Elegant fashion is constantly evolving, and what was popular last season may not be so hot now. This Spring’s formal trends are sexy, eye-catching and glamourous.

(from left) BCBG MaxAzria Ruffle-Front Strapless ($258 USD), Melanie Lyne ($210 CAD), Halston Side-Shirred Day Dress ($295 USD), Calvin Klein Sleeveless Cross Back ($138 USD)

Blue is the new black. Your must-have little black cocktail dress has changed its colour to every shade of blue you can imagine. Test drive shades like navy, marine blue, bright chambray, larkspur blue, turquoise, oceanic blue and royal blue such as the Melanie Lyne Blue Dress and Calvin Klein's Sleeveless Cross Back Dress.

(from left) ABS by Alan Schwartz Strapless Flouncy ($330 USD), Alice + Olivia Charlie Embellished Ombre ($495 USD), French Connection Col-Block T-Back ($168 USD), JonesNewYork Starburst Satin Wrap ($170 USD)

Sharing the spotlight are the nudes and neutrals of grays and mochas. Muted tones like oyster, cream and bronze are also transcending into the world of elegant fashion.

“Worn at a wedding, a dress in these colours ... is both a stunning, and an aesthetically diplomatic, option,” says Rita Lee, vice-president of merchandising for Melanie Lyne. “(And there’s) no risk of upstaging the white bridal gown, and no clashing with the bridal party.”

(from left) BCBG MaxAzria Printed Chiffon Tiered ($258 USD), London Times One Shoulder Shutter (on sale for $69 USD), Nicole Miller Techno Metal Dress ($550 USD)

If fun and playful is what you desire, try details and volume. Ruched stretch satin short dresses, fun short bubble skirt bustiers and tiered styles like BCBG's Printed Chiffon Tiered Dress are hot ticket items.

BCBG MaxAzria One-Shoulder Cocktail ($248 USD), Laundry by Shelli Segal One-Shoulder Ruffled ($245 USD), Unique One-Shoulder Dress ($179 USD)

Gowns including the one-shoulder, the strapless, and the long sophisticated gowns with strappy and revealing backs are a sophisticated choice for wedding guests.

Scala Platinum Paiette Cocktail ($258 USD), Alice + Olivia Silver Sequin Striped Chiffon ($289 USD), Jovani Gold Sequined Short ($500 USD)

For that extra dose of unapologetic glamour, added sequins and sparkles will transform you into a modern day Cinderella. You can’t go wrong with a breathtakingly shimmering gown like the Scala Platinum Paiette Cocktail Dress or Jovani's Gold sequined short dress.

When deciding which evening gown to take off the rack, choose something you can get a few uses out of and wear again to a graduation, a cocktail soiree, or a Holiday party.

by Sandy Caetano, with Cathy Morrison