Satin behaves differently from beading, so hold the skirt in your hands and watch how it falls. A ball gown should move when you walk, not stand up by itself like a lampshade. That is the test I would run on every dress in this group.

 

The Black Satin Corset Ball Gown fades from black into blue, and the Black and White Striped Satin Strapless Ball Gown is pure graphic drama. They are very different moods, but both want bare shoulders and very little jewelry. The Black Satin Ball Gown With Colorblock Puff Sleeves adds oversized pink sleeves, which I would wear with a slicked bun. These are the shapes people picture when they say prom dresses, and I think they work just as well at a black tie dinner.

 

The Aubergine Embroidered Long Sleeve Satin Ball Gown has jewel-set sheer sleeves and a pleated waistband, and it suits anyone who wants sleeves without losing the full skirt. The One Shoulder Bow Detail Metallic Ballgown in antique bronze comes with pockets, which is a small joy. I would pair it with a very low heel and a deep red lip.

 

The Midnight Embellished Satin High Neck Ball Gown brings sleeves and a quiet shine, while the Navy Strapless Draped Satin Ball Gown and the Sapphire Sleeveless Open Back Satin Ball Gown are the two for anyone who loves blue and bare shoulders. The Blue Satin Ball Gown With 3D Embellished Flowers is the soft one, with pale petals that need nothing else.

 

The Black Embellished Corset A Line Gown and the Satin Gown With Pearl Neckline and Bow Detail are the quieter pair. Check the corset boning against your ribs and lift your arms to make sure the bow stays put.

 

What I would skip: the strapless styles if you plan to dance all night and dislike tugging a bodice. Go for sleeves instead.

Short dresses reward a good mirror and a walk around the room. Before anything else, check the hem when you sit and when you raise your arms, because sequins and beaded fringe move in ways a plain hem never does. Most of these sit above the knee, so the leg is part of the outfit.

 

The Sequin Fringe Long Sleeve Mini Cocktail Dress in copper is the party one. It has a deep V and beaded fringe, so I would wear it with tiny heels and let the hem swing. The Black Gold Floral Sequin Mini Dress is bodycon with long sleeves, and I find it easiest to wear with bare legs and one ring. The Black Long Sleeve Multicolor 3D Sequin Mini Dress has paillettes that form 3D florals. Its sleeves are unlined, so wear a nude slip if you want more coverage.

 

For something sculptural, the Black Cream Sleeveless Mini Dress With 3D Floral Skirt has white organza rosettes on the skirt, and the Black Bubble Hem Mini Dress has a hand-beaded flower at the shoulder. Both do the talking, so leave off the necklace.

 

The Sequined Layered Tulle A-Line Cocktail Dress is tea-length with a beaded belt. I would wear it to a wedding in place of a gown. The Black Paillette Sequin Sleeveless Mini Dress is a clean trapeze shape that works for a homecoming or a dinner.

 

What I would skip: layering a heavy coat over sequins, which can snag them. A short wrap is kinder.

I would begin with the occasion and the room. If the evening is formal, I would go straight to the beaded gowns. If it is dancing and photographs, I would try the satin ball gowns or one of the minis.

 

Then I would try on three, in the shoes I plan to wear, and sit, raise my arms and walk to the door. The one I forget I am wearing is the one I would buy.

 

Ten dresses started all of this in 1984, so I think you can trust one good pick to carry your night. If you want to keep browsing, I also put together Red Dress and Clio Peppiatt Dress Dupe.