The picture of a woman consists of several aspects: hair, makeup, a smile and accessories. The most important place in women’s outfit is occupied, with no doubt, by the dress.

Even if it’s cold outside, it does not mean you cannot wear a cocktail dress when going to an event or a party. Before you choose the right dress for the event you plan to attend, you need to know the difference between a dress and an evening cocktail dress.

By definition, cocktail dresses are worn for receptions, meetings and events that demand you to present in an outfit for the occasion. Cocktail dresses must be without collars and sleeves. They are  less elegant and less formal than an evening dress, but more elaborate and sophisticated than an ordinary one.

As a benchmark, cocktail dresses are worn to events that start before seven o’clock in the evening.

Originally, the dress did not cover the knees and it was worn with long gloves, small purses and cigarette boxes. Other accessories used were open toed shoes and socks the same color as the dress. On the head a simple cap was worn. Coco Chanel made a great contribution in the history of the cocktail dresses when they made the vogue in the ’30s with “Little black dress”. The basic idea is the same as the one behind cocktail dresses – simple and always at hand. Thus, little black dresses have become a core objective in any woman’s wardrobe.

Today, the cocktail dress is worn for special occasions that require dress code: a party organized at the office, a family party, a national holiday or a reception. You can wear it out to the casino or to dinner in a restaurant, but do not wear it when going to the club to have some fun. Do not wear it at any picnic or children’s parties.

Cocktail dresses should be short, decent, perfectly tailored and made of good material. The style is elegant and feminine. These aspects should not be neglected. Unlike evening dresses, cocktail dresses are short and without many details. The length is around the knee and is always made of elegant material: satin, velvet ottomans, stain, silk or lace.

Another important aspect is the symmetry of the dress. The more wide and open at the bottom, the more it must be closed at the top, and vice versa.

Red and black are the suitable winter colors, but royal blue and violet can also be worn. The shoulders are covered with a cape, a silk coat, or a bolero.

Shoes and socks must be chosen carefully. The shoes are classic and feminine, without openings and should match the color of the dress. To be avoided are fishnet and opaque socks. The ideal handbag is one with a chain as the handle. It is fitted to wear on your shoulder, without any inconvenience. In size, it must be small, with enough space for you to put your essential things.

A successful combination would be the cape and handbag of the same color and the shoes and cocktail dress of another color. Accessories should be kept to the minimum. A perfect idea for every occasion is a string of pearls.