats or sneakers.
- Experiment with different styles: Don't be afraid to try different styles and cuts of royal blue dresses. You may be surprised at what looks good on you!
FAQs
Q: What jewelry should I wear with a royal blue dress?
A: Simple and understated jewelry works best with a royal blue dress. Consider wearing a pair of diamond or pearl stud earrings, and a delicate necklace or bracelet.
Q: Can I wear a royal blue dress to a wedding?
A: Yes, you can wear a royal blue dress to a wedding, as long as it's not a white tie or black tie event. Just make sure the dress is appropriate for the time of day and the dress code.
Q: How do I clean and care for a royal blue dress?
A: Follow the care instructions on the label of the dress. Most royal blue dresses can be hand washed or dry cleaned, depending on the fabric. Avoid using bleach or harsh detergents, and hang the dress to dry.
Q: Can I wear a royal blue dress to work?
A: It depends on your workplace dress code. If your workplace allows dresses, a royal blue dress can be a great option for a professional and stylish look. Just make sure the dress is appropriate in length and style.