In the 1960s, it was common for a woman to wear a dress everyday. Dresses were considered a formality, representing femininity and tradition. Over time, these garments became acceptable for both casual and formal events. A dress still emanates a sense of womanliness and can be found in any color, style and fit. They flatter any age or body type.

Casual dresses are a great addition to any wardrobe. These types of garments are usually made with inexpensive fabrics, such as cotton and polyester, and require the least care. Many casual dresses are washer and dryer safe, making them the perfect choice for traveling. They are ideal for informal events, such as birthday and anniversary parties, afternoon coffee dates, or dress-down days at work.

Formal dresses, on the other hand, often require special care. Normally designed using more expensive fabrics like satin, silk, or velvet, they need to be dry cleaned. This is usually not a problem, since formal dresses are worn so infrequently, sometimes only once. These types of dresses are suitable for proms, lavish charity functions, and award ceremonies.

Sometimes it is hard to choose the proper dress when lacking details of the event. For example, a first date can be tricky. This type of occasion is usually planned by one person, which leaves the other person guessing. In this situation, it is best to choose a dress that falls somewhere in between informal and formal. No one wants to be stuck in a greasy diner sporting a pricey original or spotted at a gala wearing a cotton sundress.

Weddings fall under a category all of their own. All brides are determined to find "the perfect dress", often turning a blind eye to the time and money involved. There are so many styles and colors of wedding dresses that it is best to enlist the help of a wedding dress consultant. They are trained to narrow down the choices, recommend styles based on body type and size, and assist brides with staying on budget.

Another consideration for choosing the right dress is season. Dress styles change with the seasons; tank and short-sleeved dresses are better suited to late spring or summer, while long-sleeves provide warmth for fall and winter. Materials also correspond with the season, making light, breathable cotton a good choice for warmer months and heavier knits, such as wool, more appropriate for the colder months.

With any occasion, it's a good idea to consider the appropriateness of some dresses. A low-cut garment should never be worn to a wedding and a dress with an extremely short skirt will not be well-received at Grandma's birthday.