Darlings, it’s that time again.
Everyone gets engaged and premature summer loving is in full swing, hello cocktail parties! It’s a sophisticated work affair that requires your utter most attention, hello cocktail party! You have a family celebratory engagement or you need to impress your partner’s family, hello cocktail party!
Sure cocktail parties sound fun to begin with but searching for ensembles that fit the required dress code or expectations can be a little daunting- no one likes to turn up to overdressed or to underdressed for that matter.
Here is your essential guide on how to succeed with your cocktail ensemble and is a rule book that will never go out of fashion.
The dress
Dresses are essential to ultimately achieving your cocktail party fashion goal. Sure playsuits, shorts or even cropped trousers are cute but we begin to question their appropriateness- however this is dependent on the event. Keep it simple is a go to phrase when picking the perfect dress however simple does not mean boring.
Experiment with SS14 colours and minimalistic patterns to show you are on trend and a complete fashionista whether the other guest realize it or not.
Plain and embellished would be my perfect vision and I have previously embraced this. I love this Topshop dress, not too pricey and perfect for outfit repeating. The neckline is flattering and the dress is not too long, something you should definitely take into consideration when picking the appropriate attire. Stay away from minis and floor length (unless the dress code requires this). Choosing a block colour leaves plenty of room for accessorizing.
My most important piece of advice is a cocktail dress is not a bridesmaid dress despite what retail assistants may say.
More cocktail dresses below:
The Shoes
Points are perfect for cocktail parties. Platform or rounded court shorts can sometime look a little less sophisticated with a cocktail gown. White and pink pointed courts are very in and many of us cannot afford our own pair or Manolo Blahnik’s so there are plenty of high street alternatives- they are everywhere.
For more shoes options, see below:
The Jacket
Jacket or no jacket? It is too difficult to decide, however a tailored blazer or cropped tailored jacket can look both flattering and gorgeous. Light blues and baby pinks are on trend and you will find them in all your favourite high street stores Topshop, River Island, Miss Selfridge. Jackets can look lovely whilst also being practical however they are not a necessity. A jacket can dress your entire outfit up or down which helps when wearing it multiple times.
Check out these jackets perfect for a cocktail party!
The bag
Accessorize, 65 Euro
Clutches are everything. As nice as your Celine or Louis are, they are inappropriate to pair with your outfit. If your dress is simple go for something a little more embellished and sparkly. Accessorize and Asos are the most perfect and popular places for these. If you are wearing black or white add a pop of colour and equally do so with your shoes to make you outfit a little more vibrant rather than understated.
More clutches below:
Jewellery
Tiffany, $2,900
In events like these is where you should wear your finest jewellery, so it’s time to take your Tiffany or Links of London out of the box and wear it with pride. Avoid lots of excessive jewellery as it can sometimes ruin an outfit when too little becomes too much. Dress jewellery is also perfectly acceptable however make sure it completely matches your dress and shoes as you do not want this minimal decision to ruin your ensemble.
Jewellery options below:
Hair
wifestylesblog.com
I would say hair is dependent on your style and the shape of the dress. Whilst halter or strappy dresses would look fabulous with up dos, strapless dresses usually look a little classier with hair down, whether sleek and straight or flawless loose ringlets.
Read more about Hair Trends Spring Summer 2014!
Make up
Yves Saint Laurent, £25
First of all a tan, looks gorgeous no matter what colour you are wearing, so I would definitely advise a spray tan as it will complete your look unless you are naturally tanned in which case you are extremely lucky. Make up should be kept minimal think pinks and neutrals and stay away from harsh colours. Pastel lips are perfect for the Spring/Summer months and look sassier and sexier than lipsticks however this is all outfit dependent.
Read more about Makeup Trends for Spring/Summer 2014!
Nails
Butter London, £12
As for nails many would expect you to have that perfect French manicure or wear nude colours, however I believe this is an opportunity to flaunt the hottest nail colours. I believe there can never be a time where particular nail colours become inappropriate. It all depends on the colour of your dress and moreover the colour of your accessorises. For example with this gorgeous Topshop piece I would wear a fuchsia pink to match a fuchsia lip-gloss adding a pop of colour and excitement.
Stick to this guide darlings and you will have the most glamorous night and become the fashion Queen of cocktail parties, another event you have mastered.
Feature image: pexels.com
