A cocktail dress is probably one of the most important go to garments for an array of social events which range from regular work parties to birthdays, and wedding receptions. That said despite its importance shopping for a dress that really works in all occasions is frustrating at best because you have no starting point or even a frame of reference. There are some people who want something more classic and old fashioned while others may want something that suits their body type.
However, neither approach is really workable which is why the below tips should make the task easier.
Accessorize your dress carefully
Most people think that accessorizing really means that you’re wearing everything that matches the dress. While accessorizing a cocktail dress is key to achieving the look you want, a dress can change very dramatically based on what you are wearing. A cocktail dress needs to be imagined with for instance large earring, several bracelets, lipstick and glitter. Then in comparison imagine it with some low key makeup and small earrings for a rather more formal event. When shopping for a cocktail dress online you need to ask yourself a few questions:
- Can the dress be worth with silver and gold jewelry?
- How many different color shoes and handbags will it match?
- How many different styles of shoes can you wear with it? i.e. clunky heels, Grecian sandals, platform shoes, stilettos, booths, wedges etc.
- Will the dress look good if I carry a purse, tote, or handbag along?
Pay attention to the length of the dress
The length of your cocktail dress is a very important factor that should be taken into account. Cocktail dresses are available in an array of lengths which range from a few inches above your knee to above the ankle (often referred to as tea length). Petite women can use shorter dresses to help them look taller, and they should avoid dresses that fall near their calf as this is mainly out of proportion with their natural height making them look shorter.
An empire waistline that starts from right under the bust also helps to create an illusion of length even if the dress ends up at the knee which makes it an attractive option for petite women. Taller women will find that they can be pretty flexible as far as the length of the dress goes. However, very slim and tall women should opt for a more balanced look by not wearing very short dresses. Most online stores will clearly list the length, and size of the dresses available making it easy to choose the right one based on the above described characteristics.
The black A-Line
Everyone already has and should have a dress that can be used in all situations and be worn to a variety of informal and formal events. This is why the universally flattering of LBDs is the A-line dress. The A-line cut starts with a slim bodice and then widens or flares beginning from the waist or the hip which creates a type of ‘A’ shape. There are a number of reasons why this design is so versatile and flattering.
The very first reason is the fact that it fits the bust and shoulders very closely this helps to highlight the feminine figure. The dress can be designed to tightly clinch the waist which works perfectly for women who have the ideal hourglass figure or the dress can be made loose for women who have a pear shaped body. Women with an apple shape body can create the illusion of an ‘A’ by flaring the hips out slightly. Visit Gorgeous Bridal Gowns to buy the quality cocktail dresses in online.
Control the dress
You need to make sure that you wear the dress and that the dress does not wear you. While strange colors and new patterns like animal print and psychedelic patters do manage to come back routinely you shouldn’t wear colors and textures that do not match your hair color and skin tone. You need to consider your skin tone and your hair color very closely when choosing a dress especially when you’re shopping online.
Petite women feel especially overwhelmed with loud patterns and prints, so solid colors tend to be a safer bet but the colors need to be complementary. Slim women who have dark hair will often look more bony and gaunt when they wear dark colors. When choosing a dress online make use of the website’s style and color guide because it makes finding the right dress a lot easier and quicker.
Featured images:
License: Image author owned
License: Image author owned
John has over 20 years of experience working in the fashion industry. He specializes in women’s clothing but also has a line of men’s clothing in his online store.
