So you’ve been invited to a party, and the dress code is cocktail attire. What does this mean, and how can you make sure your accessories highlight your taste and elegance in fashion?
Don’t panic, we have a few easy-to-follow tips to help you shine without looking like you put too much effort into it. In today’s article, we’ll go through the five elements that create a classy cocktail attire: dress, jewelry, handbag, makeup, and shoes.
1. The Perfect Cocktail Attire
The typical cocktail dress is knee-length and can have any color you think fits your skin tone best. However, if you’re not sure or if the event is more formal, you should stick to an all-time classic – the little black dress.
If the event is less formal, you can wear a flowery dress (for outdoors during the hot season) or an elegant pantsuit (for the cold season). Regardless of your option, avoid mini or maxi dresses (these don’t fit the cocktail attire pattern). Also, check out these mistakes to avoid when shopping for a party dress.
If the event is fancy, you can break out the beads and sequins. After all, this may be the perfect occasion to shine!
2. Jewelry
There’s nothing to highlight your dress and features better than a well-chosen piece of jewelry. However, make sure to keep it simple and never combine materials! Mis-matching materials and lots of jewelry pieces don’t look classy or elegant.
If you want to make a positive impression, choose a statement piece, like a necklace or a ring, and complement it with several smaller pieces. For instance, if you’re planning on wearing a little black dress, you should check this collection of A+ quality Emerald rings for women and see if any of them catches your eye.
You can add a set of emerald earrings and a beautiful bracelet, and you’ll be the focus of the evening.
3. Handbag
Besides being a fashion accessory, your handbag also has to contain your smartphone, makeup, wallet, and other important items that a girl can’t leave home without. However, this time, you can’t get your trusted shoulder bag since it wouldn’t fit your delicate dress and jewelry.
Instead, learn from some of the most elegant women of our times and choose a clutch that fits your accessories.
For instance, if you chose silver for your jewelry, choose a metallic clutch. On the other hand, if you have a pair of shoes that stand out, it’s best to match your clutch with them. Keep in mind that the clutch is a type of purse that’s perfect for fancy events since it comes in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors.
4. Makeup and Nails
These are the finishing touches to your elegant cocktail attire, so don’t overdo it. Choose neutral colors that highlight your eyes in a subtle and classy way. For the lips and nails, you can choose red. Your dress is black (for a pop of color), but if you’re wearing bright colors, stick with neutral.
If you’re not comfortable painting your lips and nails, a discreet gloss and transparent nail polish will do the job just fine.
5. Shoes
Your shoes must work well with the dress and look good on your feet, so make sure to choose them with tremendous care. The best designs are pumps, peep toes, or strappy heels, but you can also go in flats if they’re elegant.
When it comes to color, think about the entire outfit. Is your dress colorful, or do you have a pop of color in your jewelry or makeup? If not, your shoes are the perfect way to make the outfit sparkle. On the other hand, if your dress is colorful or you’re wearing statement jewelry, a pair of black pumps may work best.
Wrap Up
The main rule of an elegant outfit is less is more. However, this doesn’t mean you should be afraid to add a pop of color or an impressive piece of jewelry. The secret is to make sure everything goes well together.