Cocktail Evening Dresses

All women need certain items in their wardrobe. A great pair of perfectly fitting jeans, a white blouse to wear anywhere, and an appealing outfit that flatters their figure are just some of the things most women can't do without. One other item every woman should own is a cocktail evening dress. She should preferably have a few in her closet for those special occasions she wants to look her best.

She will need different styles for different occasions. Fundraisers or galas might require a conservative cocktail evening dress that is full length and classic in style while a prom or less formal party will allow for a sexier, daringly cut dress.

Some big department stores carry a small selection of cocktail evening dresses, unless it is prom season. The choices might be limited in variety and sizes and you may not be able to find what your want. The prices at some of the stores can be a little extravagant as well.

One option is to purchase your dress online. It can be a bit intimidating at first, since you won't be able to try the dress on or see and feel the fabric. Often different manufactures will have different sizing and it might be a problem of getting a good fit.

Most online websites have a very detailed sizing chart for their cocktail evening dresses with specific measuring instructions. The prices are often lower than your big department stores. You might be able to find two or three online for the same price as one at a department store.

Once you receive your dress, try it on. It should fit well. If it doesn't and needs minor adjustments, ask a local seamstress to alter it for a small fee.

When choosing your cocktail evening dress, here are a few tips:

First consider your body type. Try to accentuate the positives and down play the less perfect areas. Curvy, hour glass figures can wear halter style necklines with a fitted bodice while the athletic figure might opt for a more fitted gown with spaghetti straps or strapless to show of their shoulders and arms.

For larger waists, look for sweetheart necklines and drop or empire waist styles to make you look slimmer. Don't have many curves? Choose an A-line dress with cap sleeves to add femininity. Pear shaped figures can also wear A-line styles with a lower neckline.

Decide on the length of the skirt. Cocktail evening dresses can be floor length, tea-length or just above the knee.

The color of your dress should complement your skin tone. If your pale, with light hair go for light colors while dark skinned women can wear vibrant blues and reds and true white or black. Redheads look great in earthy browns, golds and oranges.

Set a budget for the maximum amount you can spend on the dress. Be sure to budget in undergarments, jewelry and shoes.

Blue Cocktail Dress

A blue and white envelope just arrived in your mailbox. Inside is an invitation to your friend's house warming party next week. She is going to have wine, cheese, hor dours, and entertainment. It's going to be a dazzling event and you know you should dress up, but you have no idea what to wear.

Deciding what to wear to any social event can be overwhelming, especially when you have party favors, decorating, and baking to worry about--in addition to your day-to-day work. Fortunately, an attractive cocktail dress is suitable for many occasions.

If you are looking for versatility, the little black dress is a classic. It's attractive, simple, and stylish. You can wear it to almost any evening occasion, and you can personalize it with high heels, jewelry, and a handbag. And the little black dress can be quite attractive--just think about Julia Roberts in "Pretty Woman," wear she wears a black cocktail dress with lace trim.

When you are shopping in search of the perfect little black dress, pay attention to the small details (below):

What to Look for in a Little Black Dress:
- Length. The dress should hit at the thinnest part of your leg above the knee.
- Cut. Make sure the dress flatters your body type. The dress should accentuate a woman's curves and waist, but never ever be too tight.
- Fabric. Jersey fabric is comfortable and stretchy, but it may not hold its shape. Invest in a dress with a soft, flattering fabric such as silk or satin.

If you prefer new, trendy styles, try an updated version of the little black dress with a modern touch.

The Little, Black Dress with a Modern Touch:
- Sleeve length: Try a sexy strapless dress. Or, try a dress with long sleeves for the winter-time.
- Tights: Wear patterned tights. Or, wear opaque tights, which are very trendy right now. Note: Opaque tights may dress down an outfit.
- V-shape: Try on dresses with a plunging V in the front to accentuate your attributes. Also, V-shaped backs can be very sexy and sophisticated.
- Lace: A black dress with lace can be very attractive and elegant. If the dress is very detailed, keep your accessories limited and wear classic makeup (red lipstick, mascara, and eye-liner).

Cocktail Dresses:
If you want to avoid black altogether, try on cocktail dresses! Cocktail dresses can be silver, plumb, gold, cream, etcetera. Wearing a stylish, colorful evening dress will make you more memorable, and it is much more festive than black. For the wintertime, try on dresses that are dark red, dark blue, ruby, gold, purple, or emerald green.

Choosing a Cocktail Dress:
To choose a unique, sexy cocktail dress, get an idea of what kinds of dresses exist. A simple online search works well. Consider dresses with lace, patterns, sequins, and satin. One-sleeved dresses and metallic are also popular, so don't shy away from them, Also, look for rich fabrics such as velvet and silk.

If you are unsure what kinds of social events and special occasions call for a cocktail dress, use the suggested guidelines below:

Occasions where a cocktail dress is recommended:
- Cruise ships
- Work-related parties (make sure the dress is knee-length and not too short)
- Semi-formal
- New Years
- Anniversary parties
- Holiday parties
- Charity events
- Dinner at an expensive restaurant

Occasions where a cocktail dress may be worn:
- Prom (cocktail dress designers make great, flirty 2009 prom dresses)
- Class reunions
- Evening weddings
- Dinner parties (ask the host in advance)
- Evenings out (to the theater, the ballet, or the Opera. Note: different parts of the

United States are more formal or more casual than others)

Events where a cocktail dresses is not recommended:
- Business dinners (know your company's culture)
- Job interviews
- White Tie events
- Quinceanera events (cocktail dresses are different than Quinceanera dresses)
Now you can take a breath, relax, and look forward to your next social event. Once you have the basic black dress and one stylish cocktail dress, you will be set to party all night long.

Women's Cocktail Dresses

For plus sizes, finding perfect plus size cocktail dresses can seem like a never ending process. Not only can it be difficult to find a cute cocktail party dress that's affordable and stylish, but it can also be a problem finding one that complements your figure. Because the average woman is a size 14, retailers the world over are starting to discover the market value for creating fashionable, affordable plus size cocktail party dresses. Thankfully for plus sizes there are more choices than ever so you'll be able to find the perfect cocktail party dress to flatter your figure.

For full figured women, velvet cocktail dresses are both stylish and chic. Velvets in jewel tones work wonders on curvy women, and work to flatter your figure not hide it. The key in wearing a velvet plus size cocktail party dress is to look for dresses that have empire wastes, flowing skirts, and/or deep scoop necks to enhance your cleavage in a tasteful way. For plus sizes, these dresses are sure to be a hit and flatter your figure beautifully.

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If you'd like to steer away from the conventional, choose a cocktail dress that takes its style cues from the 50's and 60's. These retro dresses have great accents like taffeta skirts and silk shantung. If you have shapely legs, these are the perfect plus size cocktail dresses for you because they allow you to flaunt your best assets. Pair these retro ensembles with a cute, open toe heel to look your stylish best. Just remember to forego the stilettos in favor of a chunkier, platform heel.

If you're not afraid to flaunt what you have, curvy girls can get away with wearing beautiful plus size strapless cocktail dresses. Contrary to what you may believe, full figured gals can go strapless with the right support. Make sure the dress has a built in support system, and wear a well fitting strapless bra beneath the dress. If you're a little uncomfortable showing too much skin, accessorize with a fitted shrug, small jacket or a shawl to give your outfit a boost of style and still feel comfortable.

Of course, you could always go the little black dress route. A timeless classic that never goes out of style, finding a great fitting plus size cocktail dress in black isn't difficult in the slightest. Stay away from bulky fabrics and instead opt for jersey, a wool crepe blend or lace. If you look for a sheath that hits about mid knee, you can be sure you'll always be in style. Don't be afraid to spice up your outfit with metallic heels, a decorative shrug or classic jewelry. Whatever the occasion, you'll definitely be the talk of the room when you walk in with your classic black cocktail dress.

Before, it could be hard to search for the perfect plus size cocktail party dress that was not only stylish but affordable as well. Gone are the days of dowdy frocks and tent-like dresses. Now you have the option of looking your fashionable best regardless of the occasion. So whether you prefer to spice it up in strapless or be demure in classic black, you have many options when searching for plus size cocktail dresses.

Treat yourself to a great weekend!

Hoping your weekend makes you feel as good as these guys!

Prize Antiques ~ Bottoms Up ~ Show this weekend

Time for some antique shopping! Several weekends ago I heard about a new monthly show happening here in Kansas City ~ Bottoms Up. I stopped by on a cold and snowy Saturday and was pleased to find a lovely gathering of treasures several flights up in an old warehouse ~ here are a few shots from that visit. This month's show starts tomorrow ~ go here for the details.

{sea life still life ~ puts me in the mood for some warmer weather!}

{beautiful gathering of scallop-edged mirrors}

{loved the juxtaposition of the industrial with the religious}

{one of my favorites ~ a marvelous wall of suitcases!}

Short Cocktail Dresses

Remember when you needed to find just that perfect plus size cocktail dress for the special occasion and no matter where you went or how long you looked the only choice for you was basic black?

Well times have certainly changed and for the better.

Now plus size cocktail dresses not only come in a variety of colors, but you can have your choice of fabrics and styles as well.

Rainbow of Colors

While basic black is still available for anyone who wants or needs a little black dress in a plus size, the colors of plus size dresses are no longer limited to that single color. There is an entire rainbow of colors to choose from.

Vivid reds, emeralds greens, peacock blue, and a host of pastel colors as well as those plus size cocktail dresses in metallic shades. Whatever color your heart desires you can find a dress that perfectly matches that desire.

Variety of Styles

Long sleeved, short sleeved, capped sleeved, or no sleeves at all. Scalloped or feathered hems, full skirts or straight skirts, halter tops or bare shoulders. Plus size cocktail dresses come in a variety of styles that will enhance your assets, and make you look and feel great.

Whether your personal style is classic elegance or upbeat and fun you will be able to find a style that fits your personality and mood.

Variety of Fabrics

Plus size cocktail dresses come in an amazing array of fabric materials and prints. You can choose from silk, satin, taffeta, velvet or blends of fabric that will make you feel and look beautiful.

Not only can you choose from a variety of fabrics but there is a wide variety of prints available in plus size cocktail dresses as well.

You can take a walk on the wild side with some of the latest animal prints available in plus size cocktail dresses, or look sweet and innocent in lovely flower sprigged prints.

You can glitter and outshine any woman in the room with with glittering gems, or touches of metallic threads woven through the material. There are even plus size cocktail dresses with feather and fur trim.

Range of Sizes

Plus size dresses come in a range of sizes from 16 to 34, Making it possible for any woman to dress up for that special party or occasion.

While not all styles comes in every size, there are a variety of styles in every size, making choosing the right dress and style a relatively simple process.

Range of Prices

From inexpensive to downright pricey, plus size dresses come in a range of prices that fits anyone's budget.

Depending on where and when you shop, what kinds of sales are available, or whether you prefer new or used, plus size cocktail dresses can range anywhere from around twenty-five dollars to a few hundred.

No matter what you choose, one thing is sure with the variety of colors, fashions, and fabrics all big beautiful women can dress in style. Any style they choose.