Cocktail dresses - new for 2022
What it is
A cocktail dress is a shortened version of an evening dress. In this article, you will learn everything about cocktail dresses, including the latest in 2016.
A cocktail dress most often lacks sleeves and a collar. The length range is mid-thigh to midi length. This model is intended for such solemn occasions as: corporate events, parties, family holidays, trips to a club, restaurant and other places of entertainment. It is customary to wear a cocktail dress for formal ceremonial events, which are held from five to seven in the evening.This period of time is considered "cocktail time".
A bit of history
The cocktail dress first appeared in the United States in the 1920s during Prohibition. It was a mixture of business and evening attire. All entertainment events in the United States then began early. Women hurried to parties immediately after work, without changing clothes. Therefore, cocktail dresses appeared, in which during the day you could be present at work, and in the evening you could already dance the Charleston at a party. The cocktail dress was a combination of elegance and conciseness, and thanks to its short length it was comfortable to dance in.
How to choose
When choosing a cocktail dress, you should proceed from the type of your figure:
- slender owners of an hourglass figure will suit any style of cocktail dresses. If, with this body structure, you have excess weight, then choose models from light flying fabrics with puffy skirts. A diagonal print will look good. Discard horizontal stripes and ruffles on the chest;
- with a “rectangle” figure, choose dresses with a wrap, sheath dresses, dresses with straps with puffy or flared skirts. Accentuate your waist with a belt or choose a dress with a drape at the waist. Do not wear sleeveless dresses and models with a tight bottom;
- with an “apple” figure, pay attention to the spacious models of a flying silhouette. Avoid straight-cut and A-line dresses. Instead of long or very short sleeves, opt for ¾ sleeves. Do not focus on the hips and waist. You can switch attention from the waist and abdomen to the chest area by choosing a model with a neckline. Also pay attention to dresses with drapery in the abdomen;
- owners of a pear-shaped figure need to focus on the top of the outfit. To do this, choose models with shoulder pads and small sleeves, with straps, without straps, on asymmetric straps. A boat neckline will look good. Choose a lush bottom. Models with a high waist, A-line dresses will also help you solve your problem. But straight-cut models are not for you. Also avoid tight tops.
beautiful models
With open back
A cocktail dress with an open back is a daring and sexy option that is sure to attract the eyes of men. But you need to remember about moderation. With an open back, other parts of your body should be well covered.
There are several options for an open back on a cocktail dress:
- the neckline can be draped with strips of fabric in various directions;
- the notch may be in the form of something, for example, an oval, a rhombus, a drop, etc.;
- a bold cutout that fully exposes your back.
Carefully choose underwear for such a dress. Ideally, you should do without a bra or use special models of underwear for dresses with an open back.
Summer
It is advisable to choose summer cocktail dresses from light natural fabrics. Turn to bright saturated colors or delicate pastel shades. Pay attention to such trends of summer cocktail dresses as:
- asymmetry (can be in a skirt, bodice or sleeves);
- a train of any length;
- lack of straps;
- bouffant skirts;
- cutouts (open back, neckline).
With a fluffy skirt
Models with a fluffy skirt are very feminine and flirtatious. They beautifully open slender female legs. Such cocktail dresses are most often made with a closed top to comply with the principle of moderation.
with neckline
Cocktail dresses with plunging necklines are great for special occasions. The deeper your neckline, the longer the dress should be. The mini length does not fit the neckline. Better choose a midi length. A deep neckline will visually lengthen the torso.
On the straps
Straps on cocktail dresses can be of different widths. Dresses with spaghetti straps are especially good in the warm season. They allow you to open the shoulders and décolleté, but at the same time they are not as relaxed as bustier dresses. Therefore, every girl can wear them.
Straight cut
The straight-cut cocktail dress is a classic. A dress with a straight cut is perfect for corporate and formal events. If your task is to dress solemnly, but concisely and strictly, then choose this particular silhouette.
Off Shoulder
The upper part of this model is made on a corset. This is an indisputable plus for those who like to emphasize their harmony. The skirt can be both fluffy, creating an A-silhouette, and tight. You can also find models with a train of any length, with a high waist. A strapless dress beautifully emphasizes the smooth line of girlish shoulders. Most of all, this outfit is suitable for owners of even posture.
With flounces
Cocktail dresses with frills can be completely different. Shuttlecocks can be located both horizontally and vertically. An asymmetric arrangement of shuttlecocks is also possible. In some models, the skirt of the dress is completely trimmed with flounces. Another option for flounces on a cocktail dress is flounces on the top of the dress, for example, on the neck.
Basque
Peplum is most often found on fitted cocktail dresses. It can be either the same length or asymmetrical.The peplum helps to hide such figure imperfections as excess volume at the waist, abdomen and hips.
high waisted
A high-waisted cocktail dress will help create a slim silhouette. Most often, dresses with a high waist are made with straps. Dresses with a high waist are indispensable for pregnant women and women who want to hide their fullness.
Sheath dress
This is a classic cocktail dress. Fitted fit just above the knee. As a top, there can be either a “boat” neck or various asymmetrical options, for example, a one-shoulder style. The dress is ideal for business corporate events, because it fits perfectly into the business dress code.
The length of the sleeve
Sleeveless
A classic cocktail dress should be sleeveless. It can be either with a completely open top, even without straps, or with straps of various widths.
But modern fashion has made its own adjustments, and now you can buy cocktail dresses with sleeves of any length.
Short-sleeve
Short sleeves for a cocktail dress are most often made of chiffon and other lightweight materials. They are more of a decorative element. You can often find cocktail dresses with asymmetry, with short sleeves on one shoulder.
With long sleeve
Long sleeves are most relevant in winter dress models. For warm weather, fashion designers make sleeves from chiffon or lace. Such sleeves look especially impressive and solemn.
Actual colors
Green
Green color has many variations: swamp, emerald, pistachio and so on. Therefore, you can pick up a green dress for any event.For a friendly party, you can afford a bright green or pistachio dress, and for a formal celebration, a deep dark green dress.
Pink
Choose a pink cocktail dress for such beautiful occasions as weddings, dates, family reunions. Pink color will give you femininity and tenderness in the eyes of others.
Blue
Blue color fits perfectly into all available styles of clothing. To some extent, blue is universal. A blue cocktail dress can be worn both for corporate events and for friendly parties.
Turquoise
The noble turquoise color has incorporated shades of blue and green. A turquoise dress will be appropriate for any event. In addition, this color is perfect for both brunettes and blondes.
Blue
The blue color is gentle, light and feminine. Especially blue color is suitable for the warm season.
Violet
A purple cocktail dress looks luxurious, solemn and extremely bright. Purple color will help you stand out and attract the eyes of others.
Yellow
The bright and cheerful color of the sun will look great on a flirty cocktail dress in the warm season. Such an outfit will brighten up gray everyday life, charge you with positive and optimism.
Beige
Beige is a versatile color that goes with everything. Beige sheath dresses and straight-cut dresses will look especially good. You can dilute the image with bright accessories.
Fuchsia
Fuchsia is a purple color, hot pink with a lilac hue. The color is unusual, very bright. It is unlikely to be suitable for serious events. But you can safely go to a club, restaurant or party in a fuchsia cocktail dress.
Gold
A golden cocktail dress is most suitable for special occasions and secular parties. For such a dress, you should choose only discreet accessories, since the whole emphasis will be on your dress. For the less daring, there are gold trim options for white and black dresses.
Grey
A gray cocktail dress will look best at serious events. But gray is versatile and with the right look you can go anywhere in it. It goes with any color, so you can play up your look in different ways with colorful accessories.
Peach
Peach is a gentle warm girlish color. A peach-colored cocktail dress is great for dates and parties. For official events, peach color will also be appropriate.
Emerald
Emerald green is the most luxurious shade of green. He is seductive, bright and noble. Feel free to wear an emerald cocktail dress to social events.
Mint
Mint color perfectly refreshes, gives lightness and tenderness. It combines shades of emerald and light blue colors. A mint-colored cocktail dress is perfect for spring and summer.
burgundy
Burgundy color is noble, aristocratic and luxurious. It is perfect for formal occasions.
Length
Mini
Mini length cocktail dress will suit young girls with thin legs. This is a rather eccentric and revealing outfit. At the same time, the style of the skirt for such a dress can be any. The top of the dress can be closed, open, or strapless. But it is worth observing moderation, and with a mini length, it is better to choose cocktail dresses with a closed top.
Short
The short length is perfect for slender girls who want to show off their beautiful legs. From styles, you can choose dresses without straps, dresses with an asymmetrical bodice. The skirt can be fluffy, layered, pleated or tight-fitting.
Midi
Classic length for a cocktail dress. The skirt can end just above, at or just below the knee. This length looks especially good on straight-cut dresses and sheath dresses.
Long
Short skirts may not be worn to certain prestigious official events. This is where long floor-length cocktail dresses come to the rescue. In long cocktail dresses, the waist is always indicated. Belts, belts and various inserts, for example, from lace, can emphasize the waist. For brave girls, there are options for long dresses with a slit from the hip on one side. This dress will add audacity and sexuality to your image.
Fabrics and textures
Lacy
Lace cocktail dresses give the girl tenderness, femininity and coquettishness. They are perfect for dates and special occasions. The dress can be either entirely made of lace or trimmed with lace in some places. There are models with a lace skirt, lace bodice, lace sleeves. Also, various cutouts on the dress are trimmed with lace.
from chiffon
Chiffon has a light and soft texture. It will give you airiness, tenderness and grace. Perfect for festive occasions. Chiffon can be used for a skirt, top or sleeves. Chiffon is often combined with other materials.
Satin
Satin is a great material for a cocktail dress. It emphasizes the beautiful curves of the female body, looks spectacular and gives the image of femininity.Satin is a semi-silk or silk fabric, dense in texture and smooth to the touch. Satin dresses are very pleasant to wear. But satin models are not recommended for ladies who want to hide the fullness of the figure. Satin has a specific sheen that will visually increase your volume.
Guipure
Guipure is a type of lace. Its structure is denser and more rigid than that of lace. This is an openwork fabric consisting of lace elements, slightly convex. Guipure cocktail dress is perfect for going out.
Silk
Silk is rightly called the "king of fabrics". It is perfect for cocktail dresses. It is very pleasant to the body due to its smooth and delicate texture. Silk looks great in drapery dresses. Silk is also versatile. You can purchase both a thick silk model for the cold season, and a light flowing model for warm weather.
Finishing
Many materials are used as decoration for cocktail dresses. Some models are embroidered with a variety of embroidery, others are distinguished by lace inserts.
In the decoration of cocktail dresses, beads, sequins, pearls, rhinestones, beads and precious stones are still relevant.
You can choose to trim the dress with feathers. Most often, feathers trim the skirt completely or its hem. But there are also models entirely decorated with feathers. When choosing a dress with feather trim, pay attention to its quality. On an inexpensive outfit, feathers can crumble ahead of time.
With what and how to wear
Hairstyle
For corporate events with a cocktail dress, you can collect hair in a simple bun or choose a hairstyle with weaves.
For a trip to the festive events, you can pick up a high hairstyle and decorate it with various hair accessories. Loose straight or curled hair will also look good.
Shoes
Classic shoes or high-heeled sandals are perfect for any model of a cocktail dress. Neat pumps go well with strict sheath dresses. Avoid wedge shoes.
Shoes can be matched to match the dress, as well as classic shades (black, beige).
Accessories
For secular and other solemn events, complete your look with a clutch.
If necessary, emphasize the waist with a belt or belt.
For laconic models, choose voluminous jewelry or fine jewelry made of silver or gold. Along with a bright print or rich decor, pick something that is not striking, such as modest earrings or a bracelet.
You can complete your look with a hat or various hair ornaments.
For special occasions, you can pick up gloves to the elbow and above. Stole, fur boa will be a luxurious accessory for a secular party.
Stylish images
For girl
A bright red satin cocktail dress with a flared skirt and a small cutout at the bodice.
Cocktail white mini bustier dress with black flower trim. The waist is emphasized by a wide black belt.
Delicate summer strapless dress with flower print. A chiffon petticoat adds a coquettish touch to the look.
Laconic dark blue dress with a flared pleated skirt. Boat neckline perfectly emphasizes the bust and shoulder line.
For the bride
A cocktail dress for the bride is the choice of girls who appreciate modesty and conciseness.Cocktail wedding dresses often lack sleeves. It can be performed not only in white, but also in pastel shades. The emphasis can be on the neckline or on the open back. When getting married in a church, do not forget about the length - for such a case, only the length below the knee is suitable.
The most popular among brides are A-line cocktail dresses, sheath dresses, and dresses with a "sun" or "tulip" skirt. Pregnant brides are perfect for cocktail dresses in the Greek style.
Laconic sheath wedding dress with openwork top and boat neckline. The length is just below the knee, openwork sleeves ¾ length. The outfit is decorated with an openwork peplum.
Light white strapless mini dress. The bodice is decorated with white roses.
Fitted floor-length wedding dress with a cutout at the back and openwork sleeves. The belt is made with silver rhinestones. The bottom of the dress is decorated with an openwork train.
For mother of the bride
The dress for the mother of the bride should fit into the theme of the wedding ceremony and fit the silhouette of the mother.
Fitted cocktail dress with a neckline. The top of the dress is made in black chiffon, the bottom is an openwork black and white. Solemn and laconic outfit.
Exquisite dark blue openwork dress of a fitted silhouette with a small neckline and short sleeves.
A chiffon navy blue dress with batwing sleeves looks modest but elegant.
For women 40, 50 years old
At this age, women should abandon the length of the mini and plentiful decor. When choosing a dress, you should pay attention to the type of figure.
White sheath cocktail dress just above the knee. Decor around the neck and on the top of the dress. A simple and concise look that looks elegant.
An openwork gray dress of a straight silhouette, knee-length, looks solemn, but restrained.
Orange fitted dress with a length just below the knee. The asymmetry of the dress gives this model non-standard. The left sleeve is larger than the right. On the right side there is a small drapery that forms spectacular folds in the abdomen.
Fashionable novelties of famous designers
A flying pleated dress with a boat collar, flared from the chest, was presented by the Cacharel brand.
Bibhy Mohapatra showed off a fitted, strapless cocktail dress. The top of the dress is bright blue, the skirt is white and with an asymmetrical hem.
Diane fon Furstenberg for the 2016 season presented a translucent dark blue dress with a deep neckline. The waist is emphasized by a thin black belt. This model is extremely frank, and not every fashionista will have the courage to dress in it.
A navy blue silk dress from Marcus Tondo with a neckline and numerous flowing pleats looks classic.
Choice of stars
Singer Selena Gomez in a short, pale pink straight-cut dress. The model of this dress has a sleeve on one shoulder, turning into a drapery across the torso.
Actress Emma Watson chose a dark gray cocktail dress with a pleated chiffon skirt for the red carpet. The dress is decorated with an openwork bodice, a small neckline and a flower on the belt.
Singer Nicole Scherzinger chose a simple white sheath dress below the knee for the release. The outfit has one piquant detail - a large neckline on the back.
Singer Jennifer Lopez chose a blue bodycon dress to visit the red carpet. The bodice of the dress is decorated with white horizontal stripes.
Fancy cocktail dresses
Hot pink strapless cocktail dress. The skirt consists entirely of frills, reminiscent of rosebuds. The same drapery goes in the middle of the bodice.
Bustier cocktail dress with a very puffy white skirt.The decoration of half of the bodice with a dark gray openwork pattern adds a special charm to the dress. To match this finish, short openwork gloves are selected.
Emerald straight-cut dress above the knee, fully trimmed with fringes. The straps are also adorned with fringes and radiate from the center of the bodice.