Cocktail dresses are frothy, appealing and arresting. Alsoreferred to as a cocktail gown, this garment comes in a variety of shapes,sizes and lengths. Depending on the current fashion trends or wardrobeacceptability, the length of a cocktail dress varies. Some cocktail dressesstop just above the knee, while other selections end around two inches fromabove the ankle, known as a tea length cocktail dress. When a cocktail dresstouches the ankle, it is "ballerina length" - this is commonly associatedwith being an evening gown, with the differences between the two hard to tell.

Selecting the right attire:

Today, cocktail dresses come in an array of beautifulmaterials, with silk, satin, and chiffon being the most popular choice. Selectionof appropriate color plays an important role in finalizing a dress. The colorsdiffer as per the season the dress is worn in. Floral prints, pale green,yellow are more suitable for summer, whereas darker shades look more gracefulduring chilling winter. Though black is a universally accepted dress code forcocktail dresses, jewel-tones, and bright shades translate well to this outfit.The most popular choices are the well-known "little black dress". Shoshanna,Cynthia Rowley, Jil Stuart, Betsey Johnson, Tracy Reese, Anne Klein, Marc byMarc Jacobs, and BCBG Max Azria are a few to name; offering popular dresscollections.

Most of the cocktail dresses are plain, and it depends onthe wearers' preference to accessorize and get the 'all the more appealing'look. The apparel should be accompanied by flattering jewelry, handbags, andother accessories to give the wearer an appealing look. Right pair of shoes shouldalso be selected to set off a cocktail dress, especially if the wearer is sportingan outfit in short length; shoes become an important focal point. Thesilhouette of the apparel should be adjusted to fit the figure of the woman,keeping the top and waist slim and fit; for the choicest look. It should bekept in mind that the dress should not to too tight and should not pullanywhere.

Trend Radar:

• Halter top necklines: These necklines will become popular going with the woman who is tall. The diagonal running to the neck divides the shoulders and makes them look broader. This makes the waistline appear smaller and the gives a 'swan like' look to the neck. Traditional V-cut apparels charm the attention to the bust.

• Asymmetrical handkerchief and jagged hemlines: They are back in style. They give a fresh and new look in mid calf length, but they also make the legs appear shorter. Similarly jagged skirts break the line of the leg and give them a shorter look. Petite women should avoid these patterns. This pattern should be worn with fewer jags where the highest and lowest part of the hemline is only couple of inches apart. The hemlines should be of mini skirt, or knee length.

• Flowing skirts: Flowing skirts in chiffon, silk and cotton, are showing up everywhere in the season; especially in floral prints and sherbet-hued solids. Empire waisted baby doll dresses suppress short women and give them the 'school girl' look. Form fitting chiffon dresses will be in vogue without using yards of fabric.

• Loose strips: Strips of fabric and ribbon are to be seen all over dresses this season, hanging from the waist, and shoulders. But this style would not suit women with shorter height as it will make them look bulk and heavier.

• Party Dresses: The current season foresees big circle skirts which are flattering to almost any figure to make a comeback. This is the best trend for those who like romance. Big and fluffy circle skirts will be the hot trend for the season. Form fitting tops and full skirts, white and lacy outfits laden with pink roses will be in fashion.

• Sheaths: Sheaths will be a strong style for this spring. Hot trends will be seen in solid hues; textured or brocaded with halter top or strapless look.

Cocktail dresses with their glitz and gloss sets the tone for the day. Classic, stylish and season less, the dress encompasses simple elegance like no other fashion attire. The outfit has an ultimate versatility and makes the woman feel beautiful, and fashionable.

References:

1. &sec=article&uinfo=<%=server.URLEncode(1789)%>" target="_blank">http://www.onlygowns.com/
2. &sec=article&uinfo=<%=server.URLEncode(1789)%>" target="_blank">http://fashion.about.com
3. &sec=article&uinfo=<%=server.URLEncode(1789)%>" target="_blank">http://www.essortment.com