It’s your first fancy cocktail party, and you want to be ready. You know you want to look chic, classic, and glamorous – you know you want to slip into the perfect cocktail dress and wow the room – but how do you do it?
When it comes to selecting the perfect cocktail dress, there are tons of factors to consider! Are you aware of the dozens of categories that fall under cocktail dresses? Do you know which type best suits your body? How about your color choice – have you figured out if you’ll go bold or elegant? We’re here to break down the tough choices with you. Check out our article below to help weed through the millions of options. For inspiration, ideas of your own, and the perfect I-gotta-have-that styles, peruse JJ’s House!
Know Your Cocktail Dress Categories
Typically, when someone says, “cocktail dress,” everyone comes up with a different image in their head – that’s normal, because there are so many distinct, unique styles of cocktail dresses. To best select the type that makes the most sense for you, it helps to first know what qualifies as a cocktail dress. A cocktail dress, no matter what type, can typically be described as smart, stylish, sophisticated, and appropriate for a formal setting. Many are knee-length cut, but there are several styles that are floor-length as well.
Body Type Plays Huge Role
Now that you know what classifies as a cocktail dress, it’s time to get a better grasp on what kind of cocktail dress will look best on you. When it comes to the type of dress you’ll wear, you need to consider your body type. Before you select a dress, understand your body shape and what sort of styles look best on you. Does a bandeau or strapless dress flatter your shape? Does a tapered waist work wonders for your body type? Do you feel and look your best in a babydoll cut? Learn what works best for you, but most of all, learn what makes you feel your most elegant and beautiful – in the end, that’s what matters the most!
Bold Colors vs. Understated Elegance
The beautiful thing about cocktail dresses is that you can play around with colors. Many cocktail dresses are soft, elegant, and understated when it comes to colors, but then again, there are hundreds of cocktail dresses that are designed with boldness in mind. It all comes down to how you feel in the dress, the type of event you’re attending, and how much of a statement you’re hoping to make. Consider the weather and consider the season — does your color choice make sense for the season?
Fabric Matters
We know that color and style matter, but don’t forget about the fabric, especially if you’re attending an outside event. The last thing you want is to enter the event in a beautiful cocktail dress and leave the event a melted, sweaty mess. Consider the fabric and what you’ll feel most comfortable in!