Posts Tagged ‘party dresses’
The key to looking amazing all of the time is finding the right clothes that compliment your body shape no matter what your size. When you go to a party, you will want to look your best so it really is important to consider your body shape when choosing those all important party and evening dresses. There is that perfect party dress out there for everyone and here are just a few ideas that will help you to find yours.
Pear shaped
Although it is impossible to classify every person into a body shape, it helps to make a decision on the types of clothes that will look best on you, if you can roughly categorise your body shape. Pear shapes tend to have wider hips and thighs. This is probably one of the most common body shapes. A line skirts and dresses work amazingly well for this body shape as they skim over the hips and thighs. Dresses with wide necklines and embellishment or detail on the top half also help to draw attention away from the hips and thighs and balance out the width.
Apple Shaped
Those who tend to put on weight around the waist are usually described as apple shaped. This body type tends to slim arms and legs. Empire line party dresses are probably the best style for apple shapes. It doesn’t matter what length they are and can range from mini to maxi. The high waist means that the fabric skims over the stomach. Apple shapes should always avoid party dresses with sashes, belts or detail around the waist however beautiful the dress.
Hour Glass Shaped
The hour glass shape is defined by a large bust, small waist and larger hips and thighs. Any dresses that highlight the small waist of an hourglass shape will look great. Those with a straight skirt also look great. Always ensure that you have a supportive bra to wear that is not visible under you choice of party dress.
Athletic body shape
Those with an athletic body shape will tend to be muscular and toned with hips and waist in proportion and a smaller bust. Mini dresses look good on this body shape as do halterneck tops. If you want to create a more feminine look try creating curves with puffy skirts and ruffled tops. Flared skirts also look great on this body type.
Petites
Petites should generally follow the rules depending on their body shape. Styles that are particularly good for petites include knee length empire line dresses, fitted tailored dresses and anything with vertical or diagonal stripes or embellished detail. Dresses in one colour are also good for petites and nude shoes tend to make the legs look longer. A pair of heels is a great addition to any party dress but it is particularly useful for petites who can use the extra height. Just be careful though as too high heels can look out of proportion on petites.
Once you have worked out the right style for your body shape all you need to do is find the right dress in just the right colour to compliment your skin, eye and hair colour.
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.