Posts Tagged ‘maxi dress’
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.
It is only the beginning of May and we have already experienced some very warm summer like weather. Everyone will be hoping for lots more of this weather over the coming months. But when the weather is so beautiful, what can we wear to keep cool and look stylish? A dress is the perfect answer for all sorts of situations. A smart dress works well as an alternative to a suit for work. Dresses are also great casual choices when worn sandals or flip flops for a hot summer day or holiday outfit. There are so many different styles of summer dresses to choose from including minimalist shift and shirt dresses, to bright bold and colourful prints and more subtle patterns. There are day dresses, occasion dresses and evening dresses but some versatile dresses can work for more than one of these.  Here are some of our favourites for 2010.
The floral dress -florals are incredibly popular during the spring and summer months and are a great way to cheer up your wardrobe and add some beautiful colours. There are plenty of different florals to choose from including small scale ditsy prints to bold and bright florals in pinks and reds. Florals dresses are incredibly feminine, they do not need much in the way of accessories. A simple tan leather handbag will work really well.
The maxi dress- with their long and flowing style, maxi dresses are perfect for hot weather and also look really glamorous for more formal occasions. For the most flattering style opt for a simple empire line top and a brighter border print around the skirt. Maxi dresses usually look best when worn with heels. A clutch bag will complete this look perfectly.
The tie dye dress - this seasons tie dye dress is a great daytime option and also perfect for the beach or holiday. Team with flip flops and sandals and a straw hat for the beach. This dress is just right for slipping on over your swimming costume or bikini.
The shift dress - We love the shift dress for its versatility and classic style. It is the ultimate in smart work wear for summer. This year minimalist styles are big news and a shift in a plain or neutral dress is such a great way to work this trend.
The check dress - check shirts are a massive trend this year. A checked dress is great for those who can’t do without their checks even in the really hot weather. It is also a great alternative for those who want to wear a dress but find floral dresses too feminine.
The shirt dress - if you are looking for a smart casual dress in a classic style that will last for many years to come the shirt dress is a great choice . It is also really flattering and fits in well with this years military trend. As the neckline is quite high, you can wear slightly unbuttoned with a simple necklace or just add some chunky bangles.
The empire line dress is universally loved as a classic and flattering piece. It is just about everyone’s best friend as it is flattering for most body shapes. The empire line describes dresses, tops and even jackets that have a horizontal seam just below the bust line. It is a clever way of allowing the body and skirt of a dress to hang in such a way that it skims over the stomach, hips and thighs which are often problem areas that people want to hide. It also helps to lengthen the body and is particularly flattering for pear and apple shapes. Â Empire line is also sometimes described as a high waisted dress. The name of this style of dress is taken from the First French Empire.
Another key attraction to the empire line dress is that is very comfortable particularly in warm weather. The material is quite loose around the torso and legs making it easier to keep cool and move about in. It is also comfortable to sit in as the fabric around the waist is not too tight.
Empire line dresses have been around for years, in fact a basic form of empire line was worn by ancient Greeks and Romans when they wore belts under the bust to give shape to their flowing robes. The empire line has also been popular throughout history and enjoyed a revival in the sixties. Since then it has remained a key classic piece that doesn’t go out of fashion.
There are various different styles of empire line dresses with different bust shapes and varying amounts of fabric used in the skirt. Some will have pleats or folds around the empire line seam or an a line shape giving a fuller more flowing skirt This gives a romantic look which is great for evening dresses and occasion dresses. Others will have a slimmer fit for a neater look. This type of empire line is more suitable for a smarter or work dresses. There are also varying lengths of empire line dress from the mini style, to the shift dress which is usually just below knee length and the maxi dress which skims the floor.
The baby doll dress is a version of the empire line dress which became popular in the sixties. It is usually mini length with a flat and unshaped bust. A great style for hiding a round tummy and showing off legs so perfect for apple shapes.
All of the empire line dresses and tops also work really well for petite or shorter ladies. The higher waist makes the body look longer and helps to create an illusion of height, whist keeping everything else in proportion.
Empire line dresses can be very plain or patterned. Some designs make a feature of the empire line with embellishments, trim or different fabrics on the top and bottom. You can add an interesting feature to an empire line dress yourself by adding a belt or ribbon in a contrasting colour around the empire line. Wider belts tend to look better where the skirt is fuller and narrower belts on more fitted styles.
Itâ??s time to rid of your winter woollies and step into spring with style â?? from prints, to florals, to block colour styles, thereâ??s a dress for every taste.
The floral dress is a big hit again this spring; whether youâ??re into bold floral prints or slightly more demure floral embellishments, flowers are blossoming in all styles this season. Floral dresses are effortless and an easy yet fashionable statement. Â Teaming floral numbers with a pretty piece of jewellery can easily convert practical day dresses into elegant evening dresses.
Printed dresses, not just the floral kind, are also big this spring. Our border print shift is a beautiful dress perfect for spring frolicking, and its overlapping capped sleeves fit in well with this seasonâ??s key trends – layered dresses are all over the spring/summer catwalks.
Animal print dresses are also in popular demand this season, our zebra print dress features a flattering v-neckline and shoulder tucks â?? and weâ??ve got similar tops and skirts if youâ??re willing to give the feisty animal print a whirl.
Another key trend, which was popular last spring, is the maxi dress. They are comfortable enough for casual wear â?? a picnic on a beautiful day or perhaps lunch with a friend and can look charmingly elegant for a few drinks on a balmy evening. Maxi dresses look effortlessly chic with flat sandals but you could always glam yourself up with a pair of killer heels. Â By mixing prints and florals our maxi dress is bang on trend this season.
Pretty spring dresses are perfect pieces for daytime to evening transitions and with such a vast collection to choose from weâ??ll leave you with the decision to pick your favourite. Why not leave a comment on your dress of choice?