The Do's and Don’ts of Shopping For Cocktail Dresses

Cocktail dresses are simple yet elegant choices for just about any occasion. Whether you’re going to a friend’s wedding, a work-related function, or a night out at a classy venue, the cocktail dress can be worn with heels and other accessories to accentuate your best features and turn plenty of heads. However, there are some do’s and dont’s you should consider before shopping for a cocktail dress. Whether you’re looking for a little black dress or an A-line dress, these rules still apply. Keep reading to learn the dos and don’ts of cocktail dress shopping.

Do Know Your Shape

The first thing you’ll want to know if your shape. Are you a triangle shape, pear shape, rectangle, or apple shape? Knowing your body shape will help you choose a dress that not only fits comfortably but also accentuates your best features in the perfect way. You must tailor your choices to meet the specific needs of your body shape. If you don’t know what your shape is, you can find descriptions of each body shape here.

Once you know your shape, you can choose a type of cocktail dress to best match your specific body needs and your style. The little black cocktail dress is a favorite among ladies of all shapes and sizes, as its both slimming and sexy, not to mention it pretty much matches any accessories you can pair it with. A pair of high heels is just the thing to iron out the look and make you the center of attention at your next function.

Taking the time to figure out what your body shape is will benefit you in all of your shopping, not just when shopping for cocktail dresses. The same clothing size can fit differently depending on the shape of the wearer.

Do Know Your Exact Size

Along with knowing your exact body shape, you’ll want to also know your exact size. Getting measured at a clothing store is probably your best option, but you can also use this handy guide to measure yourself if you’d rather just do it at home. Getting proper measurements ensures that you know what you’re looking for when you go shopping. Assuming you’re a certain size usually means more time spent on returns, exchanges, and plenty of frustration when things don’t fit correctly.

If you’re a plus size gal, you’ll definitely need to know your exact size, considering most department stores and clothing outlets don’t even carry plus size options (at least not stylish dresses). In this case, you’ll want to try 11 Honore’s designer plus size clothing for options that are both stylish and will fit correctly. Just be sure you know what size you are!

Your size will dictate the options that are available to you, and may actually eliminate certain outlets or retailers from the mix altogether. Unfortunately, most of the clothing world is still struggling to catch up to plus size ladies, but online retailers are making sure that even the size 34s in the world can feel beautiful in stylish clothing.

Do Know the Occasion You’re Buying For

The occasion makes a pretty big difference in which cocktail dress you purchase as well. You won’t want the same dress for a work occasion (do you really want your boss to see you in an ultra-short cocktail dress?) as you would for a night on the town. Formal occasions will require something with a bit more elegance and grace, and normally, shorter-length dresses and those that are low-cut aren’t appropriate for such occasions. That being said, it’s your choice what you wear! These are simply suggestions. Fashion is all about expressing oneself, so if you want to wear a short dress to your work gathering, go right ahead!

11 Honore’s plus size cocktail dresses are great for any occasion, with only the best in design and style available from the plus size retailer. The site has plenty of high-end brands and experienced designers behind its clothing options, so no matter what you’re looking for, you’ll have plenty to choose from.

Don’t Carry an Oversized Bag

Carrying an oversized handbag can distract from your cocktail dress and honestly, just looks tacky. Choose a smaller bag or purse if you must carry one at all, and keep the focus on the elegance of your dress. Whether you’re sporting the little black dress or a more eccentric look such as a lace cocktail dress, the smaller the handbag, the better.

Conclusion

Finding a great cocktail dress isn’t rocket science, and with so many outlets available, even plus size ladies will be able to find stylish options as well. Remember to follow these do’s and don’ts to maximize your cocktail dress look and avoid endless returns and exchanges. Know your size, shape, occasion, and limit your accessories to simple matching ones.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes.