It's All About You: Rules for Rocking a Cocktail Dress
There is a certain art to picking a cocktail dress. A good
cocktail dress is the epitome of elegance, and it exudes feminine appeal. In
fact, the whole point of the cocktail dress is not to show off a dress but to
highlight the woman wearing the dress. The cocktail dress is also amazingly
versatile. You can dress it up for a classy party or dress it down for a date.
Best of all, there is no set length for a cocktail dress, and acceptable
lengths range from mid-thigh to ankle. This gives every woman of every body
type great latitude when choosing the ideal cocktail dress for them. With this
in mind, we will take a few moments to look at some simple rules for picking
the perfect cocktail dress.
When
choosing cocktail dresses, you should firstly look for a gowns that
are not showy or consumed with frills and decorations. Instead, you should pick
a dress that is understated and simple. You should also avoid most patterns
when choosing a cocktail dress unless the pattern is subtle. Simple, solid
colours have long been a staple of the cocktail dress. In fact, the famous
little black dress is the quintessential cocktail dress, but that does not mean
you should limit yourself to black. Red, white, blue, and almost any other
solid colour are all perfectly acceptable shades for a cocktail dress. The
popular colour block style is also a great choice thanks to the style's inherent
simplicity and use of limited colours. Ultimately, the colour of your cocktail
dress has to be up to you. Choose a dress in the colour that looks best with
your body type and complexion.
You
should also look for a cocktail dress that is well constructed and clearly made
of excellent quality materials.
Many types of fabric can be fine for a cocktail dress as long as it is a good
material that does not seem cheap. Beyond this singular stipulation, exactly
what material you choose does not matter. You might pick something that is
slinky and silky to add a little sexy flair, or you might prefer to dress in a
more modest woven fabric such as cotton. Simply choose fabrics that suit your
personality, style, and body type. With this rule you will be another step
closer to finding your ideal dress.
One
of the cardinal rules for fashion applies doubly to the cocktail dress. Always
purchase clothes that fit you well. Whatever dress you pick also needs to fit you like
it was made for you. Do not settle for the first dress you find in the store.
Try on dozens until you find the one that looks perfect on you. Understandably,
this might be difficult for some women who have unusual proportions. If you
cannot buy that perfect dress off the rack, it is well worth your time and
money to have a good cocktail dress altered to fit your body. Purchase a dress
in a large enough size that it fits you comfortably, and take it to a local
seamstress for perfecting.
When choosing a
cocktail dress, remember to pick only one thing about yourself to emphasise.
Perhaps you have a both great legs and cleavage, but, if you do not want to
seem cheap, you should pick only one of your assets to play up. If you want a
short skirt, avoid a plunging neckline. If you are showing off your cleavage,
go with a longer skirt. Perhaps you can pull off a tight, body skimming number?
Go for it, but mind that fine line between sexy and trashy. Pick a dress with a
knee-length skirt and high neckline, and you will gain a little sexy mystery to
go with that body clinging number.
Whatever
dress you eventually choose for yourself, the most important rule is to pick a
dress that makes you look beautiful, and that fits your unique personality and
style. You want to be the lady wearing the dress, and not the lady who's dress
is wearing her. So remember, the purpose of a cocktail dress is ultimately to
show off you. If it is not doing that, it is simply not the right dress for
you.
About
the author:
Sophie West is a style guru. She enjoys
blogging about classy and fresh fashion for the everday woman.
