Plus Size Cocktail & Party Dresses

Shop Sydney's Closet for the best selection of trendy plus-size cocktail dresses & attire perfect for parties, dinner, dancing, date night or wedding guest.  Discover figure-flattering short styles in curvy sizes 14 to 40 that are chic, fun and... Read More

Shop Sydney's Closet for the best selection of trendy plus-size cocktail dresses & attire perfect for parties, dinner, dancing, date night or wedding guest.  Discover figure-flattering short styles in curvy sizes 14 to 40 that are chic, fun and fashionable.

What style is a cocktail dress for a curvy girl?

Think of a cocktail dress as a semi-formal style. The look is a dressy step up from a casual day or career dress. But it's not as fancy as a gown that you would wear for a formal evening when the invitation reads "Black Tie". 

The style became popular during the late 1940s when the famed French designer Christian Dior coined the phrase "cocktail dress".  During the 1950s, Americans fell in love with the sophisticated dress as a glamorous fashion choice to wear when they gathered late afternoon and early evening to socialize and sip Martinis.

Today, you'll find "cocktail attire" requested by hosts and hostesses on invitations for family celebrations, holiday and New Year's parties, weddings and work place events. The look is modern elegance and slightly more flexible than in the past.

Most fashionistas consider today's cocktail dresses an essential wardrobe staple to be ready to dress up for special occasions that place in the early evening.

What is the right length for a plus-size cocktail dress?

The correct length for a cocktail dress is a hemline that hits your legs anywhere from your knee to your calf.  A style with a knee or slightly longer length creates a chic look that is festive and just slightly formal. 

The wrong length for a cocktail dress is any hem that reaches your ankle, foot or the floor .  Dresses with those longer hemlines are too fancy. Best for you to save those dresses for formal events that typically take place later in the evening. 

At the same time, it's best to avoid a mini skirt with a hemline hiked high above your knees.  That look lacks the lady-like elegance essential to pulling  off a cocktail hour dress.  In fact, you should avoid any styles that dare to bare too much skin or feature   transparent fabrics and designs with cutouts.  Save those for a nightclub.

What fabrics works best for a classy and classic cocktail dress?

Shop for styles sewn in pretty and polished fabrics that fall somewhere between the ones you wear everyday and fancy fabric you select for formal evening attire.

In the Spring and Summer, opt for chiffon, organza or linen.  Light, airy fabrics like these keep you cool and, at the same time, let you look dressed up.

In the Fall and Winter, heavier fabrics like velvet, satin and brocade, make a perfect choice. 

Anytime of year, avoid super casual choices like denim that are too informal for the cocktail hour and prevent you from pulling off a pulled together look.

What is the best color for cocktail dresses?

For a safe bet, stick with dark colors for a cosmopolitan look. Black, Navy, Burgundy, Hunter Green make great conservative choices that are timeless.  You can get a pop of color by selecting a dress in jewel tone blues like Sapphire, Cobalt and Royal.

Champagne, Ivory, Silver and Taupe work as neutral colors for cocktail attire if they work for your skin and hair tones.  They work especially well during the warm weather months when the party can be held outdoors.

Of course, The Little Black Dress. Plus Size Black Cocktail Dresses ranks as the best-ever  frock for cocktails. Who can live without it?  

Toast the timeless look of a black cocktail dress by adding timeless accessories like a pearl necklace and matching earrings. Finish your head- to- toe glam look with a pair of black pumps or dressy flats that look smart and feel comfortable.  Grab attention with a chic but dazzling clutch purse in an eye-popping color or pattern.