A Fashion Guide to the Right Cocktail Dresses For You

Cocktail dresses are for sultry evenings and sizzling nights. Whatever be the occasion, there is nothing like a beautiful cocktail dress to make it even more charming and delightful. Fashion magazines and celebs can make just about any cocktail dress look exquisite, but you might find it a little frustrating to see that even the very same dress is making you feel awkward. And if you are feeling self-conscious and uncomfortable, chances are that you will be looking it too!

So how do you go about choosing a cocktail dress that will boost your confidence and make you feel captivating? To put first things first, you need to choose a dress that will accentuate your best features and cover the flaws. We don’t all have an hourglass figure, so the most basic thing we need to do is determine what our body shape is and then choose a dress that will enhance it.

? Pear shaped – This means that you have a slender frame, a small bust, an elongated torso, and hips and thighs that are proportionally larger than the waist and torso. For those with this body shape, A-line skirts and empire waistlines can work wonders. You can also add padded shoulders to create a sense of balance. When it comes to colors, it is always advisable to select a two-toned dress. The brighter or lighter color should be above the waistline, and the darker shade below

. ? Round shaped – For those with a slightly larger-than-average appearance and slender lower legs, it is crucial to select soft fabrics that drape well and don’t just hang or cling. V-necks and other plunging necklines will work well with this body shape and such dresses also give you the option of wearing neck jewelry to keep the attention focused on your face. What you must avoid are loose, shapeless, ill-fitting clothes. It can take quite a bit of effort to resist the urge, but keep in mind the fact that loose clothing will only make you appear more voluminous.

? Straight shaped – If you have a relatively boyish figure with few visible curves, you should ideally go with a cocktail dress that has a sequined or jeweled belt. Remember that you need to draw attention to the waist, so as to create an illusion of curves. This can also be done to pretty much the same effect by using a stylish ribbon to cinch the waist. A cocktail suit with a jacket can also be a good idea. However, you need to steer clear of boxy jackets and tube dresses as they will only add to the straight, non-curvy look.

? Inverted triangle – This body shaped is defined by broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and thin hips. It might be a little tricky to create the illusion of symmetry, but some styles that never fail on such body shapes are flared skirts and asymmetrical hemlines. You should ideally buy dresses with a simple top and a comparatively jazzier lower half. This way, you can keep the attention away from the top half of your body.

 ? Hourglass shape – In a word, this indicates a voluptuous figure. To de-emphasize your abundant curves, you should choose clothes that have a smooth and slightly loose fit. Go for dresses with short sleeves and monotone color schemes. If you find the look boring, you can try dressing it up with flashy jewelry. Once you have the style in place, it becomes relatively simpler to get the right cocktail dress. So quit worrying about the perfect figure and look and feel like a star instead!