For women, a good dress is important to stand out in the crowd. Women are usually confused about what to wear when they have to attend an event, be it a party, wedding, business meeting, or specific occasion. But a cocktail dress can be the right choice for any event, and it will help you stand out every time you wear it.
When buying a dress, you have to keep color, length, neckline, body shape, and other factors in mind to make the right purchase. If you are going to purchase a cocktail dress for the first time, keep on reading the following buying guide to know what essential points to look out for:
How to Pick the Right Cocktail Dress
Buying a cocktail dress? The thing that matters most will be the fit of the dress which should be according to your body shape. To determine your body shape, you should measure your shoulder, waist, bust, and hips. Below are some of the common body shape categories:
Inverted triangle shape
If the shoulders and bust are wider than the hips by about 5% or more, you have an inverted triangle-shaped body. To balance things well, you can:
- Add volume to the waist with detailing such as flowing skirts or pleats
- Make your shoulders appear narrower, pick a spaghetti strap, sweetheart neckline, or cap sleeves
Rectangle shape
In this body shape, the shoulders, hips, and bust are within 5% of one another. The body is athletic and slender. The legs are thin, with narrow shoulders, narrow hips, and a small bust.
- Pick a flattering style that will add the illusion of curves
- Try an empire waistline to make your top half and bottom half look shapelier
Hourglass shape
In this, the waist is smaller than your shoulders, bust, and hip by 25%. In this body shape, you don't have to hide anything.
- Bandage and bodycon dresses will be the right choice
- You can consider a belt too that will make your small waist more noticeable
Pear shape
In this, your shoulders, waist, and bust are smaller than your hips. To balance out things, draw attention to your slender collarbone and shoulders.
- Go for halter, sleeveless or strapless tops
- You can also use a statement neckline and a plunging neckline
- Moreover, you can make your waist more prominent with a cinched dress or belt
Apple shape
The shoulders are wider than your hips, you have a large bust, and the wait is not well-defined.
- For achieving balance, go with the wrap-style dress and knee-length, a-line skirts
- Wear structured tops such as cropped blazers
Why Should You Invest in Cocktail Dresses?
Versatility
These dresses are not only for the red carpets. The elegant and classy look will allow you to wear them on different occasions. For example, when you pair it with a fitted jacket or cardigan, the cocktail dress will look perfect for business events.
Comfortability
Cocktail dresses are made with a soft and stretchable fabric that makes them comfortable to wear. The fabric is lightweight, and it allows you to carry them with great ease.
Different styles and colors
You can buy cocktail dresses in many different colors and styles to choose from according to different occasions. For example, you can pick a slim pencil dress for a meeting or business party. The multiple color options also allow you to easily make a selection according to your skin tone.
What Factors to Look at When Buying Cocktail Dresses?
Material
The fabric used for the dress affects the dress' overall look, comfort, and feel. Some of the common materials in making dresses are cotton, silk, polyester, and rayon. If you need maximum breathability and a great comfort level, it is best to go with polyester fabric.
Length of dress
The length of the dress is a very important feature of a cocktail dress. The two popular lengths are above the knee and dress touching the floor. Both lengths will give you different results. For instance, if you want a slimming effect, you should pick a length dress above the knees that draws attention to your legs. However, if you want to cover your legs, then go for a full-length dress.
Shoulder style
There is a huge variation present in cocktail dresses when it comes to shoulder designs. You should pick the dress that will go well with your physique. There are different types of shoulder designs, and each type is for a particular body.
For instance, if you have broad shoulders, go for a cap sleeves design. Pick a dress with a halter neck design to widen the shoulder if you have a narrow shoulder.
What Is the Price Range of Cocktail Dresses?
The price range for the cocktail dress will be between $30 to $50, depending on the style and brand. If you purchase a dress from a popular brand, you will have to pay a lot more. Some dresses are priced high due to high-quality fabric that provides a comfortable feel and has a little stretch due to the spandex present in the dress.
