Fashion Bux
Whoever designed the first cocktail dress must have been looking for something great to wear that they could adapt for various functions and events.
The cocktail dress is a very versatile special occasion dress. The events in which people wear them can start late afternoon or very early in the evening.
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How to choose a cocktail dress to match your figure
Cocktail dresses are formal but not very formal, for example, not as formal as what you would wear to a black-tie event or a gala.
Nowadays, you can now wear many of your cocktail dresses elsewhere. It all depends on how the dress is cut, the material, and the accessories that you choose to wear.
Cocktail dresses for casual events and formal events
If you plan on attending a more formal event with a cocktail dress, you must wear the appropriate accessories, such as more flashy jewelry and bolder-looking makeup.
However, if you need to wear something classy to the office for any reason other than the usual skirt or pantsuit, you can still wear a not-too-flashy cocktail dress and slip on a blazer and some elegant office-type of shoes.
You can use many current styles of cocktail dresses for various occasions. They are no longer limited to parties and events.
Choosing a cocktail dress
Choosing which style of cocktail dress to wear can be very tricky for most women.
After all, only a few women, even the very beautiful ones, could claim to have a truly perfect body, and most ladies who do not fall into the category of models still prefer to hide the flaws of their figure.
Wearing a one-piece dress, such as a tight-hugging cocktail dress, can reveal these flaws if the dress does not match the wearer’s body type.
When choosing the best cocktail dress to wear, a woman should always consider her body type, which could be heavy on top or bottom, and find something that balances her figure.
If you are heavy, your goal should be to draw attention to your upper body and face. You can emphasize your cleavage or wear something that draws attention to your legs.
Cocktail dress for women with bottom-heavy figures
What kind of cocktail dress would look good on a woman with a heavier at-the-bottom figure?
Well, a woman with a heavy figure would like to hide the thickness around her hips and thighs.
A good cocktail dress to wear would be a dress that fits perfectly at the waist but without the seams raised by additional padding around the abdomen and a skirt that flares around the hips and thighs.
A flared skirt cocktail dress would be perfect for a woman with a heavier bottom figure, as it will hide all the softness and bulges you may not wish to see on the mid to lower area body area.
Another solid choice for women with a bigger figure at the bottom is a cocktail dress that supports an ’empire style waistline.’ This gown has a high waist, drawing the gaze to the shoulders, neck, and face. It also covers and hides the flaws of the lower body.
However, the only risk of wearing an empire-style cocktail dress is that designers often use the empire-style cut in maternity dresses. Therefore, a woman wearing this dress style may mistakenly be considered pregnant.
Luckily styles come and go, so if this type of dress is in fashion, make sure you take advantage and have some fun wearing and looking good in these dresses while they remain current.
Lastly, a final option for a bottom-heavy woman is a sleeveless or strapless cocktail dress and a flared skirt.
Again, exposing the arms and shoulders is a great strategy to draw attention away from the hips.
Cocktail dresses for women with top-heavy figures
As for women endowed on top, you could emphasize your cleavage or your legs, as mentioned above.
If you want to focus on your legs instead of your cleavage, you can wear a cocktail dress with a solid top paired with a patterned skirt.
You can lift the hem of your skirt to make it shorter and draw attention to your legs.
If you want to draw attention to some cleavage instead of your legs, you can cover your legs in a long-skirt cocktail dress but reveal some skin on your upper body with a low neckline like the V-neckline.
In fact, you can draw attention to your bodice and legs by wearing a low-cut short cocktail dress if you like. It’s not advisable to wear a cocktail dress with an overly loaded top, as this will make your upper body appear taller and distort the balance of your figure.
Perfect accessories for cocktail dresses that match your body type
Accessories also help maintain the illusion of balance in a woman’s figure and can have dramatic results when paired with the right cocktail dress.
Bottom heavier women can wear statement earrings, necklaces, or chokers. In contrast, women endowed on top wear a very thin necklace or can forgo the necklace altogether and just go for a bracelet.
However, you must first purchase your cocktail dress before determining what accessories, bag, and shoes to match up with it to have a better blend of color and style.
Frequently asked questions
Are cocktail dresses long or short?
Cocktail dresses are typically short in length, with hemlines that fall at or above the knee. This dress style is versatile and can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. Whether you’re attending a formal event or a more casual gathering, there’s a cocktail dress to suit your needs.
Why are they called cocktail dresses?
There are a few theories about how cocktail dresses got their name. One theory is that the name comes from people originally wearing these dresses at cocktail parties. Another theory is that the name comes from the fact that these dresses are a mix of different styles, like a cocktail (a mix of different drinks). Whatever the origin of the name, cocktail dresses are now a staple for any formal or semi-formal occasion.
Can you wear flats to a cocktail party?
We don’t recommend you wear flats to a cocktail party. However, some women do. Cocktail parties are typically more relaxed events, so you can still pull off flats if you really wish to avoid heels. Just make sure your flats are dressy.
Can you wear a cocktail dress to a formal event?
Yes, you can wear a cocktail dress to a formal event. Just be sure to keep your accessories and makeup simple and elegant.
What To Wear Over a Cocktail Dress?
There are many options for what to wear over a cocktail dress. A jacket, cape, or poncho can add an extra layer of warmth and style. A scarf can also be a great way to accessorize and add a pop of color. If it is a cold evening, you may want to consider wearing tights or leggings under your dress. Whatever you choose to wear, make sure it compliments your dress and makes you feel confident!
See some more styles of cocktail dresses in the video below.
Final Thoughts On Cocktail Dresses
Cocktail dresses are a truly versatile type of dress that can be worn to any occasion, requiring a certain degree of formality without being a gala event.
A woman should be able to choose the right cocktail dress that really flatters her body type, whether top-heavy or bottom-heavy, by following the tips in this article.
Also, see our suggestions on cocktail dress accessories to ensure you are ready for your event.
Finally, please remember we tend to be critics of ourselves more than we should. It truly is not as bad as you think. Sometimes feel free to show off those bulges; someone may love them.
