How To Style Dress For A Cocktail Party With Curvy Lane

How To Style Dress For A Cocktail Party With Curvy Lane

Getting an invite to an event is exciting. Who doesn't love to dress for a party? However, the excitement can turn into uncertainty when you face the age-old dilemma: 'What do I wear to the party?’ It becomes more confusing when the party isn't really formal, but also not casual. What do you wear then? Simple, a cocktail party dress! 

We will discuss cocktail dresses and share tips on how to style a cocktail party dress to express yourself elegantly. 

What is a cocktail party dress?

Before discussing cocktail dress attire for women, let's backtrack a century to understand the origin of cocktail attire. The popularity of cocktail wear for women became popular in the 1920s when women started breaking the stereotypical 'women's attire' in the Edwardian era (source). Women began wearing shorter hemlines and designs that aligned more with their style. So, a cocktail party dress is all about being comfy, stylish, and, most importantly, yourself! 

Cocktail dresses are a sweet spot between formal and casual dress, which also helps you express your individuality. We are ditching the long gowns and miniskirts to make the outfit for a semi-formal party at the office, with family, or with your friends. 

How to style a cocktail party dress for curvy women?

The confusion of 'what to wear to cocktail party' and 'how to style a cocktail dress' often goes hand in hand. So, here are a few tips to style your cocktail party dress. 

Find the right dress for you!

No amount of styling can look appealing if the dress doesn't fit you right. Therefore, the first tip is to find a dress that fits your body shape. Being plus-size makes this step daunting. But trust us, it's now! Once you have your body measurements, you can identify your body shape, such as pear, hourglass, inverse triangle, apple, or rectangular. 

Your body shape can help you pick a dress that accentuates your curves. For example, A-line and fit-and-flare dresses are suitable for pear and rectangular-shaped bodies, while a wrap dress looks stunning on an hourglass body type to flaunt those beautiful curves. So, choose a dress that fits your body type! 

Wrinkle-free fabrics for the win!

Wrinkles or creases on a dress are a NO-NO (yes, in all caps!) for cocktail parties. They can make your perfectly styled outfit look dull. So, choose a fabric that doesn't crease easily. A few popular fabrics for cocktail dresses are crepe, velvet, and satin. All our dresses are made with premium fabric, so you can dress without worrying about creases dulling your shine. Avoid denim and cotton as they can crease and don't align with the cocktail party aesthetic. 

Accessories that complement rather than contradict  

Accessories are the complementing element and not the star of your outfit. Thus, you should choose accessories that blend and accentuate the beauty of your dress. A single statement or a few minimalist jewellery pieces are sufficient for a cocktail party. Avoid adding too many clashing jewellery that can overshadow the dress. You can choose jewellery that aligns with the party or expresses your style. Invest in high-quality earrings, rings, pendants, and bracelets for better styling. 

You can add a sleek belt to structure the dress for better styling. You can carry an elegant clutch or one with minimal shimmer that complements your outfit. 

Footwear that matches the cocktail vibe

Footwear can make or break the outfit's appeal. The cocktail party calls for sleek and classy footwear, such as heels, loafers, or strappy sandals, depending upon the party theme and your comfort. You can choose heels or sandals for relaxed gatherings or a wedding cocktail party. While for more semi-formal events, loafers can help you feel comfortable while creating an elegant look. You can choose a matching colour or contrasting colour based on your style. 

Colour chemistry must be harmonious 

Colour is critical for cocktail party dresses. Dark shades, such as black, burgundy, or emerald, are well-known for evening dresses for plus-size women. However, you can also choose pastel shades for joyous events. Avoid too bright and flashy colours. 

Stunning plus-size cocktail dress for women at Curvy Lane! 

Finding a plus-size cocktail dress can be tricky. But with Curvy Lanes, you can find a dress that fits you and your style! Our versatile collection has party wear dresses, sequin dresses, midi dresses, and more available in sizes L to 7XL and we can make it up to 13XL based on your needs. Explore our website for more such stunning plus-size clothing for women! 

If you found a dress that is almost perfect for you but needs some changes, we have got you covered! Our team can help you customize the dress's design, colour, and more. Contact us with your customization requests, and we will make your dream dress a reality. 

Conclusion 

Finding the perfect cocktail party dress is just the first step. The real magic happens when you style them to create an elegant outfit that expresses your style. Firstly, you need to choose a dress that complements your body type and is comfortable for the party. Ensure you select velvet, satin, and crepe fabrics to avoid creasing. Choose jewellery and a clutch that blends with your dress instead of contradicting it. Footwear such as loafers and heels is ideal for cocktail parties. Choose a colour based on the occasion and colour scheme (if any). Explore Curvy Lane's plus-size cocktail dresses now! 

FAQ 

What to wear to a cocktail party?

For a cocktail party, you can wear classic midi dresses, such as an A-line or wrap dress, trousers with silk blouses, or a jumpsuit. Choose a comfortable outfit that aligns with your style. Fabrics like satin, velvet, crepe, or sequin are best for cocktail parties. 

How to style a cocktail party dress for a plus-size woman?

When styling for a cocktail party, choose a dress that fits your body type and doesn't crease. Next, select a colour that aligns with the theme of the party. Choose sleek and comfortable accessories and footwear. Keep the makeup and hair sleek and minimal for that effortless glow. 

How to choose the right cocktail dress?

When choosing a cocktail dress, focus on its cut and style. The dress should complement your body type. A-line, fit-and-flare, and wrap dresses are a few that look flattering on most body types. So, first, measure your body using our size guide to find your body type. Focus on the colours that complement your skin tone and the occasion. Choose a style that reflects your personality because dressing is all about self-expression. 

What brand is best for a plus-size cocktail dress? 

Curvy Lane is one of the best brands for plus-size cocktail party dresses, available in sizes L to 7XL! We have created a diversified collection to empower plus-size beauties to express themselves without the size limiting them. We can also customize any outfit from our collection. Contact us through WhatsApp or social media DMs for more information!