Attending a social soirée should be anything but stressful. A cocktail party should be a time to have fun and enjoy a fancy drink or two. Don’t let what you are going to wear ruin your night. Instead, follow our simple guide about what to wear to a cocktail party and strut your style. Bring on the Cosmos!

It figures that if you are going to a cocktail party that you’ll want to wear a cocktail dress, but while that sounds simple, finding the perfect frock isn’t always easy. If you want to play it safe, then go ahead and rock an embellished yet understated dress, but if you’re daring to stand out, we’ve got all you need to know.

Skirt story

Cocktail parties aren’t just for cocktail dresses. Skirts are an amazing alternative and totally versatile. Mix it up with a printed blouse or create a look that resembles a dress with a matching set. Make sure your hemline is not too short, though. There is a fine line between classy and trashy. A good rule of thumb? Make sure your fingertips can touch your hem when your arms are by your sides.

Dress it up

Okay, so if you want to wear a dress of course you can, just make sure it is one that wows! Wear a dress that has exciting embellishments, asymmetrical accents or a bold print. At a cocktail party you have the perfect excuse to go glam so don’t shy away from the wow factor.

Shimmering fabrics, backless dresses, cowl necklines and sumptuous materials? Bring them on!

Keep it classy

It can be confusing to know what approach you should take to get ready for your night out. You want to dress up, but don’t want to look over dressed. Yet, you certainly don’t want to be the girl that is under dressed. If you want to be sure to make a good first impression, your best bet is to channel sophisticated.

An LBD (little black dress) goes a long way and is often the instinctual thought that comes to most girl’s minds when they think of what to wear to a cocktail party. Try taking this infamous aesthetic and translate it into a different concept. Perhaps a little navy dress? A little white dress? A little black jumpsuit? The list can go on and on depending on where you may be going and what time of year it is.

Best in suit

From runway to reality, we have been seeing women’s tuxedo suits appearing everywhere, and who wouldn’t want to look this immaculate at all times? Sporting a suit will instantly make people wonder ‘who is that girl?’ Whether you opt for a satin tuxedo or a menswear inspired jumpsuit, you can truly never go wrong with a refined androgynous look. Are you brave enough?

Wear your best shoes

You know those shoes you bought four months ago because you HAD to have them even though you had nowhere to wear them to? Well NOW is the time to dig them out of the closet! In fact, if you have a pair that comes to mind, why not create an outfit around them. Your shoes can inspire the rest of your ensemble as accessories often make the outfit, and will often be a great way to initiate conversation.

A clutch is a must

Leave your large leather satchel at home and invest in a go-to statement clutch for your evening out. Clutches are the perfect accessory to add a little shine to your look and the perfect size to store your make up essentials in case you need to retouch.

Be bejewelled

Statement accessories can instantly renovate any look. Adding a stand out collar necklace to your favourite look can transform a daytime dress for a special affair. Just be sure not to throw on too much bling. No matter how pricey your jewels may be, throwing on too many accessories is always tacky.

Beauty routine

Definitely do not skip the makeup step when attending a cocktail party. Make sure you are picture-perfect and ready for the camera before you leave your home. That being said, don’t load on too much makeup. Keep it simple with some luscious lashes, blushed cheeks, and a great lip stain to cover your bases.

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