Cocktail Dress: Not the little black dress

A cocktail dress or cocktail gown is a woman’s dress worn at cocktail parties, semi-formal, or “black tie” occasions. Did you know that Christian Dior was the first to use the term "cocktail dress" to refer to early evening wear, in the late 1940s? While you can't go wrong with the quintessential little black dress, it may sometimes come across as boring and playing it safe. Wearing the right cocktail dress can enhance your assets and play down your flaws, plus they stand out from the sea of black dresses. With so many different styles, designs and even colours to choose from, shopping for a cocktail dress can be a little daunting. Before you go shopping, first understand your body shape and type.

Women’s Clothes: Dress for your body type

Pear shaped ladies should toss away the tight straight skirt in favor of an a- line skirt or empire waistline to de-emphasize the lower half of your body. Add padded shoulders to balance the top and bottom. Select a two-toned dress with the lighter or brighter color above the waist and the darker tone below the waist. Hourglass shaped ladies, lucky you! But if there’s a need to de- emphasize your voluptuous, abundant curves, you can do so by shedding tight-fitting clothing in favour of one with a looser, smoother fit. Monotone colors work best by providing a sense of continuity from head to toe. Draw as much attention away from your bust and hips as possible by accessorizing with jewelry high on the neckline. If your clothing is monotone, you can wear flashier earrings as well, which draws attention to the face and away from the body. For ladies with a straight figure, wrap or surplice tops help to give definition to the waist, which might otherwise get lost in a dress. Cinch the waist using a belt or sash.

Browse through Zalora Singapore’s online collection of cocktail dresses and enjoy free local shipping with every purchase!