Posts Tagged ‘cocktail dress’
Are you heading off to a party? Looking at your invitation, wondering what on earth the dress code is. So it says Black Tie, Casual, Dressy Casual â?? what actually do they mean? Take a look at the dress code definitions to help you along your way.
Black Tie
This is the most formal style you go for. Ladies you should look at getting a nice cocktail dress, a longer dress or even a ball gown style dress. Depending on what dress you choose, think about the type of jewellery to wear with that dress. If your dress is halter neck then go for some nice dangly earrings and stay away from a necklace. However if you go for a normal strappy dress, try wearing a dainty necklace and some studded earrings, try to keep chunky jewellery away from such a beautiful dress.
Formal
Whilst formal is fairly self explanatory many people can relate formal to black tie; there are only some slight differences with what the men can and canâ??t wear. Women should still opt for cocktail dresses, evening dresses and longer, ball gown style dresses.
Creative Black Tie
This is still known as formal wear, but will leave different variations for different people what with their many different styles and trends they feel comfortable in. Women should still wear a dress, but can go for a shorter or longer styled one for this dress code.
Semi-Formal Attire
Whilst you still have to stay looking smart, it is not necessary that you wear a long dress to this event. Try wearing a shorter style dress, or even a dressy style suit.
Cocktail Attire
Simply, a cocktail dress. Women should look at getting a shorter, elegant style cocktail dress for this party and look at wearing heels to elongate your figure.
Informal
Now this dress code can cause a lot of confusion with many people. Informal is mainly the same as Semi-Formal attire, but does get confused with Casual Dress. Women should still wear shorter style dresses and accessorise their outfit with some sparkly jewellery.
Some ladies, stand looking blankly at their wardrobe in fear that they have nothing to wear for that â??special occasionâ??, whilst others worry that they will either be over-dressed or under-dressed when they get to the special event, and genuinely donâ??t enjoy themselves as they are just not comfortable in what theyâ??re wearing.
However fear not, these simple few tricks will help you along your way.
Type of event
Consider the type of event that you are going to; is it a wedding, birthday celebration or work do? Also check your invitation to see if it states a dress code, this will give you some idea of what to wear.
Whatâ??s your role?
This may seem strange, but think to yourself why am I going to this event? Are you the star of the show? Or simply the friend at a birthday party.
If it is your birthday celebrations then you want to look and feel better than all of the other guests. However, if you are only a guest, then make sure that you wonâ??t overshadow the personâ??s party.
Your style
As mentioned before sometimes you wonâ??t enjoy an event to the max as you donâ??t feel comfortable in what youâ??re wearing. Only you know your own style, so choose something that you will feel comfortable in. Stick to your own personal style and add some finishing touches that really show your personality, maybe some heeled shoes and sparkly jewellery.
Colours
Think of the time of year that youâ??re going. If itâ??s in the summer then go for more pastel colours which will make you feel summery, if you feel comfortable enough try wearing a flowery dress to really bring out the summer feel. If itâ??s in winter then you may want to stick with the little black dress with heels and accompany with thick black tights.
The sit down dinner
If your occasion is a formal sit down meal, then wear a nice dress that has a patterned, glitzy bodice. This will make you feel glam and people can see the gorgeous design on your dress, even if you arenâ??t standing up.
The Dancing Party
If you are going to a party and you know itâ??ll involve a lot of dancing, then itâ??s best to wear a floaty dress, so that when youâ??re dancing you have the freedom to move whilst on the dance floor.
The Beach Wedding
So you have an invite to a beach wedding? Itâ??s best to wear a dress which has sleeves; this will protect you from the sun. Choose a light, floaty material which will keep you cool all day long.
The Garden Party
A simple plain dress would be perfect for this occasion, nothing too fancy as you donâ??t want to feel over-dressed. For the perfect look accessorize with nice jewellery and a simple flower in the hair, to add a colour burst to your outfit. Try to avoid floaty dress, which could only blow everywhere with a tiny gust of wind.
Whether you are looking for day dresses to wear on Christmas day, or evening dresses for parties in the lead up to the festive period, there are loads of gorgeous styles to choose from this season.
Cocktail Dress
The cocktail dress is an essential piece of clothing for any ladies wardrobe and has been a classic for years. Recently we have seen celebrities such as Keira Knightley and Heidi Klum stepping out on the red carpet with stunning cocktail dresses, and there are loads of different styles to choose from. If you have a slim body shape and want to show off your legs, then a super short cocktail will be ideal for you. Choose strong metallic, red and deep purple colours to make an impression this Christmas. You also can’t go wrong with a little black cocktail dress. If you are quite curvaceous, then a gorgeous ruffled cocktail dress will hide the areas you want to cover up, while keeping your look stylish and glamorous. There are also short styles with long sleeves, which means you won’t be showing off too much flesh. All styles of cocktail dresses can be adapted depending on whether you choose to wear them during the day or for Christmas parties.
Maxi Dress
The maxi dress is a popular trend at the moment and is a style which will suit most body shapes. The dress sits just above floor length and is a perfect choice for those glamorous Christmas parties. Vintage is such an important trend this season, that a maxi dress in this style will keep you looking extremely fashionable this year. Bandeau and halter-neck maxi dresses will show off your assets, and most styles skim the hips, so they will flatter any shape of body. There are also lots of print style maxi dresses, which is another important trend for this season. To make your maxi dress look more expensive and glamorous, just team it up with some costumer jewellery, and a pair of stylish heels or wedges.
Shift Dress
A shift dress is a great buy for Christmas parties, as the style is quite loose, which means it will flatter any body shape, and there are lots of styles and lengths to choose from. The shift dress has grown in popularity over the years, so if you adorn this trend over the festive period, you will be sure to stand out from the crowd. Some styles of shift dress include ruffled animal print, which is a trend in itself this season, and long sleeved shift dresses, which are great if you want to cover up this area. Lace fabric shift dresses are also very stylish at the moment.
One Shoulder Dress
One shoulder dresses are another style which is popular at the moment, and will give you a subtly sexy look. Styles of these dresses include pencil, which is flattering for all body shapes, and embellished one shoulder dresses, which are glamorous and ideal for wearing for Christmas parties and nights out.
After the fun of summer barbeque’s and garden parties, autumn and winter are great times to get a bit dressed up and go to a evening party or a ball. A ball or formal evening occasion is such a great opportunity to get dressed up in all your finery and have a really great time. A formal occasion like a ball will usually require quite an elaborate floor length gown. Here are some of our favourite evening dresses that will look amazing for almost any evening occasion.
This black and green burnt out dress is a simple shape made special with its unusual floral devore shimmer fabric with a subtle lime green lining showing through. It also has beautiful sequin detailing around the empire line, v neck and arm holes. The empire line is a universally flattering style which works amazingly well for evening wear.
This Teal print satin sleeveless evening dress has a stunning fitted bodice with a contrasting printed skirt which flares gently for an elaborate look. The striped pattern on the skirt is both eye catching and flattering. It has a bow at the back and detachable straps for those that feel uncomfortable going strapless.
This long black and brown animal print halter neck dress makes the most of the seasons trend for animal prints in a very glamorous way. The dress is floor length with delicate spaghetti strap detailing at the back. The halterneck style is also incredibly flattering. You can make the most of this dress by wearing it with a pair of black heels.
This cowl neck devore swirl design evening dress is a simple design but with an elegant twist. On the back there are some scarves which drape gracefully and move as you walk. The dress is fully lined and has a flattering cowl neck. This dress can also be worn with a wide brimmed hat for a very stylish occasion outfit.
If you want to be the belle of the ball and the centre of attention all evening then a red dress is the perfect choice. This red and black contrast band satin evening dress is a stunning choice with its elaborate flared skirt and pleated bustier top. This gown has a contrasting black satin shawl and a net petticoat to ensure that the skirt stands out beautiful.
To accessorise an evening dress choose a sparkly necklace that complements but does not compete with the dress. A simple pair or open or closed toe shoes with a high or medium heel will also set the dress off perfectly. For travelling to and from a ball or evening party, you could either wear an evening coat, a shawl or wrap or even perhaps a black tuxedo or tailored jacket. If you have long hair an elaborate up do will look amazing or even a jewelled hair accessory or fascinator hair clip. A small clutch bag is the most suitable way to carry your possessions but you won’t have room for much other than the accessories like keys and money.
Evening trousers are a great alternative to an evening dress cocktail dress for an evening event, party or special occasion. Dresses are usually the most popular choice of evening wear for ladies but trousers if worn with the right top can look just as elegant. Most evening trousers are made from a black lightweight material that drapes well. Sometimes it is possible to find evening trousers in colours like navy blue, gold, taupe or grey. You may also fond some very beautiful evening trousers that are made from a thicker cotton with a sheen or slightly shiny finish or satin or velvet. For the summer, linen can also be a great fabric for evening trousers.
Unless you have particularly chosen to wear a pair of ankle length trousers, most evening trousers will look best when they are really long, almost skimming the floor. A pair of high heels is usually by far the best option of foot wear for any evening wear but if you really can’ t walk in them, then choose a pair with a mid height heel or even a pair of pretty embellished ballet flats.
How your overall evening outfit will look is very much dependant on the top that you choose to wear. Hip length tops usually look best with evening trousers although sometime an elaborate tunic will also look great. You can choose from all sorts of different styles from sleeveless tops to blouses and even sparkly or embellished knitwear. Unless you are planning to wear a jacket, bolero or pashmina or shrug that makes a big style statement, you could add interest to your outfit by looking for a top with sequins, beading or some other interesting embellishment. Another option would be to choose a simple but elegant style of top and choose some beautiful accessories. If you choose an elaborate style of evening trousers, a simple top will usually look the best.
These Lilac Straight Leg Evening Trousers make a huge style statement with their eye catching colour. The top layer of the trousers is a floaty material that drapes perfectly for that evening look. They also have a lining which ensures that they are not see through and hang perfectly. Combine these trousers with a black top or a purple top and gold jewellery for the real wow factor.
These brown layered Cinderella evening trouserswork really well for ladies who like to look different and individual. The flattering straight leg trousers are covered by a petal like skirt which moves as you walk for a really stylish evening outfit. These trousers are also available in black. The brown trousers would look good when worn with black, a range of other neutral colours or even metallics or red.
These double layered trousers with diamante detail are a really unusual style with a floaty top layer with a slit which reveals a row of diamate as you walk. You could combine with a fitted top that also has a little diamante detail or just a plain black evening top.