A red cocktail dress is a wardrobe staple that you can dress up or down. You can wear it to a wedding, for a holiday party or an elegant dinner. It’s a timeless piece that screams confidence and sophistication. In this guide, we will discuss how to style a red cocktail dress so you look and feel your absolute best. We will cover everything from how to pick the right fit and fabric for you, to how to accessorise like a pro. Let’s get started and unlock secrets to making your red cocktail dress the most talked about piece you own.
Table of Contents:
1. Choosing the perfect fit and silhouette
2. Understanding fabric and texture
3. Accessorizing your red cocktail dress
4. Footwear choices for different occasions
5. Makeup and hair tips to complement your look
Choosing the perfect fit and silhouette
There has to be a good fit, a good silhouette. Depending on what you buy, you want your red cocktail dress to complement your body shape in the best possible way, so you feel comfortable and confident about your appearance at the event.
Understanding Body Types
Different dress silhouettes suit different bodies. A pear-shaped person might find that an A-line dress that best accentuates the waist and balances hips is flattering on her, while an hourglass figure might feel more comfortable in a fitted sheath that accentuates her body at her strongest points. Knowing your shape can help you choose the right dress for you.
Trying Multiple Styles
You want to try on several before choosing the one that you feel the most fabulous in. Try on dresses with different necklines – sweetheart, V-neck, halter – to see which sculpts your frame. Play with how the dress fits your bust, waist and hips. Remember, your goal is to choose the dress that makes you feel most like yourself.
Tailoring and Adjustments
You may get lucky and find a dress that fits you without alterations off the rack. But simple adjustments such as hemming, taking it in at the waist, or altering the shoulder straps can make all the difference. Taking the time to buy a well-tailored dress can make all the difference in your look and your comfort.
Understanding fabric and texture
The material from which your red cocktail dress is made can influence its look as well as its feel to your skin. There are many different types of fabrics, each with its own advantages, some of which are more suitable for certain circumstances than others.
Luxurious Fabrics
Silk and satin are favourites for cocktail dresses as they add a luxurious feel and look to make a dress feel more formal and elegant. They tend to be a little harder to shop for as they require to be taken care of and it is better to avoid wearing them when it is raining or going to a place where they might get ruined.
Comfort and Breathability
Cotton blends, jersey or linen are your best bet if you are partial to comfort. Breathable and easy to move in, they are particularly good for events where you’ll be cutting a rug or even moving around a lot, and are less likely to wrinkle than satin or chiffon, keeping you polished for the evening.
Texture and Embellishments
Textured fabrics can add a new dimension to your red cocktail dress (like lace, sequins, and velvet). A lace dress has the romantic feel to it. With sequins, you can give your outfit some glamorous sparkle. Velvet, another good choice, will bring a rich texture to your dress. Remember to choose your textured fabric to fit in with the occasion to ensure you are going to attend the right kind of event with the dress.
Accessorizing your red cocktail dress
Since accessories are a door through which you enter your look, be that jewellery or handbag, purses and belts, they have the power to make or ruin your look.
Jewelry Choices
With a red cocktail dress, less is more. Gold and silver accessories can add a bit of polish without overwhelming your look. Statement earrings or a delicate necklace will also direct attention to your face. A dress with a simple neckline can be a beautiful canvas for statement jewellery, while a dress with more going on doesn’t need to be overpowered with jewels.
Handbags and Clutches
A stylish handbag or clutch is the perfect complement to your cocktail dress. Choose a clutch that matches the colour or style of your dress. Metallic colours such as gold, silver or rose gold are very glamorous. The clutch should have a handle or open up to be big enough to carry your personal essentials but small enough to be very chic.
Belts and Scarves
If you add a belt, it marks the waist, and draws attention to that section as well. Red dresses go well with very thin, metallic or neutral coloured belts. Scarves are also nice accessories for cooler months – a light, stretchy, satiny, see-through scarf is good for warm weather,en an outfit.
Footwear choices for different occasions
The right shoes will make your red party dress look even more alluring and help you to keep up the good looks throughout the evening. It is obvious that different occasions require different types of shoes, so this is it.
Heels for Formal Events
Red cocktail dress? You probably want to wear high heels with it. High heels lengthen the look of your legs, provide balance for all the cleavage you’re showing, and look sophisticated. You can’t go wrong with stilettos or pumps, but strappy sandals also work for dressier evenings. When choosing heels, keep the format of the event in mind. Is it a large cocktail party where you’ll be on your feet most of the night? In that case, go with a lower heel. Do you tend to feel uncomfortable in heels? Look for heels with a thicker base for more stability. Make sure to break in your shoes before the event so they don’t pinch your feet.
Flats and Low Heels
While high-heel boots or courts can look great with your outfit at some occasions, if you are going to be standing up for a long time, flats or low heels are more sensible. Flat ballet pumps or kitten heels can give you the look of high heels without being too high. Choose shoes with embellishments or metallic styles to add some glamour.
Boots and Ankle Boots
In cooler weather, a pair of boots or ankle boots can be a great option – you can go for knee-high boots for a bit of drama, or go for the modish look with ankle boots – again, the key is to go for styles in neutral colours or subtle details so your red dress isn’t upstaged.
Makeup and hair tips to complement your look
Your make-up and hairdo also definitely complement your outfit. If it’s the right choice, this finishing touch can bring out the best of your natural looks. It also goes great with that red cocktail dress you’re wearing.
Makeup Tips
When wearing a red dress, your look should be well-balanced and enhanced. A classic red lip is a bold choice that can complement your dress, but a nude or soft pink lip might be a better choice if you want something more understated. With eyeshadow, a neutral palette with a bit of shimmer will tie the look together and add a little pop. Winged eyeliner and volumising mascara will also add a lot of drama, without competing with a red dress.
Hair Styling
Your hairdo should complement your choice of dress, and work with your neckline and dress style. For strapless or off-the-shoulder dresses, an updo can emphasise your neckline and shoulders. Loose waves or a slick ponytail can complement dresses with higher necklines. Add some hairpins or a headband for a bit of extra sparkle.
Skin Prep and Maintenance
Make sure your skin is well-prepared before applying makeup. Always cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturise your skin before applying makeup. A good primer will also enhance your makeup and keep it fresh for longer especially at the event. Finally, setting spray should be applied to keep your makeup intact.
Conclusion
If you’re going to wear that red cocktail dress, you’re going to want to think carefully about fit, about the fabric in which it’s made, about how to accessorise it with jewellery and shoes and purses and beauty routines. And in doing all of that, you’ll find that, with a little bit of work, you can make that red cocktail dress look phenomenal. It’ll allow you to make a sexy statement, an inspiring statement, into the room. You look great, you feel great. And, honey, wear it with confidence – people are going to look at you.
