Defined: Classic Cocktail Dress
Posted on 09.21.08 to Inspiration by Lindsay
Nowadays, any dress that isn’t full length and satin can be considered a “cocktail dress”, but once upon a time, this wasn’t so…
“The thought nof a cocktail dress instantly brings to mind a certain type of glass, a cherry or skewered olive, and a very specific social setting – and, from today’s point of view, a very middle-class situation.” -Gerda Buxbaum
When the cocktail dress first arrived on the fashion scene around 1947, a very structured dress with a fitted top that hit just below the knee retained the title. It was a fancy dress – lace, chiffon – that boasted names such as “Shady Lady” or “Fallen Angel”… The “edgy” of the 1940′s. Often worn with full length gloves, unique hats, and always a heel, they defined an era of confident woman, with a twist of sex.
As good fashion should, the dress morphed and changed as the decades passed and now, real cocktail dresses embody their own new flavor which still oozes confidence whenever worn, wherever seen.
Some Magical (Affordable) Cocktail Dress Designers:
- Tadashi
- Nanette Lepore
- Nicole Miller
- Kay Unger
- Vera Wang
More Expensive Cocktail Dress Designers:
- Abaete
- Diane Von Furstenberg
- Carmen Marc Valvo
Please take note that, since the 1940′s and 1950′s, when cocktail dresses were at their popular peak, we’ve discovered that the a-line, below the knee hemline is not as… flattering as we edgy, classy ladies would like, so the hemline on today’s dresses is just a bit lighter at the top of the kneecap.
RITZ CARLTON
Diane von Furstenberg Ravine Dress
$465
Abaete Ysabel Dress
$375
$495 $279
Kay Unger Watercolor Square Silk Dress
$374 $224
FANCY DRINK
Nicole Miller Strapless Sweetheart Dress
$275 $165
MAI TAI
Free People Silk Charmeuse Suzys Slip Dress
$88
Ben Sherman Pearl Dress from Urban Outfitters
$129 $79
Try one out – there’s no way that this shape could ever be unflattering. Go for the actually classic look at your next get-together.
xoxo.
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Comments ( 7 )
Versatile Designer Cocktail Dresses | Designer Cocktail Dresses added these pithy words on Nov 03 11 at 1:04 am :
[...] personality to shine through and don’t forget that an engaging smile is always the best accessory.[caption id="attachment_25" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Designer Cocktail Dresses"][/capt...] A good idea to go out and have a blast is to wear a cute outfit. A classy take on the typical [...]
Anna added these pithy words on
Sep 21 08 at
4:02 pm
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What an interesting post! I love that pic of Audrey Hepburn – gorgeous and timeless. I can’t wait to break out my turtleneck cocktail dress this winter.
Annas last blog post: Chicago Wine, Women & Shoes Event on http://shoesmitten.com
Annie Spandex added these pithy words on
Sep 22 08 at
12:04 am
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The black sweetheart dress and the grey one are my favorites..
S added these pithy words on
Sep 22 08 at
5:28 am
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Awesome post! Very informative and I adore the dresses you included, particlarly the DVF 
Ss last blog post: Love. on http://www.modern-guilt.com
Sal added these pithy words on
Sep 22 08 at
6:22 am
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Great picks. And man, am I glad that mid-calf hemlines have fallen out of favor. Yuck!
anthea added these pithy words on
Sep 22 08 at
6:48 am
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Great post Love love love Audrey Hepburn and that Nicole Miller dress!
antheas last blog post: Beauty and the Boy Fashion Show on http://clotheslinefinds.blogspot.com
Fashion Blog added these pithy words on
Jan 11 09 at
11:16 pm
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It was very interesting to find out when cocktail dresses appeared in fashion. There are only few differences when comparing the first dresses and contemporary ones. The last two – Free People Silk and Pearl Dress – are quite practical but still beautiful!
