Then, you can filter your search results and not waste time considering dresses you know you won’t like. If you’re open when it comes to the color of your dress, it’s a good idea to make a list of the shades and patterns to avoid while browsing. If you know you have just a few colors you want to consider, you’re already ahead of this step. For example, do you typically get hot when you dance at parties? If so, it’s probably best to stay away from velvet and other heavy fabrics. Think about the events that you’ll be typically wearing your dress to and try your best to plan accordingly.

The material for your cocktail dress should be comfortable and also season-appropriate. While cocktail dresses are typically above the knee, if a shorter dress makes you nervous, it’s a good idea to look specifically for a dress with a comfortable hemline. Keep the length of your dream dress in mind as well. Likewise, if there are dress cuts that you know you don’t like, make a list for filtering purposes. If there are certain necklines or silhouettes that make you feel confident, start there. Whether you’re getting your dress for a specific event, or you just want a go-to dress for when you get an invitation, the most important thing to think about is what makes you feel good. Step 2: Think About What Makes You Feel ConfidentĬocktail dresses are an extremely versatile category and can come in just about any silhouette and length. Keep in mind that you’ll likely want to buy new shoes and accessories to pair with your dress, so have a budget in mind for those, too. Have a rough budget in mind, and don’t look at anything too cheap or too expensive, as this will just lead to wasted time. Now that you’ve got a good idea of what trends you might want to incorporate (or leave on the rack), follow these steps to finding that perfect dress! Step 1: Choose Your Budget These sets can come in just as much neckline and silhouette variation as regular cocktail dresses, but being two pieces make them stand out from the crowd! Since cocktail dresses tend to be less formal than a gown, a two-piece set is just as versatile as a traditional dress.

Two-Piece SetsĪn often-overlooked cocktail dress option is actually a two-piece set! Two-piece sets typically consist of a cropped top and a high-waisted skirt which will almost certainly show a playful sliver of midriff. One-shoulder cocktail dresses can be sleeveless, or they can have a long sleeve for a more dramatic look.Īccessories are very important to keep in mind for this trend, as pendants and large bags can clash or make the dress look unbalanced. The asymmetrical one-shoulder trend is a great option to keep in mind if drawing attention to your arms, collarbones, and shoulders makes you feel confident. Whether you want just a hint of fringe, or you’re after more dramatic fringe layers, like Taylor Swift, this trend will have you dancing all night! One-Shoulder Since the phrase “cocktail dress” can be left up to interpretation, let’s look at the top trends for 2023 to get some ideas to start with! Fringeįringe accents are fabulous for adding a bit of movement to your cocktail dress making them great for places you expect to dance! The most popular placement for fringe is around the skirt, but they can still appear on sleeves and even around your midriff. The kind of dress you choose can say a lot about you, so here are this year's top cocktail dress trends as well as the steps to help you choose your perfect dress. A cocktail dress is truly versatile because it can be worn to an after-work party, a wedding, a school reunion, and a birthday celebration, and still be appropriate!

Cocktail dresses were once a trend reserved for the elite and rich of the world, but they’re now a staple in most wardrobes.

Mint green cocktail dress