Party Wear

Carla Zampatti has been the go-to in Australian fashion scene for over 55 years, providing expertly crafted designer party dresses. Throughout the seasons, you are bound to require a range of cocktail dresses to suit each occasion, and Carla Zampatti offers a range of dresses, blazers, pants and tops that can feature in your wardrobe trans-seasonally.

Navigating party dress codes

With the range of possible party dress codes ever-expanding, navigating your hosts’ party dress code can be like deciphering another language. From vague terms such as ‘dressy casual’, cryptic ‘black tie optional’ invites, to specific thematic nights (think Met Gala Chic), making sure that you dress appropriately can be difficult. However, there are a number of tactics that you can follow to ensure that your entrance on the night is not a wardrobe faux pas.

1. Look at what the event is for. Depending on whether the event in question is a wedding, birthday, anniversary party, or special dinner, your outfit’s formality will depend on the particular celebration and the number of people attending. It may not be wise to choose a ballgown for a ‘formal’ sit-down dinner at your friends’ house, instead opt for a comfortable midi with a detailed neckline.
2. Research the location. If the party is not being held at a private residence, you are most likely able to look up the location. The ability to search for an event space on Instagram can give you an insight into the particular venues style and level of formality. For e.g. if the party is for an anniversary celebration at a beachside venue, a smart casual dress code will lean more towards floaty coastal chic dress rather than a streamlined body-con dress.
3. Ask the host or other guests. If the dress code is quite cryptic, asking the host or discussing the matter with friends who are also invited is a great way to plan a look. Black tie optional is a popular dress code to give the freedom of choosing a very formal look but also compromising on not too Confusing, yes, but surmountable when planning in advance and preventing worrying on the car ride to the event.

Dressing for a Christmas party

Christmas is the perfect time of year to experiment with colour and sparkle while also getting wear out of your cocktail dresses. An LBD is a classic and timeless option to wear through the year, but throughout December red party dresses or white party dresses are suitable options to celebrate the festive spirit. Shopping for a designer party dress can also make the special season feel magical, so heading in-store to speak with the Carla Zampatti stylists will ensure your experience is memorable. You can discover our boutiques here.

FAQ

What to wear to a cocktail party?

Depending on the season, party dresses can range from casual dresses, long sleeve dresses, semi-formal party dresses etc. It really depends on the location, time of year, theme and dress code. A timeless option that will always be reached for is a little black dress – investing in a designer black dress is sure to become a worthwhile investment over time.

Can I wear pants to a cocktail party?

Over time, gender specific dress codes restraining certain garments (such as women wearing pants) have completely dissolved. This has in-turn opened a larger array of options to explore when looking for a cocktail party outfit. Carla Zampatti is renowned for creating expertly tailored pants that are sculpted to fit the female silhouette perfectly. Ranging from size 4 to 16, you can shop pants here.

What to wear to an engagement party?

An engagement party is a celebration of love, so choosing a party dress for the occasion should mean that you dress up! As a guest, it is wise to avoid white, unless the bride specifically requests that guests wear a particular colour. The general dress code for an engagement party is smart casual, so selecting a mini or short summer dress is bound to look appropriate for the event. As the mother of the bride/groom or bridesmaid, make sure you lean on the dressier side of the spectrum. Shop the mother of the bride edit and bridesmaid dress edit on our online boutique.

How to dress for a dinner party?

A dinner party is an opportunity to express your style to your loved ones. As a host, you are able to set the tone of the evening and select a theme or dress code. A thematic night can add an element of fun to your party but be sure to choose a theme that won’t require your guests to have to invest a lot of money in an outfit. A popular dinner party dress code is smart casual and your guests can wear a casual dress with a little bit of flare. If you are hosting a lunch or daytime event, your guests can opt for leisure-wear such as jeans and a pretty blouse. Shop the CZ leisure collection here.

What to wear to a party in winter?

Dressing for a party in winter should keep comfort front of mind. Making sure you are warm enough should be the key consideration when selecting a look. For this reason, long sleeve party dresses are the most practical and stylish option to keep you comfy and warm. Velvet dresses have long been a Carla Zampatti signature because of the luxurious feel and luminous look. Forever a timeless option, dressing in velvet for a winter party is bound to be a wardrobe staple. Alternatively, adding a coverup or blazer is a perfect option to transition your sleeveless dresses into winter favourites.