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Top 5 Formal Dresses

By Cynthia Nellis, About.com

When the occasion calls for full-out glamour, pull out the stops and go gorgeous with a formal dress. Whether you choose to go with a long or short dress this season, look for pretty details (rouching, ruffles, bows or beads), retro styling (strapless lace with full skirt or classic halter) and color, in addition to traditional formal dresses. Add a chubby or a fur wrap to your gown and you're set!

1. Strapless Dress

The strapless dress is a red carpet staple for a good reason: it highlights a woman's best features including shoulders and face, while covering problem areas like hips and tummy.
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2. Halter Dress

The halter dress is perfect for formal wear because it leads the eye up to your face to show off your pretty features, hair and earrings.
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3. Ballgown

Nothing is as grand as the full-skirted dress or ballgown. It makes a grand entrance and is perfect for your most formal occasions.
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4. Empire Waist Dress

The empire waist silhouette elongates the body, brings focus to the bust and hides a multitude of lower-body figure problems.
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5. Beaded Dress

Special occasions call for a bit of shine, and the beaded dress is the perfect way to stand out.
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