An
evening gown or
gown is a long flowing women's
dress usually worn to a formal affair. It ranges from tea and ballerina to full-length. Evening gowns are usually made of luxurious fabrics such as
chiffon,
velvet,
satin,
organza, etc.
Silk is a popular fibre for many evening gowns. Although the terms are used interchangeably,
ball gowns and evening gowns differ in that a ball gown will always have a full skirt and a fitted bodice; in contrast, an evening gown can be any silhouette—
sheath, mermaid,
A-line or trumpet shaped—and may have an empire or dropped waist.