Dress shopping can be either a dream or a nightmare, but the deciding factor isn't whether or not you're a super model – it's how you approach the situation! Before you go out, plan a strategy to help yourself sort through the thousands of designers and styles you will encounter to find a look that's perfect for your unique body and personality.
Know Your Style:
Before you even START looking at actual clothes, perform a self-assessment: what type of girl are you, anyway? Does your style run towards kittens and ruffles, or veer like a trainwreck into glitter and swaths of black lace? Would you choose a fluffy lavender scarf or a pinstriped blazer? Understanding the colors and styles that make you feel comfortable is just as important as understanding what flatters you physically. A girl who's comfortable in her own skin will smile more often, drink less, make better conversation, and just generally look better than that chick trying to stuff herself into an evening gown that obviously makes her uncomfortable. Remember: relaxation and confidence are HOT!
Know Your Body:
Honestly, now: do you look like Claudia Schiffer? If not, don't go trying to wear what she would wear. There are thousands of cocktail dress styles out there, and some of them are going to suit your particular body better than others. If you're petite up top, opt for a strapless or off-the-shoulder style; a little bit or ruching or beading on the bodice of a dress will enhance the appearance of cleavage. Well-endowed ladies, however, should skip this style and look for cocktail dresses that will offer more support. A sweetheart neckline and full, flared skirt can accentuate the sex appeal of a classic hourglass figure, and empire-waist styles will mask any hint of a pooching belly.
Know Your Audience:
So who's going to be at this party, anyway? Your mom? Your best friend from high school? The hot guy from work you've been stalking for the past three years? Dress according to the demographics of the event you plan to attend in order to make the best impression. Mom isn't going to want to see you in a tight little number that shows every curve, but you'll feel overly boring and sedate if you show up to a steamy house party in wedges and a grey sheath cocktail dress.
Ultimately, finding the perfect cocktail fashion is a simple matter of knowing what you're looking for and what you can pull off BEFORE you start trying cocktail dresses on. Don't try to be Claudia Schiffer – you can go as yourself, and look just as good!
Fashion photographer Ara Hovsepian admits to being one of those boyfriends who has bashed his head against the wall while shopping with his girlfriend in the past, but now his cocktail fashion know-how helps them both! The LA native has more info on cocktail dresses and other fashion pitfalls at www.trendy-cocktail-dresses.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment