Casual strapless dresses are a staple in every woman's wardrobe. After all, this fashion piece is practically made for formal and semi-formal occasions, whether they're black-tie events, weddings, or, of course, cocktail parties. Plus, it can always be worn on dates, so you feel extra cute for the night.
Planning to buy one for an upcoming event? If you're having a hard time finding the right cocktail dresses for you, keep in mind that not all women are the same; each has their own body type and style, and that includes you.
To help you out, this blog will teach you everything you need to know about choosing the right cocktail dress. This way, you can get the piece that will allow you to fully bring out the glamor of wearing one.
Your Body Type
When buying clothes, the first thing to consider is your structure. You'll want the dress to flatter your figure. Here's how you can do that based on your body type.
- Pear: This is where the lower body is bigger than the upper half. If you have this type, go with dresses that feature your shoulders, face, and chest, such as halters with deep necklines. The skirt should fit around your waist and have a loose lower end.
- Inverted Triangle: This type has a slim hip and wider top. Think of it as the opposite of pear. If you have an inverted triangle shape, put more emphasis on your waist and draw people's eyes away from your shoulders by wearing spaghetti straps and cap sleeves. As for the skirt, go ahead and have fun picking what you like.
- Apple: This type puts more emphasis on the bust. While covering your curves with loose garments might be tempting, showcasing your silhouette allows your figure to shine through. Also, go with full skirts so you can balance out your top-heavy shape.
- Hourglass: This type is where the shoulders and hips are around the same ratio. If you have an hourglass figure, avoid wearing baggy or loose-fitting clothes. Instead, highlight your shape with a fitted or strapless dress and pencil skirt.
- Rectangle: This body type doesn't have any emphasized curves. If you have this figure, you're free to highlight your favorite feature, whether it's your bust, hips, or waist. You can also add curvature with sweetheart necklines, or go with dresses with off-center embellishments and pleats.
The Occasion
Now that you have an idea of how to showcase your best features, the next thing to do is to know which one to buy. It mostly depends on where you're going.
Casual: Whether you'll be wearing the dress for work, a date, a party, or just to look cute at home, you don't want to be over- or underdressed. The following are perfect for casual and semi-formal events:
- Skirt and Blouse
- Cocktail Suit
- Knee-length Dress
Formal: This is where you can bring out your long dresses. For formal occasions, you'll want heads to turn - and for good reasons. If it's a wedding, avoid wearing white because that's reserved for the bride. Black is also a no-go since it's somber. Meanwhile, for black-tie parties, any color will do as long as you're sticking to the theme.
You can also try a cowl neck dress or plunge dress if the event is lax about what to wear. And, avoid skin-tight pants and tank tops as they're unfit for any cocktail party. Head over to COMPANY to choose from their latest selections.