Finding the perfect dress for any occasion can mean huge stress, but it doesn’t always have to be that way! Whether you’re headed to a special event, an evening out or a cocktail wedding, consult this guide on how to source the perfect cocktail look:
Focus on your body type
The right cocktail dress should be formal, flattering and most importantly, it should make you feel incredibly beautiful. When hunting for the perfect dress, it can be really easy to get lost in a sea of social media and editorial looks that bombard you with options that really only work for the woman that’s wearing them. Resist the internet wormhole and really focus on yourself and what makes your body beautiful. Whether it’s long legs, toned arms, dainty collar bones, a defined waist or sumptuous curves, there’s something for everyone to accentuate! By working with your particular body type, you’ll be better informed on what dress is going to showcase your beauty.
Get personal with your style
To really feel like you’ve bagged yourself a winner, be sure to factor in your own personal style. The formality of your event doesn’t mean that you have to banish your taste altogether! If you’re more of a classic dresser, you’ll probably do best with block, neutral tones in classic shapes, like A-line or shift. Maybe you’re more experimental? This means you can play around with sequins, tulles and sparkling finishes to really flaunt your unique style. Remember to always be true to yourself, straying too far from your taste will make you feel odd and uncomfortable, not what you want for a special occasion!
Think about length
When you’re shopping around for cocktail dresses, you’ll find that you have the choice between three prominent lengths, mini, midi or maxi:
Mini: Minis are great if you want to feel dressed up, but not too formal. Opt for the mini if you want to flaunt your pins of if you’re a little more petite.
Midi: This is the classic cocktail cut. Midi dresses are perfect for cocktail dress codes, they’re elegant, sexy and still ever so slightly relaxed.
Maxi: Maxi dresses are more formal than the other two options, so if you decide on a maxi length dress for your cocktail event, be sure to search for an understated style. Going full evening gown to a cocktail code is a little bit of a faux pas.
Remember to accessories
Accessories can make or break a cocktail look, so choose carefully! It’s best to go for sophisticated stilettos or a low riding mule heel for your shoes. Invest in a good quality pair in a neutral tone, they’ll carry you through countless evenings in the future!
A clutch or an evening bag is a must-have for cocktail hour, you can either find yourself a paired down, high-quality neutral to invest in, or, if this isn’t your style, why not be more experimental? You can find a whole world of budget bags out there that will add a fun pop to your outfit, without costing an arm and a leg!
When in doubt, go classic
If you’re feeling lost on what to wear to your event, there’s no way anyone can wrong with a classic LBD. The little black dress is famous for a reason, it can take you from day to night and anywhere in between. Dress yours up with some black heels and an elegant clutch and you’ll look totally perfect in no time.
By following these top tips, you can be confident that you’ll find yourself a dress that makes you look and feel amazing. Explore your options for cocktail dresses and remember, have fun!
