Cocktail Dresses

Going out for cocktails requires a huge amount of stylish preparation, least of all of your worries is making sure you have the perfect dress to wear!

No matter whether you are plus size, tall or petite, you deserve to find the best dress on the hangers. So check out some beauty-making tips.

The LBD (Little Black Dress) is still the chicest option to wear to a cocktail party. To be really on trend, find a black satin shift dress and accessorize with some diamante drop earrings and a pair of heels, very Audrey Hepburn.

This autumn / winter season glitz is IN - whether you wear something with just a little embellishment or go for a full shimmer gown !

Get your Own Personal Shopper

Looking through the women's sections in a department store can be fairly daunting, especially if there is no separate section for the dresses.

Investing in a personal shopper who will guide you around the store and only pick out things that are suitable for the occasion (plus, depending on the store, this service may be free, it never hurts to ask) can be well worth it.

Choosing Colors

Colour is the ultimate choice if you are someone who likes to make an entrance. Picking a bold tone will give you confidence and make you stand out from the crowd.

Green and red looks stunning on those with golden or red tones to their hair, white looks hot on those with blonde hair, whereas pink looks great on those with dark brown/silver hair.

Shopping for bargains online

Search through stores online and on the high street during sale times (January and July). These dresses are the same quality, but at discount prices; effectively you could probably get two gorgeous gowns at cheap sale prices.

Petite women may find satin will flatter their figure, whereas curvy full figure women should look for silks and flowing fabrics that will accentuate but not hug their curves.

Style Tips for 2010

Cocktail outfits should be fun and flirty, so choose one with a little bit of sequin detail or embroidery for a little extra pizzazz.

What you are wearing should help you have a great evening, so make sure you feel comfortable in what you wear, and find some supportive, yet sexy lingerie to wear underneath.

Necklines and hemlines make a huge statement, but making sure that they match makes the biggest impression. A twist halter neckline may be worn with a short skirt, whereas, a v-neck requires a knee length affair. 

Try not to look like you are going to a prom, or teen party, by making sure that you do not overdress. Simple statements are the only way to arrive at a glamorous and chic cocktail party.

Dressing on a Budget

If you're trying to manage on a budget, invest in an inexpensive black dress, team with stunning sandals, immaculate hair and great jewelry.

Team with a short sleeve jacket or glitzy crop top with sleeves for cool evenings.

If your preference is for designer wear, plan ahead by buying just after Christmas or the prom season, to pick up some designer bargains on eBay. 

Who knows you may even find a Christian Dior or Donna Morgan for a fraction of the new price ?!

Recommended Resources

Fuller Figure cocktail wear - styles for junior & women's plus size short dresses to flatter your figure