long black dresses Elegant One Shoulder Sleeveless Lace Prom With Sit while a ruched hip brings subtle texture and movement Ever-Pretty Black Concert Dress

The wisteria motif decorates the garment, creating a scene where flowers bloom and cascade down the fabric, rich with intricate embroidery

The drawing from a French fashion magazine, upper left , shows how stylized the fashion had become, with the bustle jutting out to hold the skirts a good 12-18" behind the lady's waist

So, suffice it to say having undergone a massive sartorial shift after the elevation of Black Tie from semi-formal to formal and its somewhat confusing language, its no surprise that the semi-formal dress code is so hard to nail down nowadays

Thankfully, there are some warm-weather alternatives to traditional tailoring that will keep you cool without leaving you looking underdressed

If you're planning a summer wedding for next year, start looking for style inspiration now by taking in the season's fresh blooms and bright pops of color.