Girls Fancy Party Dresses

Some things never change and one constant is that girls' fancy party dresses will always be in demand. The only trouble is finding enough events at which they may be worn.

Ruffles and frills never go out of fashion on girls' party dresses.

Almost until the start of the twentieth century, dresses for little girls were simpler versions of clothes worn by adults. In the nineteenth century, children's clothes took on a more distinct cut, with girls' dresses more inclined to feature ribbons around the chest and be shorter until she came out into society. Dresses for parties were not very different in cut, but might be made of a richer fabric and have more embellishment, particularly for the wealthy.

By the 1910s and 1920s, however, girls' fancy party dresses were taking on a distinctive look. What most distinguished a younger girl's dress from her older sister's were ruffles. Clothing for adult women had grown simpler and girls' daywear was also comparatively unadorned, but the layers that had used to distinguish undergarments could now be seen in abbreviated form on dresses for little girls. Even in the financially strapped eras of the 1930s and 1940s, girls' party clothes featured plenty of frills (think of Shirley Temple in any of her movies). When prosperity returned in the 1950s, girls' party clothes became even more elaborate. Taffeta, organza, dotted Swiss and heavy silks with frilly underskirts featuring netting were the prized possession of any girl whose family could afford it. While clothes became simpler in the 1960s and 1970s, there was still something particular about a little girl's best dress -- nearly every girl likes to feel like a princess sometimes, and a frilly dress is required.

When it comes to little girls, the princess look of party dresses has never gone out of style. Whether to be a flower girl, participate in an Easter egg hunt or attend her first performance of The Nutcracker ballet, little girls' fancy party dresses tend to feature the puffy capped sleeves and frilled, ruffled skirts that fulfill the princess requirement. Many even have the sash that goes back to the early nineteenth century and still looks so charming. The one major difference between these and Shirley Temple-style dresses is that the modern dresses are longer.

For older girls, the trends are shifting back towards dresses that are smaller versions of what adolescent and young adult women wear. This can be alarming for parents, as so many of the dresses are revealing and just generally more sexy than is appropriate for a young girl. Fortunately, there are also well styled dresses that can answer to a slightly older girl's wish to look trendy and a parent's wish that she still look age-appropriate. A sleeveless dress with a fitted top and long, loose skirt in a nice floral design should appeal to both parties. For a winter event, the same style in a heavy silk or velvet might be desirable.

Many parents and kids alike are taking their cues from clothes worn by Sasha and Malia Obama. On election night, each girl was age-appropriately dressed – Malia in a red belted bubble dress by Biscotti and Sasha in a black party dress with black flowers and front bow by Gerson & Gerson, also known as Bonnie Jean, which makes a range of lovely clothes for girls, suitable for all occasions. First Lady Michelle Obama makes no secret of the fact that many of the girls' clothes are from J. Crew's kids' line, Crewcuts. Although the girls' independence is encouraged, it's plain that both Obama parents are determined they stay age-appropriate. Since they always look wonderful, this should encourage other girls to copy them, which will make parents happy for years to come.

• Children's Holiday Pajamas
• Girls Winter Coats Pictures
• Girls Jeans

• Little Girls Pageant Dresses
• Justice for Girls Clothing Store
• Rave for Girls Clothing Store
• Abercrombie Kids Clothing
• Special Occasion Dresses for Little Girls

• Toddlers Party Dresses
• Special Occasion Dresses for Little Girls
• Girls Discount Party Dresses
• Little Girls Pageant Dresses
• Little Girls Evening Dresses