Do you need a fancy dress for an upcoming special occasion? Like special occasions themselves, shopping for a dress that's extra special is a lot of fun. Yet if you don't shop for fancy dresses or gowns often, you might feel a bit confused when you start looking at the many styles that are available. Whether you'll be attending a wedding, prom, cocktail party, charity ball or any other special event, there are a few guidelines to keep in mind when you're shopping. If you've received an invitation for the event, it may specify a garment code. This makes it very easy to know what type of clothing you need. If no code is mentioned, you can call the person hosting the event and ask about it. Attending a special event in a dress that's either too formal or too casual will detract from the fun, so don't hesitate to make that call. Formal codes usually imply long gowns, although today there are knee-length dresses that are appropriate for formal occasions.