When invited to celebrate something over cocktails, dressing to the ever-stylish cocktail dress code is a must. A cocktail dress is fun and glamorous but usually shorter and flirtier than a classic floor-length evening gown. There are many types of cocktail parties, from open-bar functions to black-tie cocktail receptions, most of which allow for shorter-than-maxi lengths.
Fit and Flare Silhouettes
Nothing compares to the romantic allure of the fit and flare cocktail dress! It’s chic, classic and flattering to all figures. Tea-lengths, which means the hem ends right above the ankle, epitomize elegance, whilst mini lengths are cute and ultra-comfy. This 50s silhouette is iconic and a no-brainer when it comes to last-minute special occasion dressing.
Image: Alamour the Label
The Ellen Dress is a festive fit and flare dress featuring romantic 3D floral embellishments, a lace-up back, and an ultra-feminine bustier bodice.
Bodycon Styles
For a show stopping look, step out in a bodycon cocktail dress – think midi length styled with pointed-toe heels. It is sophisticated and chic, proper but sensational. This dress fits like a glove when made of quality stretchy fabric, sculpting your figure into a super-feminine silhouette. It alludes to 40s Hollywood muses but also ushers you to a modern era where women celebrate and embrace their curves. 
The Chantall Dress is a metallic bandage bodycon dress with flirty cut-outs, a square neck, and a midi silhouette that makes a head-turning entrance to any cocktail party. Image: Alamour the Label
Embellished Frocks
Elevate any silhouette and length through dazzling embellishments such as sequins and crystals, or add drama with metallic fabrics. No matter what you do, the sparkly cocktail dress is a guaranteed attention-getter. Lean into the iconic disco era, where all you have to say is “more is more!”
The Fioretta Dress is a showstopping cocktail dress with rich embellishments, strategically placed cut-outs, and an asymmetric neckline. 
Draped Satin Looks
Satin is a fabric offering a beautiful sheen and elegant draping, an interplay of light and shade. It creates jaw-dropping sculptural silhouettes, especially when paired with bustier boning. Give your satin cocktail dress an extra boost by combining it with different textures like feathers, faux fur, and sparkly jewellery.
The Giovanna Dress is a bold satin dress with a draped, boned bodice, a sheer corset panel, and a midi pencil skirt.
Lace & Semi-Sheer Details
Unlike more formal events, styling for cocktail parties allows for some feminine, flirtatious details, including semi-sheer fabrics such as chiffon and lace. Make sure you balance sheerness with the right undergarments and slip lining. Be strategic with lace and keep in mind that unlike with the disco trend, less is sometimes more!
The Manon Dress is a lady-chic lace dress with semi-sheer sleeves, sequined embellishments, and an open lace-up back, perfect for any cocktail party.
The Length of a Cocktail Dress
A cocktail dress commonly comes in mini, midi, and maxi lengths, alongside in between knee-length and tea-length party dresses. Longer hems are well suited to more formal cocktail events, however, are ideal for balancing more revealing necklines, thigh-high hem splits and cut-outs at semi formal soirees. Choose a length that suits the formality of the occasion and compliments your figure, making you look and feel gorgeous.
The Fabiana Set is a high-calibre, glamorous sequined ensemble with an off-the-shoulder neckline, a criss-cross waist tie detail, and a draped pencil skirt.
A Glamorous Ensemble
If a classic cocktail dress isn’t quite your thing, trade them with some eveningwear separates, which can be equally stunning, adorned with sequins, feathers, and other glam details. Look for elegant tops with coordinating tailored pants or chic pencil skirts to showcase your personal style.
