Formal dresses often feature beads, sequins, cloth-covered buttons, lace, embroidery, or smocking.
Get a smock dress with a thinner band of smocking in a yoke shape, instead of an entire bodice of smocking.
If you're interested in trying, go to Smocking Store for classic patterns.
Smocking dates back centuries, as the convenient garments were warm, easy to make and flexible.
Some styles will be simple and basic, while others feature smocking or feminine details like lace and ruffles.
The gown is trimmed with the classic Lanz lace and has smocking on the bodice, shoulder straps and a button placket.
The traditional smocked infant dress begins the smocking in gathers just below the neckline, allowing it to billow out to the hem.
They feature sturdy fabrics decorated with either embroidery, appliqués or smocking.
This jersey knit dress from Old Navy features teeny spaghetti straps to bare your shoulders in sexy style, gentle smocking accents, and a cross-front V-neck.
This smaller band of smocking looks great, but makes the dress easier to fit and to wash.