A cocktail dress is almost the main (after a down jacket) search query in all online fashion boutiques since the end of November. Still would! New Year, corporate party, friends’ birthday – in winter there are almost more reasons to dress up than in summer. Especially for those who are dizzy with sparkling variety, ELLE has compiled a list of six rules that will help you choose a dress that is perfect for the occasion.
RULE ONE: DECIDE ON THE FORMAT
“Dress-code: cocktail” – such a clarification can appear on a variety of invitations. From a corporate party to the opening of an exhibition, the wedding of a best friend or a dinner party with her husband’s relatives. And believe me, event organizers may have very different ideas about what a “cocktail” is! In order not to look dressed to the nines, not to sparkle like a Christmas tree, or not to feel inappropriately naked, study in advance who and where you are going. To a restaurant where, apart from your company, there will be other people? Or home? Or maybe a club? A lot depends on the place, the format of the event, the composition of the participants, their age, beliefs and occupation. And if you can’t figure out the details, choose a classic: a little black dress.
RULE TWO: REMEMBER ABOUT SEASONALITY
Designers have been telling us for years that the seasons are a convention, but believe me, the hosts of the party you are going to may not share their views. If you don’t want to attract astonished (and even condemning) looks, you should not show up to Christmas dinner in barefoot sandals and a sundress with a bright floral print. Conversely, at a summer party, a dress with fur details will look strange and ridiculous. An appropriate option for the cold season is closed shoes and a dress in soothing colors, without obvious summer ornaments. Decor with fur or sparkling elements is acceptable, as well as bright scarlet (Christmas hue!) details, but not required.
RULE THREE: IF IN DOUBT, SIMPLIFY
If you really don’t know anything about the place, or about the hosts and their tastes, or about the guests, choose a simple outfit. A closed and elegant sheath dress (without patterns and lush decor), a shirt dress (without lace and translucent linen) or a fitted knitted dress (smooth, without textured knitting) are a few options that are difficult to get into a mess with. Take a bright brooch or massive earrings with you – both are now at the height of fashion: if the event turns out to be more solemn than you expected, then the jewelry will come in handy, and if not, then they may remain in your purse. But too bright shades, an abundance of lace, a complex asymmetrical cut and contrasting decor threaten to put you in an awkward position.
RULE FOUR: AVOID EXTREME
Too deep neckline, provocative cutouts, transparent inserts – all this is good if you are J. Lo and are going to pose for the paparazzi on the red carpet. In all other cases, we advise you not to be zealous with “undressing”, unless you want your body parts to become the main theme of the party. Shamefully covering your neckline with a glass, holding a miniskirt when you sit down, or forever tightening falling straps – all these movements are unlikely to add charm to you.
RULE FIVE: NO BIG BAGS
A social event is not at all an event where you need a laptop, and a diary, and a cosmetic bag, and a scarf, as well as a dozen other little things that turn a bag into a biceps trainer. Therefore, the main accessory rule is no trunks, only a small handbag or clutch. Nothing but a phone, wallet and powder! By the way, if your dress is concise and restrained, a spectacular clutch can become a necessary accent, and if the dress is already elegant, then a minimalist model will come in handy.
RULE SIX: PRACTICAL LAYERING
But what if you are in the office all day, where there is a strict dress code, and in the evening you go to a social event? Carry a whole set of clothes with you? Not necessary! Make outfits-“transformers”: for example, put on a strict jacket over a luxurious jumpsuit, and an elegant cardigan or pullover over a dress with an asymmetrical skirt. A trouser suit can be easily turned into a cocktail outfit thanks to a brooch and/or a silk blouse or an embroidered top, while accessories or a peplum will decorate a classic sheath dress.
