If you are confused about formal and cocktail dresses, then you have landed on the right page.
A cocktail dress for women is an essential part of your closet, though you may have tailor-made dresses.
In the past, they were often made on order during the early 19 century, while today you can easily buy them online or from a shop.
Moreover, it is important to note that you can wear them at any event if you wear them the right way.
There are certain rules you should know about cocktail dresses, however, you don’t have to worry about that.
In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about cocktail dresses, how you can flaunt them at any event, and make you a show stopper.
Keep on reading.
Cocktail Dresses
To understand it in simple words, a cocktail dress is something that is not too formal but far too celebratory.
It tends to be more casual than your office attire and a bit more formal than your regular casual attire.
Moreover, if you intend to show up at a cocktail party or wedding, you will need to wear such dresses.
These events include anniversaries, reunions, engagements, weddings, etc.
A rule of thumb to remember about such dresses is that they cannot be skimpy, transparent, too short, or too long.
Ideally, a cocktail dress falls something between formal and casual wear.
Anything from a classic black dress to an A-line strapless, lace or long sleeves midi dress falls in this category.
Cocktail Attire Attire
Although there are a number of ways you can dress up for a cocktail dress code, sticking to certain few items will provide you with a fool-proof method, so that you look great.
Such key pieces include:
- dress
- shoes
- accessories
Let’s discuss them as follows:
Cocktail Dresses: When it comes to dressing for a cocktail party or wedding, a dress is your safe bet.
Though you can also experiment with two-piece ensembles and jumpsuits, nothing beats a nice and fancy cocktail dress.
However, make sure that your dress is knee-length for the perfect look.
Cocktail Shoes: Heels are a must-have for such events, as they help add sophistication and complete your look.
You can choose heels in natural colors like black or nude, and pair them perfectly with your cocktail dress.
For a smart and understated look, however, you can choose a sandal or pump-style shoes to let your dress be in the limelight.
On the other hand, you can select a simple dress with bold shoes and accessories to make a statement.
Cocktail Accessories: To complete your look, it is always important to add accessories like bags and jewelry.
When selecting them, you should choose pieces that are chic yet exciting.
Doing so will help you look party-ready without going overboard.
Occasions to Consider
One of the important things to consider is the type of event you are attending.
Taking into account the event, you will be able to choose the right ensemble that suits either day or night event.
Formal Attire: If you are attending an event that showcases cocktail attire on your calendar, you should wear a black dress.
LBD that fits you well and is made from a quality fabric will make an excellent option for such events.
Moreover, you should make sure that your dress is not too short and pair it with accessories for a suitable look.
Festive Attire: During Christmas or other holidays, you will have a cocktail party to attend.
Whatever you are dressing for, be it an office Christmas party or heading to New York for new year’s eve, you will need a cocktail dress.
Make sure to select a party dress like a red dress and pair it with stunning accessories like the one in a metallic shade.
Resort Dress Code: When you are attending a party at a resort, you can experiment with your look.
You can try selecting a bold pattern skirt and a matching top and complete your look with playful earrings and shoes.
This will result in a bold yet chic look that is perfect for vacation events.
Business Event: The business cocktail dress code can be challenging.
Though you want to appear appropriate, you also don’t want to dress like you are attending a too-formal event.
Therefore, you can select a dress that is sophisticated yet trendy.
Pair them with black accessories and a touch of gold jewelry.
Garden Party: If you want to DRESS TO IMPRESS, then you can choose a dress that is more feminine and has a floral print.
Moreover, you can select a dress in a lightweight fabric with a flattering drape.
To complete your look, you can pair them with block heels and pretty accessories.
Casual Attire: Unlike formal attire, this one will need to showcase something relaxed.
You can try choosing a loose dress like a shift style instead of a tailored or bodycon dress.
Pair them with simple yet chic accessories like block heels and a casual clutch or a chain strap bag.
Beach Dress: If the event is taking place at a beach, you can choose a dress that is in a vibrant hue.
Moreover, choose something that is comfortable yet unrestrictive.
When accessorizing, you can try choosing stylish sandals, a matching bag, with a statement necklace or earrings.
Wedding Attire: Though it is not right to wear an LBD to a wedding, you can choose a feminine dress in a light color.
You can try selecting a dress in lace or chiffon for a beautiful yet chic look.
Simply add stylish accessories to complete your look.
Cocktail Dresses according to Seasons
One of the important things to consider is the season of the cocktail event.
Whether it’s summer or winter, not only it will affect your dress but also the overall aesthetic.
Summer Attire: When choosing a dress for summer cocktail attire, you can opt for a short white dress.
To make sure that your look does not appear too casual, you can select a design that has unique fabric, texture, or details.
Moreover, you can add a mid-heeled and small shoulder bag, and instead of a large chunky piece of jewelry, opt for a colorful silk headband for a fun touch.
Winter Attire: If you want to rock your winter cocktail attire, you will need to select a dress in a dark color like black or navy.
Make sure to stay warm while also bearing your legs with tailored styles with sleeves in thick material.
Consider taking a trendy coat on exceptionally cold occasions to complete your look.
Cocktail Dresses: Do’s and Don’ts
Some do’s and don’ts recommended by experts are:
Skip the Floor-Length Ballgown: Save ballgowns for a black-tie event and opt for a dress that is either a mini or midi-length.
This will allow you to be a little more casual without skipping style and fashion.
Remember to always look in the mirror to double-check the length.
Avoid Wearing Jeans: If you are looking for something you are comfortable in, opt for chic trousers.
You can pair them with a simple blouse, a top, or a classic button-down and blazer.
However, make sure to choose wide-leg trousers on the formal side.
Avoid Sweats and Althleisure: Though you wanna be comfy, there are a number of non-sweatpants options to make sure you are feeling good.
Your new bestfriined is Jumpsuit. A Dressier jumpsuit will give your comfort without making you look too casual.
Sneakers? oh NO! A great pair of sneakers may be the best bet in your daily routine, however, when the dress code is cocktail, you will need to get something a little more formal.
You can get a pair of heels or dressy flats. Whatever you opt for, make sure it’s trendy and statement-making,
Leaves your Tees as Home: Although a t-shirt tucked into your trousers may look formal but this dress code tends to be a bit on the formal front.
Instead, you can opt for a one-shoulder blouse or a flowy button-down and pair it with trousers or a skirt.
Avoid OVERDOING IT: You can go bold with colors and fun cut out by all means, however, skip sparkles and over-the-top details.
However, you can opt for a toned-down dress that will make you look good.
Moreover, you can choose sequins for a silky fabric and wild embellishments for bold accessories.
Final Thoughts
Although you may find dress codes hard to understand, they are not impossible to understand. From black-tie to white-tie to causal events, there are some common things you should remember when dressing up.
Whether you are heading to a wedding or have plans to attend a party, the cocktail dresses will come with a bang. Cocktail dresses will mean that you have to dress formally, but not too formally. Think mini and midi dresses that are both chic and polished while a bit more tailored. Moreover, it is the perfect combination of elegance and comfort.
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