Women's cocktail dresses are elegant and chic at the same time, which makes them the perfect choice for more than an evening party, giving you a reason to wear them again. If you live in a cold-weather place or need to wear a cocktail dress during winters, you can style it with a dress coat, a shawl/stole, or even a shrug. However, whether you are buying a cocktail dress for yourself or as a gift for someone, it is better to keep some features in check – and this guide will highlight all essential ones.
Choose a Style
Even though it sounds like all women's cocktail dresses look similar, that is not the case as there are numerous style options. The go-to choice for many women is the original cocktail dress designed in the 1950s, also known as swing (or sometimes A-line) dresses, which flow in a downward direction, giving a nice flair. If the whole flair skirt isn't your style, you can go with straight or pencil fit knee-length or longer cocktail dresses, or even a skater dress as it has a subtle flowy look.
Suitable and High-Quality Material is Essential
When it comes to any clothing item, it is essential to select the right material as, besides comfort, it also affects the fit – and this is even more crucial for women's cocktail dresses. The most-used fabric for a cocktail dress is polyester as it is stretchy and takes the body's shape well. But not all are one hundred percent pure polyester, and most are mixed with other materials like spandex. However, if you do not prefer synthetic fabric, you can buy cotton cocktail dresses, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Sleeves, Neck Style, and Closure
Besides the basic style, buyers can choose the sleeve length, neck design, and closure of women's cocktail dresses. You can either go with a sleeveless dress, an off-shoulder cocktail dress, or standard mid-length sleeves. The choices in neck shape/style vary from V and round-neck to boatneck. However, when it comes to the dress's closure, it is best to go with a concealed zipper as it does not look out of place and makes wearing the dress easier.
Additional Features to Consider
Since cocktail dresses require high maintenance, buyers should choose one that can be machine or hand-washed for easy care. Most dresses come without a skirt lining, and if you buy a light color like white, you might need to purchase a matching slip as it can be quite see-through. It is also essential to check the size chart correctly beforehand, especially if you are ordering the cocktail dress on short notice.
Categories Simillar to Women's Cocktail Dresses includes Juniors' Dresses, Women's Petite Dresses and Women's Plus Dresses