Three Tips for Choosing a Short Cocktail Dress

You have been invited to a cocktail party and need to find the right dress for the occasion. But the right dress for a cocktail party is not limited to the traditional little black dress. Cocktail dresses vary widely in hemline, sleeve length, color, fabric, and design. In the past, getting advice from a dress store salesperson might have been the place to start. But more and more retail purchases occur online. In fact, a survey in 2017 indicated that the top-selling online product was women's apparel. With this in mind, here are three tips for choosing a short cocktail dress:

The Length Should Match the Occasion

There is an old joke about short dresses and term papers - they should both be long enough to cover the subject but short enough to be interesting. According to some style experts, the length is dictated by the occasion. A long cocktail dress is appropriate for formal cocktail parties, while a short cocktail dress is appropriate for semi-formal or casual cocktail parties. So, for a formal cocktail party, a cocktail dress that is below the knee but above the floor is appropriate. For a semi-formal or casual cocktail party, a cocktail dress that is above the knee would be appropriate. How far above the knee? One rule of thumb is that a short cocktail dress should be no higher than the fingertips when the arm is extended downward.

The Material Should Match the Level of Care You Can Give It

Regardless of the length, experts agree that cocktail dresses should be free from wrinkles. For those who can take the time to iron or steam their cocktail dresses (or have the money to pay a dry cleaner to press their cocktail dresses), any material, including cotton or linen, will do. For those looking for a short cocktail dress with lower upkeep, cocktail dresses made from acrylic, Spandex blend, microfiber, Lycra blend, or a fabric treated with a wrinkle resistant finish will remain wrinkle-free even when packed in a suitcase.

Accessories Should Complement the Dress

As a general rule, accessories should be used sparingly with a cocktail dress. Some style experts recommend nothing more than fine jewelry, such as earrings, a necklace, and rings, plus one statement piece so the accessories do not detract from the dress or distract the eye. Generally, a longer necklace can be worn with a cocktail dress having a V-shaped neckline while a cocktail dress with a round neckline usually calls for a shorter necklace. Interestingly, some style experts suggest choosing accessories to change the style of a cocktail dress. For example, different jewelry, shoes, and hair accessories can make the same cocktail dress work for many different occasions.

In summary, a cocktail dress can be the right apparel for any occasion. A short cocktail dress above the knee but below the fingertips is appropriate for casual and semi-formal events. A long cocktail dress below the knee is appropriate for formal events. Cocktail dresses should be wrinkle-free, whether from ironing, pressing, steaming, or buying a cocktail dress made from wrinkle-free material. Accessories should complement the cocktail dress by remaining simple and matching, rather than detracting from, the cocktail dress. However, accessories can also be used to give a cocktail dress a different look for different occasions.