Parties and proms are some of life’s best events. Getting the right cocktail dress can set you up for making an incredible impression. If it’s your first time buying a cocktail dress and you need something to make you stand out, you’re at the right place.

Most buyers don’t know what they are looking for. Some don’t know what they need to take into consideration. But fear not, brave dress shopper – we’ve got you covered.

To start off with, there are three basic elements in a cocktail dress – fabric, shoulder style and the length. Simple, right?

Dress fabrics feature diverse options to create an endless selection of shiny, sparkly, flowing dresses. Traditionally, the length of a cocktail dress sits just above the knee, but modern dresses can be a lot shorter. Anything below the knee could start to resemble an evening gown.

Types Of Cocktail Dresses
The types of cocktail dresses available are vast. Little-black dresses and the core evening-come-party dress in every woman’s wardrobe. You’ve got strapless, A-line, one-shoulders and many more, all of which are available at Dillards.com. Overall, the type of dress you choose will depend on what suits you and what you feel comfortable in.

Shift dresses are cut above the knee and usually sleeveless. Maternity cocktail dresses are cut in an empire line and make you look and feel like a queen. Empire line dresses have a raised waistline that sits just below the bust, then falls gracefully from there. A-line dresses fit around the bodice and then flow down from the natural waist. A sheath dress fits closely on the body from head to toe.

If you are shopping for a cocktail dress for the first time and are unsure, go for a classic. Black, elegant, simple and a cut above the knee – perfect for a princess at a cocktail party.

If you need something stylish that flaunts your figure, try a deep V’neck or bare back dress. Sexy and stylish, all eyes will be on you.

Choosing a style that flatters
The final thing you need to consider before going cocktail dress shopping is what parts of your body you want to highlight or redirect attention from. If you want to cover your arms, go for something full-sleeved. If you’d like to cover your legs, a maxi dress or a long strapless dress can show off the focal point around the shoulders and face.

Empire line dresses are perfect for pear-shapes, as they skim over the hips and tummy. A-line dresses flatter many shapes and the neckline is versatile and easy to adapt to highlight your best features. Sheath dresses suit lean figures, with an illusion of height a benefit for petite women.