Select a Short, Dressy Dress
Cocktail party wear is all about the dress. Although an alternative might be a dressy top and slacks, I vote for the dress every time. Attending a cocktail party or event that calls for the cocktail party attire gives you a great opportunity to show your femininity and put together a fabulous look.
Look for:
a short dress
Wear your dress above the knee if you have great, slender legs. If your thighs are big, but your calves are shapely, wear your dress at the knee. If your knees are a problem, wear your dress just below the knee.
a dressy style
A party deserves a party dress. Don't wear a dress that you could wear every day.
great fabric that feels good next to your skin
Silk in satin, crepe de chine, taffeta, or chiffon works nicely for a cocktail party dress. For budget selections, look for polyester or rayon, both of which mimic silk well at more affordable prices.
Choose a Flattering Dress Color and Style
We all know that basic black has been touted as the perfect cocktail party dress color for years. Yes, it still works. The little black dress. first popularized by French designer Coco Chanel, has become a cocktail dress classic.
However, don't feel that your dress must be black. Indeed, it should not be black if black isn't one of your best colors. Remember that with cocktail party attire, you're not going to be placing a scarf around your neck to add color and keep the black away from your face as you might do with a work outfit. If wearing black makes you look ashen, opt for a more flattering color. For example, this orchid silk chiffon dress (Buy Direct) with sequins and beads can be worn by someone who looks great in pastels, but it also comes in black.
Selecting a flattering style is as important as selecting a flattering color for your dress. Keep your figure type in mind as you shop for a dress, and make sure that the dress you choose helps give your figure a balanced look by putting the emphasis where you want it and minimizing problem areas of your figure. Consider wearing a dress with a V-neckline because it's universally flattering style and gives short women a longer, leaner look.
