The best cocktail evening dresses have several characteristics in common, and you should look for these while shopping for the perfect dress.

DON'T REVEAL TOO MUCH

The perfect cocktail dress is usually quite sexy, so choose a style that shows off some skin. Just be careful not to overdo it. When it comes to revealing cleavage, shoulders or your bare back, a little mystery is always better than revealing way too much.

FITTING RIGHT

Choose cocktail dresses that are fitted through the bust and the waist. The skirt should be flowing and free.

Fabric

When it comes to fabric, go for light fabrics like silk and satin that can move freely. Stiff cotton or polyester is not a good choice when it comes to cocktail dresses. When you're shopping for cocktail dresses, remember that the fashion trends of recent years dictate that less is more. Choose subtle, uncomplicated and understated styles over flashy colours and excessive add-ons like faux diamonds or sequins.

ACCESSORISE WELL

Pair your cocktail evening dress with a pair of heels, a small handbag and some flashy earrings or a necklace, and you've got a look that will really dazzle!

Working With Your Figure

The truth is very few of us having perfect bodies but instead of moaning about it or skipping dresses altogether; the key is learning how to work with what we've got. The good news is that most cocktail dresses can work on bodies of all shapes and sizes. It's just a matter of knowing what to look for. So, look at the tips below to pick dresses that work with your body type:

CURVY

Remember that dark colours will always make you look slimmer. Consider a long cocktail halter dress to completely cover legs and thighs. Empire waists and full skirts can also help camouflage any imperfections including full hips and thighs.

SHORT

Keep the dress simple so it doesn't overwhelm your frame. You can also try a side slit to make legs look longer and use a higher waistline, such an empire-waist style, to help make your legs appear longer. The length of the dress should over the knee.

BOYISH

You can enhance curves with bias cuts and horizontals. Try picking dresses that have contrasting colours at the bust to add definition. Keep away from voluminous styles, too much tailored shaping and stiff fabrics.

FULL BUST

Go for semi-fitted styles with open necklines. Remember to choose dresses that draw the eye up to the face with very vertical V-necks sweetheart necklines. You can emphasise shoulders with thin straps, use vertical seams and trimmings to elongate the torso and choose soft flowing fabrics.

SMALL BUST

Try bust-defining, empire-waist styles or a plunging V-neck as these can be flattering for your body type. You can also try smartly placed gathers, shirring and ruching, or a contrasting fabric or trim over the bust to help create fullness. Finally, putting a brighter colour on top will help to balance the body.

TUMMY

Draw the eye away from the middle of the body to the face with open necklines or details around the top of the dress. You can also achieve the same effect with focusing to the legs with slits or hem details. Go for V-necks or elongated oval necklines and avoid anything that cuts at the waist or are too tight or bulky.

BOTTOM HEAVY

Go for empire-waist styles or anything that is tight around the bust or the waist and flares slightly. Emphasise your face by showing a little skin - shoulders, cleavage or arms. Also try wearing a lighter colour, or some sparkle or detail on the top half of your dress.

Go Beyond the Little Black Dress

Shimmer Cocktail Dress

We adore the little black cocktail dress but it's just that sometimes it can be a little predictable. With so many choices of cocktail evening dresses out there, don't be afraid to experiment. A silver or gold satin cocktail dress would make a perfect holiday cocktail dress, and a short cocktail halter dress is both daring and sexy. An embroidered mesh cocktail dress is a more modest style, and would be perfect for corporate gatherings where a super sexy cocktail dress might be out of place. So, go ahead and explore with colours and different fabrics. You might be pleasantly surprise!

Wrapping It Up

Finally, fit is the most important thing to consider when shopping, whether you are shopping for cocktail dresses or any other dresses in general. The above are general tips for choosing cocktail dresses to flatter your figure, but it's good to seek out the advice of your dearest (and always honest) gal pal!

In order to pull off wearing a cute cocktail dress with a sense of style and class, there are things to avoid. Side step these pitfalls and you will be sure that you will look great whenever you step out in the latest cocktail dress style!

Watch Your Legs

You need to pay attention to your legs when you take a seat, for example. You obviously do not want to leave your legs in a position that reveals too much.

Mind the Weather

When it comes to wearing a cocktail dress, you need to pay attention to the weather around you. For example, a gust of wind can have less than desirable consequences when wearing an attractive cocktail dress!

Forgetting To Wax

Cocktail dresses naturally draw attention to a person's legs so you need to make sure that your legs are freshly waxed (or shaved).

Drinking Too Much

When wearing a cocktail dress, it is crucial that you stay in control because a loss of composure can result in you revealing far more than you would have otherwise ever intended.

Letting Your Dress Ride Up

Be mindful of what is going on behind you (so to speak). You need to make certain that your cocktail dress doesn't ride up in an unattractive fashion.

Walking Too Fast

Make sure that you walk with all deliberate speed - but not too fast. If you walk too fast while wearing a cocktail dress, you literally can end up flashing those people around you.

Selecting the Wrong Shoes

You need to wear shoes that you can walk easily in. The wrong shoes can leave you uneasy and that alone will distract from your overall look.

Wearing a Dress Too Tight

While cocktail dresses are designed to fit snugly, you do not want the dress to be overly tight. A cocktail dress that is too tight is also an unattractive cocktail dress.