Ball gowns are tricky. There are so many different styles and colours that it’s hard to chose. Certain styles can make you look frumpy whilst others can wash you out with their sombre colours. Here, GMD takes you through the top ball gowns to rent for your age.

Teens
Myth: A long gown will make you look like your mum
Truth: Wearing something daring like a long dress will highlight your maturity as a young lady

Maxi dresses have been a staple item in our closets for a while now – only this time we’re revamping them. Prom dresses don’t have to be short, after all, how often do you get to walk around in a lovely long ball gown? Take the opportunity to stand out from your friends! Length will elongate you, giving the illusion of model-high legs, and will turn you from sweet 16 to a beautiful young lady. Bonnie Wright has been known to wear numerous long ball gowns on the red carpet, teaming them with fun accessories. Rent the strapless Ariella Catherine Gown – a beautiful choice, whilst the Gorgeous Couture Ida Dress will show your flirty side with a thigh split. Or sparkle in our Forever Unique Lowri Maxi Dress.

20-30
Myth: Bright colours make you look like you’re trying to hold onto your teenage years
Truth: Summer 2013 is all about colour – no matter what your age

When it comes to hiring ball gowns not everyone has to follow the black tie rules. A special event calls for an even more special colour – don’t go safe! The fashion trends are dripping with colour this summer, we’re especially fond of hot pink, cobalt blue and zesty orange. Michelle Williams isn’t afraid to experiment with colour, she often chooses bolder choices when appearing on the red carpet. Ariella’s Elizabeth Gown is flirty and fun and a great choice of our ball gowns to rent. The Nicole Miller Riley Gown in Cobalt will turn heads for all the right reasons whilst the Elliot Claire Yellow Pleated Gown will highlight your figure.

40+
Myth: Women of a certain age should cover up
Truth: Show some skin and unveil your glamorous side.

If we’ve learnt anything over the last few years it’s that boundaries are meant to be pushed. Long gone are the days where women are told to cover up and not to draw attention to themselves. Take Helen Mirren for example – known not only for her incredible talent but for her quirky, and often controversial, style. Only last month Helen wore stripper heels to the premier of Red 2 (she’s also dyed her hair pink and proudly displayed her body in a two-piece bikini on holiday). Our Dynasty Margaery Gown is a vision in pink whilst our Elliot Claire Jewelled Silver Gown mixes up shapes with it’s one shoulder detail. Ariella is always great for gowns and we think the Lena Gown is perfect for showing off your collar bone and shoulders.

It’s important for anyone attending a ball to make the most of their outfit – after all, how often do you get to wear ball dresses? If you over-do it, you’ll look a little mad, and if you don’t go big enough you’ll have missed an opportunity. If you want to impress then the easiest option is to rent designer gowns – a sure to stun your friends. Changed your mind at the last minute? Don’t worry, we even offer same day delivery for ball gown hire in London! Girl Meets Dress take you through the best ball gowns to hire, starting with a knock-out colour – red.

Go risky in a red ball gown with a thigh split, or accentuate your collarbones with a V-neck dress. There’s so many different styles to play with!

Glasgow, Manchester, Essex and Edinburgh are the most popular destinations for dress hire this month at Girl Meets Dress so we’ve decided to take you through the best rentals for each. We start with our most popular city, Glasgow.

Click to see our suggestions for other cities:

Manchester
Essex
Edinburgh

What’s going on in Glasgow?

Hitting the Town:
The Buff Club

Hosting events 7 nights a week from 11pm-3am, The Buff Club is a night out not to be missed. When it’s a night out with the girls you need to look the part with our fabulous party dresses to rent in Glasgow. Our Stella McCartney Pleated Stretch Dress is ideal for turning heads whilst our Alice and Olivia Bown Metallic Dress will flatter any figure. Don’t worry about any drink spillage on your night out either – we take care of all the dry cleaning!

Dining out:
GMD Loves Number 16

Number 16 is a cosy, friendly eatery in the heart of Glasgow’s west end. For such a quaint restaurant you’ll be needing to look exceptionally special – whether you’re renting an evening dress for a first date or dinner with the girls, Girl Meets Dress have got your Glasgow dresses covered. Look sleek in our Marc by Marc Jacobs Toni Perforated dress or add a splash of colour to your night with our Acne Adelle Tape dress. We’ve got lots of great cocktail dresses all available with next day delivery anywhere in the UK!

Performances to Remember:
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

Right in the heart of Glasgow is the Royal Concert Hall, famous for hosting spectacular nights featuring everything from orchestras to exhibitions. We have so many evening dresses for hire in Glasgow so you’re spoilt for choice – from our Nicole Miller Kate Lace dress to Carven Tweed Dress. We’ve even got some great evening maxi dresses to hire from a range of designers including Gorgeous Couture and Erdem.

We didn’t want to leave our other top cities out…

Best things to do in Manchester

Paint the Town Red:
Tiger Tiger

Known in the UK as one of the best nightclubs around, Tiger Tiger should be visited whenever you’re in Manchester. Boasting several different dance rooms and a restaurant, the club is guaranteed good night out. For a truly great party dress try the Halston Heritage red prom dress or our Nicole Miller evening dresses – remember, you can rent 3 at a time and get a refund on the ones you don’t wear!

Dinner Date:
Michael Caines

Double Michelin star holder Michael Caines has created arguably one of Manchester’s best restaurants. From truffles to a specially selected wine list (and champagne bar) this eatery is a truly exclusive night out. We’ve got some great ladies evening dress hires, including Ariella evening gowns and our Issa Crow Over Dress.

Fancy a laugh:
Comedy Store

Launched in 2000, the Comedy Store is situated in the heart of Manchester. A laughter-factory which is no stranger to big names, this theatre-style auditorium is a popular comedy venue amongst Mancuians. Perfect if you’re looking to do something a little different with your night. Ignore the Manchester dress shops and head over to Girl Meets Dress to rent some night out dresses like our Alice and Olivia Lurex Dotted Dress and our Opening Ceremony Intarsia Knit Dress.

Party it up in Essex

Heading out:
Evoke

If you’re going out in Essex you know it’s got to be an amazing night. Evoke nightclub – who’s capacity is a massive 1100 – has had a £2.5 million redevelopment and is open four nights a week. It even has an ice bar! Dress the part with our party prom dresses to hire in Essex – try our Forever Unique Deana Dress or our Ariella Emerald Gown. Remember we’ll deliver the dress to you – at your home, at your office, wherever you want it!

Nice Grub:
The Rare Cow

The Rare Cow – also known as “Home of Great Steak” – is a restaurant committed to providing the finest in British beef. With an unusual interior not often associated with steak houses (leather chairs and white walls) this restaurant will get meat lovers tongues wagging. Hire evening gowns in Essex for your special night out – try our Erdem Reese Print Dress or our Butter by Nadia Sapphire Jersey Dress.

Intimate Performance:
The Headgate Theatre

This quaint theatre plays host to a range of performance genres including drama, comedy and musicals. The building, which is steeped in history, provides an intimate setting for some memorable shows. Hire an evening dress for your night out like our Alice and Olivia Lora Metallic Dress or Gorgeous Couture Cara Swarowski Dress.

Meanwhile up north in Edinburgh

Girl Night Out:
Liquid Room

For over 17 years Liquid Room has been a leading venue for gigs and clubs in Edinburgh. Covering everything from Country to Dubstep and boasting names such as Dizzee Rascal and Calvin Harris, Liquid Room promises to be a good night out. Hire a party prom dress in Edinburgh and be the envy of all your friends in our Alice and Olivia Olympia Embellished Dress or hire an evening dress like our McQ by Alexander McQueen Digitally Printed Dress.

Grab a bite:
The Magnum

If you’re looking for traditionally Scottish dining then look no further. The Magnum, a short walk away from Edinburgh’s city centre, serves classic Scottish dishes alongside fresh seasonal game and seafood. Hire evening dresses in Edinburgh and dazzled in our Dolce and Gabbana Striped Dress or stun in a LBD like our Gorgeous Couture Ariela Dress. We provide a pre-paid postage label for you to return the dress when you’ve worn it! Completely hassle free.

Outdoor Activity:
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Performing in Edinburgh Castle, the 2013 Tattoo features awe-inspiring variety from the four corners of the globe. It’s truly bagpipes-galore with a whole host of dancers and bands playing in kilts. Although a coat may be required (hopefully not raincoats) hire an evening dress and feel glamourous whilst you watch the Tattoo perform. Hire our Carven Twisted Stretch Dress or our Rag & Bone Niki Flared Dress.

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Scarlett Dixon is the editor-in-cheif of scarlettlondon.com, an online magazine written and read by young girls who love all things beauty and fashion. The magazine encompasses Scarlett’s opinions and views and allows her to express herself on a whole ‘nother level. When she’s not working hard on her magazine she’s attending events and reviewing the latest beauty products. She was able to take some time out to talk with Girl Meets Dress about her favourite celebrities dresses to rent.

Ariella – Scarlet Gown £109

Not only does this black celebrity dress have the same name as me (that’s a perfect excuse to treat yourself) but the mix between a ruffled hem and a corset top is (in my opinion) one of the most elegant, sophisticated, yet glamorous celeb dresses to opt for. This would be amazing for an elegant black tie ball, or a party where you need to make an entrance. It’s breathtaking.

Ariella – Sophia Gown £109

Summer weddings are hot on the agenda of many women and so finding that perfect celebrity dress to hire is key. The silk chiffon material of the dress, mixed with the pale yellow colour is simply beautiful and it is elegant without looking like you’re trying to steal the brides thunder (although you might – as it’s gorgeous!).

Diva Sophia Sequin Dress £29

Heads will most certainly be turning your way if you rock up in this little number, with its hand beaded design and silhouette cut. Perfect for summer parties – or nights out, it would look perfect with a pair of nude heels (to make your legs look even longer) or cork wedges.

Nicole Miller – Eva Lace Black Dress £49

Scalloped necklaces and lace are two of the most flattering and summer ready styles out there, especially when you are teaming elegance with glamour. This dress captures both of these trends and has a gorgeous romantic feel to it which I really love.

Marc by Marc Jacobs – Panthera Print Shift Dress £39

Perfect for by the beach, evening cocktails or shopping with the girls, this Marc Jacobs celebrity dress encapsulates everything I love about summer. It’s fun, it’s flirty and isn’t bodycon – so will flatter a holiday indulgence tum!

View all our celebrity dresses here and view Scarlett London’s blog here

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