Great lengths

When you think of a floor-length gown, you think of a glamorous red-carpet gala. But us girls who don’t walk the red carpet, have our own invisible red carpet (wink), which is directly proportional to the importance of the occasion we are headed to — with a mental snapshot of our feminine inner diva that has an unstoppable reach, right? Well, yes, a gown has many subtexts — for me, it is the ultimate one piece that helps me embrace my curves and edges; for some of you, it may be a garment that makes you feel like a princess; and for many others, it is comfort in one piece. 

While mid-century couturiers were no minimalists and used the most elaborate of confections — umpteen yards of tulle, satin, and velvet molded over multiple petticoats, padding, and boning — to create whopping heavy ball gowns, modern-day couturiers are for the modern-day woman who likes everything sleek and chic. That’s why style gurus are giving a thumbs up to gown with fewer layers and volume keeping in mind the ethos of minimalism. 

People have become quite basic and yet chic in their way of dressing these days, says designer Siddartha Tytler. “Which is why we have chic gowns in sleek silhouettes with pretty prints and shimmer that complements the body,” he says, adding, “A move away from heavy shapes brings the body back into play, with fashion that glides over the silhouette. Swathing your body in lengths of sumptuous fabric is this season’s ultimate indulgence.” 

Ralph

Designer Ravi Bhalotia, on the other hand, shares that not all gowns have to be Cinderalls-esque. In the age of minimalism, one can go for an A-line, sheath, mermaid, empire line, gowns with sheer and lace. Also, be on a look out for classic styles, mixing bohemian and simple elegance in off-the-shoulder gowns, backless column gowns and ethereal standouts with one-shoulder silhouettes, sculptural ruffles and pearl-encrusted trim. 

Keep in mind 
Well, we love the full silhouette of an evening gown but it shouldn’t be excessively long. Meaning — the front of the skirt should just brush the top of your toes. Go for softer fabrics. The biggest, most dramatic option can be tempting, but adding too much crinoline can make the gown heavy, hot and even scratchy. Instead, opt for softer fabric and fewer layers for a ball gown silhouette that’s more comfortable and has more movement to it.

Unless you are super-picky about your silhouette, you don’t need a heel, because your legs are covered. Avoid heels with long dresses.