How To Wear Cocktail Dresses

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Step 1: Little Black Dress

The LBD is the ultimate glamour statement and flatters all figure shapes. Add detail with a coloured sash which will also cinch you in at the waist. Finish the look with wet look leggings and heels for a modern, sexy edge.

Step 2: Feminine

For a softer look to the cocktail dress, team with a pretty cardigan. Grey is a flattering, more subtle alternative to black. Complete the look with a vintage headpiece or feminine heels and a clutch bag.

Step 3: Colourful

Bright colours are big this season – particularly shades of purple and pillar box red. Red’s a great colour to show off your curves, and look for a subtly sexy detail such as a strappy back. Let the dress do the talking so don’t go overboard with accessories – a pair of heels and some chandelier earrings is all you need. Bring in red to your make-up with a lip stain or nail varnish.

Step 4: Harlequin

Make a statement with a bold pattern such as harlequin, but be careful if you’re petite as it could overwhelm you. Make the pattern work for your body shape – if you’ve got narrow hips, wear the pattern on the bottom to balance your frame. Coloured tights are this season’s hottest accessory. wear them in one of the colours from the print to bring the outfit together. Finish the look with some sexy platform heels.

Step 5: Pretty Grunge

Add a grungy edge to a pretty print with a biker jacket and Doc Martins in colours such as metallic blue and pastel pink. Pick out a colour from the print of the dress to bring the outfit together – fairytale prints are hot this season.