The Best Cocktail Dresses

A cocktail dress is generally a knee-length design that women wear for semi-formal occasions. It got its name because women regularly wear this type of apparel to cocktail parties. A cocktail dress can be made out of silk, lightweight wool, satin or velvet and generally exposes the arms and shoulders. Every woman should have a cocktail dress in her closet.

The Little Black Dress Is a Cocktail Dress

The little black dress that all women are advised to own is a version of the cocktail dress. Sometimes a cocktail dress is called a party dress. The style first surfaced in the 1920s.

When a cocktail dress is open on the top, exposing flesh, the bottom portion should be closed, which is the rule of balance that designers adhere to. The earliest cocktail dresses were rather decorative and featured pearls, embroidery, chiffon and silk.

Considerations

When buying a cocktail dress, but the best one that you can afford. As always, select one that complements your body and disguises the body parts that you don't want to show, while accentuating your assets.

Consider wearing a shrug or dressy cardigan over your cocktail dress if you don't feel comfortable exposing your shoulders and arms. Likewise, wear dark hose or even dark tights with your short evening dress if you don't want to put your legs on display.

Variations

A cocktail dress typically has a round or boat neck and is a sheath. A sheath black cocktail dress is close fitting and may feature a slight inward curve at the waist and darts at the bosom. The sheath is generally worn without a belt, but you can incorporate a belt into your ensemble if you wish.

 

You don't have to stick to the basic cocktail dress silhouette. Cocktail dresses have asymmetrical necklines, halter tops, V-necks and can feature empire waistlines or can be a wrap dress. An empire waistline provides more roominess and will disguise a belly and large hips. Sometimes a cocktail dress has a full skirt. Some cocktail dresses have side slits or slits in the back.

Color

Your cocktail dress certainly doesn't have to be black, although dark colors work well for evening apparel. A red cocktail dress would be pretty, as would a dark green or purple one. Try on several dresses and see which color looks best on you.