Cocktail dress – shortened women’s clothes for special occasions without a collar and sleeves. It was appear in US times of “Prohibition of alcohol”. At that time, a party with drinks was held in private homes or secret bars. At these places were served alcohol, played jazz, and people went there to have a fun and dating. Such events requires a particular form of smart clothing: a less formal and elegant than the evening, but the more fanciful and flamboyant than casual. Thus was born a cocktail dress.

Initially, this dress barely overlap the knees, was based on latest trends of fashion and expensive, but not luxurious, fabrics. For cocktail dresses were relied special accessories: small purses, embroidered with beads, where was placed only money and powder-box, open shoes with straps under the color of her dress, long, up to the elbow, gloves. By 30th year, due to taste and perseverance of Coco Chanel, “little black dress” – sample cocktail attire “is always at hand” – has become a permanent part of every woman’s wardrobe.

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Where to wear cocktail dress?

Cocktail dress is now the standard attire for special occasions:

A corporate party in honor of the anniversary of the firm

Family celebration

A national holiday or a meeting of the New Year

Cocktail dress is designed for visiting reputable nightclubs and casinos, or for a meeting in a restaurant and absolutely not suitable for discos, friendly gatherings, picnics or children’s parties. Typically, it is dress for the official commemorations.

Fundamentals of style.

These days, cocktail dress should be small, modest, well seated, made from good fabric (not necessarily black or velvet). Style – the elegant and feminine.These principles must not be neglected, since the outfit – is the part of the festive protocol. Cocktail dress – short, without the lavish decoration in contrast to the gala evening gowns. Length – about the knee.

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Usually a cocktail dress has no sleeves and collar, but we should not forget one “magic” rule: The more clothes are open bottom, the more they should be closed on top, and vice versa.
The traditional colors for winter are black and red, but also actively used deep blue and purple. From the materials choose velvet or satin.

Accessories

In winter, bare shoulders usually covered with tippet. With an open dress can be worn silk evening coat or bolero.
Very important elements in cocktail attire are the shoes and stockings or tights. Shoes should be a sleek, classic shape, with a closed toe and under the color of dress.It is not recommended to wear socks in the mesh or patterned and solid opaque tights with cocktail dress.
When buying a handbag, you should preference handbag on a chain (it should reel on your wrist) and flat bags, purses (which is clamped under his arm, elbow), leaving your hand for free action. Bag should not necessarily be the same color as the dress.
To choose a successful combination select dress and shoes of the same color, but choose another color for purse and tippet.
Jewelry need to be minimized. Pearls remain ideal as a decoration for all occasions.