Although the little black dress is the most popular cocktail dress, it is not the only option. Many cocktail dresses today are shorter than ever. However, you can still find them in classic styles like the ankle-length ballerina or tea length dresses, which fall a few inches below your knees. You can choose from straps, strapless, halter and off-the-shoulder.
Which style do you prefer?
There is a lot to choose from, and you can find the right dress for you with just a little knowledge.
These are three simple tips that will help you narrow down the field.
Know Your Body Type
Structure is the first thing you need to do. The shape of your cocktail dress should be flattering. Choose a silhouette that suits your body.
Pear-shaped. Your lower body should be larger than your upper. This style will highlight your slimmer shoulders and chest. This is why halters and dresses with deep necklines are ideal. The dress’s skirt should be loose. You can choose from A-line skirts or tutu skirts that are looser around the waist.
Hourglass. The hourglass figure is one of the most sought-after body types. It has an equal hip and shoulder ratio. The best choice is a fitted dress. Choose a pencil skirt or sleeveless top and avoid baggy and loose fitting styles.
Rectangle. This shape lacks emphatic curves. This figure is common among athletes, and it can be fun to dress up! Sweetheart necklines can enhance your upper body’s curvature, while dresses with pleats or off-centre embellishments may add visual contrast.
Inverted Triangle. Inverted Triangle. Women with an inverted triangle body type have slimmer hips, wider shoulders, and/or larger chests than women with a pear-shaped shape. To draw attention away from your shoulders, choose a V neck. Spaghetti straps and cap sleeves are great options, but you should avoid strapless and off-the shoulder dresses. If you choose a shorter skirt, have fun with embellishments and details below your waist. Choose a dress that emphasizes your waistline and shoes that balance your larger upper body.
Apple. Apple. If you are a larger apple, you may have extra weight in the middle and a bigger bust. Avoid hiding your curves by wearing a revealing cocktail dress. To balance your figure, you can dress them up with wrap dresses or fuller skirts. You can also show off your cleavage by wearing a plunging neckline.
Know Your Colour
You may love buttercup yellow or pale pink, but it might not suit your skin tone. The same goes for rich, vibrant jewel tones. They can look great on darker skin but can also be washed out by lighter complexions. Are you unsure of your colour? Take this quiz to find out. You might be surprised at the answer!
Determine Your Budget
Although it is obvious that quality matters, we don’t always have the money. If you choose a dress that you will wear frequently, you can make an investment in a high-quality piece of clothing. Avoid edgy styles like a mustard yellow dress, or a dress with shredded sleeves. Instead, choose a timeless look. You can wear a dress a lot, so the cost per wear is very low.
The key to finding the perfect cocktail gown is choosing a dress that suits your style and personality, and also allows you to feel confident and comfortable. Have fun shopping!
