No matter what is a celebratory gathering of friends or a corporate schmooze-fest, a cocktail party is always an opportunity to put your own personal style on display. Deciding what to wear is half the fun or half the battle, depending on how you look at it. Does this Spark an idea?


Consider the event you’re attending and the people who will be there. A cocktail dress can be fun and flirty or darling and demure. Decide which look you want to convey.

Have a budget. You can find a cocktail dress for $80 or $800. Give yourself a price limit and stick to it. This will also help narrow your focus to the stores and brands that fall within your price range.

Hit the stores on a weekday, if possible. Avoid the rush of the weekend, when families and teenagers flock to the mall. If you’re irritable and frustrated from fighting crowds, you won’t have the patience that is sometimes necessary to find the perfect dress.

Be open to colors and unique styles. The little black dress is a classic and works for almost every occasion, but don't limit yourself to this standard. Look for bold colors or trendy styles that you feel comfortable in. A cocktail party is no time to be a wallflower.

Try on all styles that even remotely appeal to you on the rack. Sometimes it is not easy to tell how flattering a dress is until you actually see it on yourself. Try on as many different styles as possible so you can figure out what works best for you.

Pick something comfortable that feels like “you.” Comfort is key. If you’re constantly worrying about your bra showing, or wondering if the scratchy fabric is giving you a rash, you won’t be in any mood to socialize and have a good time. Pick a discount long prom dress that makes you feel confident and is effortless to wear.

Choose appropriate requirment. Delicate earrings or a fashionable clutch can make all the difference in the world.