Cocktail Dress Suit: Little Black Dress


Cocktail dresses have always caught my fancy for many years. As teenyboppers, I remember every girl would wait with tremendous excitement to enter her college years. Quite often, the seniors would always mention about the little black dress being the ultimate style statement at all parties and we, the juniors would fret and fume and plot ways to lay our hands on this outfit! Beg, borrow or steal, that was the motto.

Today, as I rummaged through my wardrobe through the numerous sweatshirts, jackets and Tees, I finally laid my hands on my black dress. Although, it was sharing the backspace of my closet for a long time, the truth dawned on me after all these years. My seniors were really truthful when they made their statement! This cocktail dress is a must-have in any woman's closet. The unwritten rule in fashion has always been, 'Every woman must own a little black cocktail dress' to complete her wardrobe. And despite the incessant suggestions by well-known fashion guru's, my male friends often asked me about the 'unnecessary importance' attached to these cocktail dresses. Well, these ignorant people would never really know its importance unless it has actually been adorned by their date on a very special night out at the lounge bar! The dress is known to be a stunner when combined with some elegant accessories.

This short, teeny, black, number was popularized by the world-famous designer-Coco Chanel in 1926. Since then, it has been the epitome of fashion. Audrey Hepburn sizzled in the 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' causing millions to emulate her cocktail dress. Today, we can notice variations in all the leading malls and design houses and even the Internet offers you a variety of styles.

Cocktail suits have always been popular since the olden days at semi-formal and formal dos. The length varies from short to the tea length.

Popular Designs

Strapless - If you have great shoulders then flaunt them in a strapless dress. Combine with long, dangling, diamond earrings for a chic look and perfect your pout for loads of appeal.

Ruffled - Do away the tradition and get flirty with a ruffled look. Works great for an evening out or a night out with friends, as you will feel cool and comfy in this attire. Add some color to your lips and get ready to boogey the night away!

Sequined - Get a fitting sheer dress with delicate sequined work at the necklines and the hemlines. The sparkle of the sequins sets off well against the black. Most design houses offer unique ways to use these sparkling sequins. Grab a chic clutch bag and be a sure traffic stopper!

Lace - If you are not the kind to feel comfortable with plain black, then lace and sheer, see-through material can help you jazz up the outfit. Look for elaborate necks or backs for a touch of difference. Soft and sheer materials are also used for the sleeves, back or even the midriff areas.

Halter style - Add some drama to the night and if your date is plain boring, fret not, as the halter dress is bound to make you the center of attention. Ideal for some hot summer evenings, the dress is flattering when combined with black stilettos and red-hot lips!

You can enhance your cocktail dresses with a sequined stole and stilettos embedded with diamonds. Find out which neck would suit you the most. Cowl necks, V-neck and even wrap dresses can break the monotony of black. Throw on a jacket if it's a quiet dinner you are attending or combine with a pair of leggings for an evening with your girl pals. Always remember, your little black dress is versatile and all it needs is some innovation from your side. Knee-high boots can create some drama at any club or discotheque. Stick to flats if the occasion is casual.

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