When the cocktail dress emerged in the 1920s, it was definitely made for sipping cocktails at sophisticated speak-easies. Today cocktail dresses are worn to elegant parties, weddings, clubs, dances and pageants. Available in a variety of colors and styles, cocktail dresses can be demurely ladylike or wildly sexy.
History of Cocktail Dresses
During the 1920s, drinking liquor was illegal. Of course that did not mean nobody drank. Renegades managed to get liquor to serve at their own private cocktail parties. Women wanted to look their best at these gatherings and the cocktail dress was born. Often made of chiffon or silk, the first cocktail dresses were short and had no waist. In the 1930s, the cocktail dress was modified into the traditional little black dress we all know and love today. After the legalization of liquor, people still held fancy cocktail parties. Women wore cocktail dresses with sparkles, fringes and waistlines. During the 1960s, cocktail dresses started to fade out of the fashion picture. Once again, cocktail dresses are a must-have item in every woman's closet. Practical, versatile and feminine, cocktail dresses make you look and feel fabulous at any elegant occasion.
Checking Out Cocktail Dresses
Today there are all types of cocktail dresses in materials such as satin, chiffon, silk and polyester. Light fabrics such as silk and satin are a sensual look because they move freely with your body. Chiffon looks eye-catching at pageants and parties. Polyester is attractive at formal afternoon affairs. Choose understated styles that you can dress up or down depending on the event. A fitted bodice and back with a full skirt is a classic design for all occasions.
The Right Cocktail Dresses For Your Shape
Everyone looks great in cocktail dresses. Choose a style that flatters your figure type to make any event more fun. Dark colors are slimming. An empire waist camouflages imperfections around your belly, buttocks and hips. Short cocktail dresses show off shapely legs while longer cocktail dresses hide heavy thighs. Low cut cocktail dresses accentuate a full bust. Two-tone cocktail dresses draw attention toward shapely hips and away from a smaller bust.
Daring Cocktail Dresses
Despite all the updated designs, many women still stay with the tried-and-true little black cocktail dresses from the 1930s. While every woman should have a simple black dress in her closet, you also need to bring color into your wardrobe. Make sure to have a colorful, dynamic cocktail dress so you feel glamorous at formal events. Metallic cocktail dresses in gold or silver make any occasion glitter. A trapeze cocktail dress is comfortable and beautiful at a classy club. Two-tone cocktail dresses are appropriate and lovely at corporate gatherings.
Accessories for Cocktail Dresses
Cocktail dresses are easily dressed up or down with accessories. Choose pearl jewelry and hair accessories for a classic look. Bring bling to your outfit with rhinestone hair clips and earrings. High heeled sandals are sexy for evening parties while dressy pumps are perfect for corporate affairs. Include a small evening bag to finish off the look of one of your favorite cocktail dresses.