For the plans that fall short of black tie but require a little something something, enter the black cocktail dress. The star of every rom-com and a key closet essential spanning the past five decades, a perfectly fitting black cocktail dress is ultra-flattering and smoothing on your silhouette, dialing up the confidence to a 10. From wedding-appropriate dresses fit for the ceremony and reception, to sexy mini dresses that turn up the temperature for lucky passers-by. They’re the ultimate date night to dancefloor contender. So grab a hot date and let’s get into it.
Little Black Cocktail Dresses
Whether you’ve got a date booked at that fancy restaurant or a last minute night out with your girl gang, when that extra level is required, opt for a little black cocktail dress. An LBD not only bares the skin and elongates the look of those legs (which equates to a super flattering fit), it draws the attention towards the lower half of the body, perfect for teasing your silhouette to your date across the table. For a cute Y2K-inspired look, team a little black cocktail dress with a sleek, plunging neckline and add a pair of strappy heels. If the do is a little more conservative, opt for a high mock neckline and pair with simple court shoe heels.
Black Midi Cocktail Dresses
A black midi cocktail dress is a step closer to formal than the flirty mini, but guarantees to hold the hearts of your party guests no matter what. The midi cocktail dress especially looks great on our tall girls, as it shines the spotlight on those long legs. For our petites who also want to style a midi to their next cocktail event, opt for nude shoes to elongate the look of the exposed leg. Or, opt for a slit leg design to break up the look, keeping it fun but modest too.
Black Cocktail Dresses for a Wedding
You’ve got the wedding invite, now, what to wear? Gone are the days when wearing black to a wedding was seen as fashion controversy, especially when worn to the wedding reception. The trick for styling a black cocktail dress for a wedding is to keep it classy, cover strategically, and not outshine the bride. With this thinking, you can’t go wrong with a maxi black cocktail dress. Covering the legs keeps it modest, and it looks great when balanced out with an open neckline, highlighting the feminine collarbone. Take a step back from black tie by incorporating a fun detail like fringing or an asymmetric hem.
Black Cocktail Dresses with Sleeves
Make the transition from summer to fall with a versatile black cocktail dress with sleeves. Easy to wear as a standalone in the not-too-cool summer evenings, and paired perfectly with an oversized tailored blazer for those colder months ahead. Sleeves can also make a statement and turn up the drama of a sophisticated black dress. Shop your playful side with one shoulder sleeve detailing, or keep it seductive with mesh long sleeves that tease a little skin underneath. Ideal for work events where you don’t want to show too much, but just enough.
Plus Size Black Cocktail Dresses
Our favorite plus size black cocktail dresses emphasize each and every feminine curve of our bodies. By opting for a wrap style that ties at the waist, you accentuate your curves with a romantic hourglass silhouette. The same works for A-line dresses that have a subtle triangle shape. A-line cocktail dresses tend to be narrow and more fitted at the top, and gradually widen out from the waist or even the bust, adding structure to your shape. Plus, they provide enough room around the legs to get down on the dancefloor.
Next stop, the club. Check out our post on Winter Clubbing Outfits.
