Posts Tagged ‘cocktail dresses’
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.
If you are attending any semi formal or cocktail parties over the next few months, then, you will no doubt be wanting a really amazing cocktail dress that will look stunning. A cocktail dress is usually a style of dress that is calf length or above (as opposed to a full or floor length evening or ball dress). A cocktail dress is dressy but also practical allowing plenty of movement for dancing. It is also usually made from luxurious fabrics with eye catching details like sequins or embellishment.
Velvet Cocktail Dress In Black
This dress is both striking and flattering. It has an empire line which is emphasised by the ribbon and bow around it. It is made from a beautiful crushed velvet and has chiffon shoulder and godet details. The material is stretchy making it incredibly comfortable and easy to move in. This dress is a really classic style that will never go out of fashion. It also comes with a matching scarf.
Ladies Long Lace Evening/Prom/Ball Dress in Black
Lace is incredibly on trend at the moment and this dress makes the most of the delicate design by lining it with a red fabric. The style of the dress is simple but elegant with a three quarter length skirt that is also very on trend at the moment.
Black chiffon pleated cocktail dress with shawl
This dress is a Marilyn Monroe style and is perfect for those searching for a little retro glamour. It has a velvet bodice with delicate shoe string straps and a skirt in finely pleated chiffon. The skirt of this dress is perfect for swishing as you dance. It just needs a beautiful pair of black shoes to set it off perfectly.
Black embroidered assymetrical evening dress
Another key look for party, cocktail and evening dresses at the moment is the assymetrical shape. Many of the dresses are one shouldered but this dress features a much more wearable version of this trend which is the different shaped straps on each side. It has delicate ribbon and thread detail and there is also a matching bolero available.
What to wear with you cocktail dress?
A pair of high heels is almost essential with a cocktail dress however if you really find high heels difficult to walk in, you can find some very pretty lower kitten style heels or even some embellished flat shoes. A small clutch bag is the ideal way to carry a few possesions with you but they wont usually fit much in them so you may have to leave the i phone at home for just one evening. If your dress is quite simple look for clutch with sequin or bead detail to add an interesting feature.
Finally, you may want a cover up for your cocktail dress either to wear all of the time or just to travel to and from the party. There are all sorts of bolero, cape and evening jackets available. Again if you have quite a simple dress then you can afford to go over board with a statement cover up piece. If your dress already has quite a bit of interest, then opt for a plain black option.
Cocktail dress is a term that means slightly different things to different people. It is basically a little less formal than a ball dress but still quite formal or ‘semi formal’. Some would describe it as the short knee length dress style worn in the 1920′s whilst others consider it a much broader term used to describe any semi formal dress with length varying according to the fashions of the time. If you are lucky enough to be invited to a cocktail party or an event that requires cocktail dress, there is huge choice of potential evening dresses that you could wear from knee length (or even mini) to maxi. Just to confuse things cocktail dress can sometimes be described as ‘informal’ on the invitations, but this term also sometimes describes smart casual. So if unsure, it is always worth checking out with the host. For men cocktail dress will usually mean a dark coloured suit and dress shirt.
Generally cocktail dresses are made from fabrics like chiffon, satin, lace and taffeta. They often have details like embellishments, sequin and beading making them something a little bit special. Cocktail dresses can be worn for any sort of party or occasion. These days the word cocktail dress is used to describe all sorts of dresses from evening gowns to much shorter party dresses. What you choose to wear will depend very much on the party that you are going to and your own individual style. Here are a few ideas:
The Little Black Dress
The little black dress is probably one of the all time most popular choices for semi formal evening wear or cocktail dresses. It is incredibly versatile, classic and flattering. The empire line style of this dress is a great style for those who want to disguise their tummies.
The Asymmetrical dress
Assymetrical dresses are very much on trend at the moment. The Greek goddess or one shouldered look works amazingly well with evening wear and is again a really flattering style. This velvet assymetrical dress is simple and stylish, the velvet adds a touch of luxury.
The Maxi dress
A maxi length dress that skims the floor is another trend for 2010 that translates so well into evening wear or a cocktail dress. Most maxi style dresses are empire line making them incredibly flattering. The long length makes them good for slightly more formal events or those that like to get really dressed up.
The Strapless Gown
For parties that require a more formal style of dress, a strapless gown is a great choice. The neckline is simple and allows for a feature necklace to be worn. The bodice is usually quite fitted with the skirt quite full. A laced corset style strapless dress is ideal for getting the fit of the dress just right.
As with any outfit, when wearing a cocktail dress or gown, it is important to get the accessories just right. You should pick some elaborate accessories that compliment your dress perfectly including a clutch bag and some heeled shoes and perhaps a shrug or wrap.