How To Choose Your Perfect Cocktail Dress

For any special occasion, especially those planned for months, every woman wants to look her best. A significant part of achieving an elegant look is ensuring that you wear clothing appropriate for the event. Chic, classy evening dresses are more commonly known as “cocktail dresses,” and they are an essential part of every woman’s wardrobe. From cocktail parties and evenings at a lounge to weddings and formal dinners, cocktail dresses are the perfect choice for sophisticated style.

Cocktail dresses typically fall at the knee or just above, and styles range from figure-flaunting body con designs to flattering A-line and fit-and-flare silhouettes. Cocktail dresses are often paired with elegant footwear such as stilettos, ankle booties, or knee-high boots. Although the classic “little black dress” is the most common type of cocktail dress because of its simple elegance and versatility, modern women are also embracing bright colours, bold prints, and unique cuts. Cocktail dresses allow you to show off your unique style and highlight your best features.

The following tips from Melanie Lyne will help you choose the perfect cocktail dress for your next special event.

Picking The Perfect Cocktail Dress

Choosing the perfect cocktail dress isn’t just about picking a style that fits in a fabric that you like. To ensure your dress matches the occasion, it is important to consider the event’s location, whether it will be held indoors or outside, the time of year, and the formality of the event. It’s also important to consider the context of the occasion. For instance, it wouldn’t make sense for you to choose a hot pink dress for a funeral or a bright white dress for a wedding.

As you shop for your perfect cocktail dress, keep the following in mind:

Determine Your Budget

The first thing you need to decide when shopping for a cocktail dress is how much money you want to spend. If the event is an occasion that has significant meaning to you, such as a wedding reception of a close family member or friend, it is worth splurging on a quality designer piece.

The amount you spend on the dress will also determine the level of quality in the fabric, construction, and notions—all factors that will make your dress last for years to come. If you invest in a classic cut, colour, and style, that cocktail dress can be worn to many other casual, semi-formal. and formal occasions in the future.

Know Your Body Type

A cowl neck or rouching at the bust can make the chest appear more full, making it an ideal choice for women with smaller breasts. A dress that flares at the waist makes hips appear less pronounced, which is perfect for women with a pear-shaped body. A hemline above the knee makes legs appear longer, which is great for petite women.

There are many styles and features that can be incorporated into a cocktail dress. This makes it easy to shop for a dress that highlights your best features while concealing other body parts that may make you feel uncomfortable or self-conscious. Understanding your body type will allow you to better communicate your needs and preferences to our staff at Melanie Lyne.

Choose The Right Length

Just as the style of dress you choose will compliment your figure and the unique features of your body, the length of a cocktail dress can also make a significant difference in your overall look. Cocktail dresses typically fall at the knee—allowing for the dress to be worn in a variety of settings, from a casual dinner at a resto-pub to a formal cocktail wedding reception.

A shorter dress well above the knee would not be suitable for a formal event, whereas a longer style that falls slightly below the knee would be more appropriate. A higher-cut cocktail dress would be ideal for casual evening events. Keep in mind that the type of event isn’t the only consideration when deciding on dress length. Styles above the knee typically suit petite women, while hemlines that fall at or just below the knee are perfect for taller women.

Finding the Right Fabric

Material plays a crucial role when it comes to picking out the perfect cocktail dress. Not only do you want to choose fabrics you are comfortable in, but you should also select material that suits the event. Popular fabrics for cocktail dresses include satin, chiffon, silk, and lace. The following are the top fabric picks for cocktail dresses at Melanie Lyne.

With a wide selection of cocktail dresses in a variety of shapes, styles, and fabrics, Melanie Lyne has just what you’re looking for. Our dedicated team of associates will work with you to pick out the perfect dress and choose accessories that flatter your features and enhance your overall look.