Cocktail Attire for Women: The Dos and Don’ts

You are in the American Bar at The Savoy in cocktail attire, asking for a Vesper. Can anything be more glamorous? Yes, if you are wearing a cocktail dress from Bombshell when you ask for the most famous martini in the world! 

Cocktail parties can be a posh society affair or a gathering of friends around a platter of appetisers. However, they are generally dressy and the perfect occasion to wear your little black dress (LBD). Although we have our own versions of the LBD at Bombshell, we have a range of dresses perfect for a formal or casual cocktail event. Are you wondering about the do’s and don’ts of cocktail attire for women? We share our expert advice. 

Do: Watch Your Hemline. Don’t: Go Too Low 

Since cocktail parties are slightly formal, it is best to stay away from dresses with hemlines that are too short. How do you know the skirt or dress is not long enough? Stand with your hands at your sides while wearing the dress. The hem should not be higher than your fingertips. Wear a knee-length, tea-length, or midi dress and focus on enjoying the event.

Do: Choose a Midi Gown. Don’t: Wear Extra-Long Gowns

Extra-long gowns should be saved for very formal black-tie and white-tie events. Fortunately, we have a wide selection of midi gowns and other dresses that are the perfect cocktail length. One of the Bombshell LBDs is our Luxe Jersey Swing Dress in Black, or if you don’t like black, we also have the Lace Confident Dress in Navy, which has a more fitted shape. Do you love something with a bit of a pattern? Our Ruffle Cuff Dress in Emerald Herringbone Satin Viscose is just what you need! The sea green and blue colours, satin look, and below-the-knee length is beautifully elegant.  

Do: Try Shapewear  

Can we talk about shapewear? Choosing the right undergarments for a fuller bust is vital if you want to feel confident. At Bombshell, we design dresses to enhance, sculpt, and support the amazing women who wear our garments, but we all need a bit of help to create a smooth silhouette, and - dare we say it - prevent your cocktail dress from snagging on your underwear! That is why we created, among other Bombshell Shapewear, the Wider than you’d like to be in the middle Hourglass Waist Shaper. It hooks up in front and will flatten your tummy in seconds! 

Do: Choose Jumpsuits. Don’t Wear Jeans   

Do you love your jeans? Unfortunately, you cannot wear your designer jeans to a cocktail party. But jumpsuits are in fashion this autumn and winter, and yes, you can wear them to a cocktail party, especially those designed by Bombshell! If you have a beautiful, curvy body, you can wear a jumpsuit made from a soft and stretchy fabric that drapes over your curves. We have a selection of velvet and sequin jumpsuits, or you can wear our Luxe Jersey Jumpsuit in Black. Do you love jersey fabric but want a bit of colour? You will look good in our Luxe Jersey Jumpsuit in Royal Blue!  

Do: Carry a Clutch. Don’t Carry a Large Bag 

The wonderful thing about cocktail parties is you can carry a lovely clutch that complements your dress or jumpsuit, rather than the large bag you use daily. Proportion and size are important when you select a clutch bag. Although smaller than the average handbag, it should look in balance with your body. There are so many styles and materials, but it is best to choose a versatile clutch.    

Find the Perfect Cocktail Dress at Bombshell London 

We believe that every Bombshell woman can be a Bond girl! The women who wear our garments are confident and stylish yet playful when they need to be. We design clothing that makes women feel and look good, and that’s why you will find the perfect cocktail dress (or jumpsuit) at Bombshell. Have you been invited to an awards ceremony? Bombshell has your dream evening gown!

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