Cocktail Dress - a fairly short outfit without sleeves and a collar. America is considered the birthplace of cocktail dresses, where young girls wore short sleeveless dresses to dance evenings, usually complementing them with a small bag, hat and gloves.
The 2020 season offers a variety of party styles (captured in Fashion Week photos) embellished with ruffles, ruffles, asymmetries and even previously unacceptable sleeves and plunging necklines. Such a thing is sewn from silk, satin or chiffon and is selected strictly depending on the figure and color type of the girl.
Briefly about cocktail dresses
Cocktail dresses of 2020 (fashion trends, photos are given below in the article) are distinguished by a variety of styles created from light, flowing fabrics that fall beautifully in waves.
Cocktail dress - an outfit for a party, co-op, summer outdoor event taking place from 17:00 to 20:00 pm. The traditional cocktail outfit, born in Charleston, has a midi length (up to or just below the knees), a fluffy or tight-fitting skirt and an open top, without a hint of sleeves and collars. A dress is made of silk or satin with minimal decor.
The style of the outfit should emphasize the figure, hiding the flaws in the structure of the body.
| Shape type | Characteristic | Dress style |
| Pear | A voluminous bottom with wide hips and a narrow, slender upper body. | Short dresses with a loose, flared skirt and a fitted, open top that emphasizes the chest and shoulder line. It is advisable to choose an outfit without an abundance of decorated elements. |
| Carrot | Broad shoulders and narrow hips. | The dress must have a loose-fitting or fitted skirt and a closed top without any decor. The use of a peplum is recommended. |
| Apple | A voluminous middle part of the body with a protruding belly, voluminous hips and chest. | Dresses with a high waist, a loose skirt and arms ¾. A good option would be a sheath dress. |
| Boy figure | Loosely defined waistline and equally narrow upper and lower body. | Dresses with a wide belt or decor at the waist and chest. |
| Hourglass | Ideal figure with a thin waist, voluminous chest and hips. | Tight, fitted dresses that accentuate the curves of the body. |
Depending on the color type, the color of the model is selected:
| Color type | Dress color |
| Spring |
Black and navy blue outfits are not recommended. |
| Summer |
Yellow colors are not allowed. |
| Autumn |
|
| Winter |
|
A traditional cocktail dress should be short, without sleeves and collar, with a shallow neckline that emphasizes the bust line. Modern fashion has made its own adjustments, offering to choose dresses up to or slightly below the knee, with various cuts and allowing a small sleeve in the clothes to hide imperfections in the shape of the hands.
Young girls are allowed short (above the knee) sleeveless models with a closed top. For women 25-45 years old, low-cut dresses are created, with open cuts, 10-15 cm long below the knees. The most fashionable is the asymmetry on one side of the dress or skirt.
After 50 years, it is worth giving preference to more closed models, equipped with a small (3/4) sleeve, which allows you to hide problem skin of the hands. The ideal option in this case would be sheath dresses with a beautiful, slimming assembly along the entire length of the skirt.
Trendy colors and prints
Cocktail dresses 2020 (fashion trends, photos of dresses from leading designers demonstrate the dependence of the color scheme of dresses depending on the season) are presented in a variety of shades.
Stylists recommend choosing the shade of the outfit in accordance with the season:
- for the winter season traditional black, emerald, navy blue, red and burgundy outfits are suitable;
- summer time allows you to experiment, choosing a delicate pastel, hot pink or extravagant neon palette for your look;
- fall recommends focusing on a variety of golden brown shades;
- Spring - the time of the awakening of nature, associated with a delicate pastel purple or emerald tones.
Among the prints this season, the most relevant:
- floral patterns in bright or muted shades for a romantic, delicate look
- predatory snake or leopard print;
- fashionable peas that give lightness and playfulness, let loose over a soft pink fabric and complemented by ruffles and flounces.
Glitter lovers will love the trendy rhinestones to complement short, asymmetrical outfits and bustier dresses.
Fabrics and texture
Cocktail dresses 2020 (fashion trends, photos of current outfits were posted on the Internet after the Paris Fashion Week) are traditionally sewn from velvet, satin, chiffon and silk. Satin fabric is most popular for making exquisite sheath dresses.
Velvet was previously considered a heavy fabric, but with the advent of synthetic fibers, dresses sewn from it acquired an elegant softness and iridescence. Silk is preferred for flowy cocktail dresses. Fashionable fluffy cocktail outfits are made from multi-layered printed chiffon.
Length
A traditional cocktail dress is up to or just below the knee. Fashion trends are very democratic, allowing you to vary the size up or down.
Young girls who are not afraid of experiments can try on mini-models decorated with rhinestones. For balance, such a dress must necessarily have a closed top.
If a festive event starts at 5-6 pm and ends only late at night, it is allowed to choose a longer cocktail dress, with a deep neckline reminiscent of an evening dress.
Fashionable styles
Cocktail dresses 2020 (fashion trends, photos of the outfits presented at Haute Couture Week are full of a variety of styles and finishes) allow you to demonstrate the dignity of the figure in the best possible way.
A wide variety of models are in fashion, striking with an asymmetric cut, an abundance of jewelry and ruffles, sparkling with rhinestones. The most relevant below are the listed models of the season.
On one shoulder
Sophisticated, ultra-fashionable design that allows one sleeve to remain fully open. The dress can have only 1 strap, decorated with a voluminous ruffle or a completely preserved fitted (fashionable, voluminous) sleeve with a fluffy cuff.
Asymmetric
It is still a current trend that gives originality and catchiness to the outfit. The mullet model with an asymmetrically executed bottom (short front or longer back) is considered a real hit of the season. Dresses with a slanting, asymmetrical hem and only 1 sleeve look very original.
Sheath dress
A narrow dress, without a horizontal seam, which has become one of the calling cards of the former first lady of America Michelle Obama.
A fashionable model perfectly hiding figure flaws should be made of silk or satin and have a length slightly below the knee.
The trend is both monochromatic cocktail dresses that allow silk to sparkle with precious tints, and models decorated with a lace top.
A distinctive feature of such an outfit may be a small sleeve ¾ made of common material or decorated with lace.
With flounces
Wide ruffles and ruffles, as conceived by the designers, adorn the entire dress or are located only on the hem, neckline, sleeves. The straps are also made in the form of ruffles.
Fringed
Long fringe has become one of the favorite décor elements of cocktail dresses. Fringed fringes on the hem or on the straps give the dress a playful and mischievous look. The asymmetrical arrangement of the decor in several layers stands out. This innovative idea makes the look even more seductive.
Bustier
Classic cocktail dress without the straps, beautifully framing the neckline with a straight or flared skirt. At the peak of popularity are bustier models with a fluffy flounced skirt and outfits popular last season with shoulder straps lowered over the shoulders.
Lace
Volumetric 3D lace is considered a real hit of the season, making any look light and romantic. Multilayer models fashionable in 2020 necessarily have a transparent bottom, which allows you to fully consider the beauty of a bright lace ornament.
With a fluffy skirt
This season's favorite baby-dollar outfits with a fluffy, flying skirt are sewn from satin and layered chiffon, adorned with layered ruffles with patterns of rhinestones and lace.
A prerequisite for such an outfit is a multi-layer volumetric skirt, which makes the girl more like a Barbie doll.
Sheath dress
A classic model that allows you to emphasize all the advantages of the figure, which has become a symbol of true elegance.
Fashionable in 2020 cases should not have sleeves, differing in the presence of thin straps and a lace hem. The bustier case is also in fashion.
Jacket dress
A bold cocktail outfit that imitates an elongated jacket. Such a model is made of dense fabric, keeps its shape well, has an ultra-short length, complemented by asymmetry, deep neckline, lace, shiny ornament or massive contrasting buttons.
A-silhouette
The flared cut allows you to create a laconic and elegant look. Such an outfit, as a rule, has no sleeves and is made of strict iridescent fabrics. The decor in such an outfit may be absent, giving way to laconic forms and lines.
Deep cut
Designers recommend experimenting with cuts, exposing not only the neckline, but also the back line.
An elongated cocktail dress with a back-opening slit and a fully closed top will create a fashionable look.
A train or lace trim can complement such an outfit.
The neckline line this season can be completely opened by choosing an outfit with spaghetti straps or a bustier dress, or left ajar.
At the peak of popularity, deep V-shaped notches allow you to make an incision almost to the navel.
With a high slit
A long cocktail dress will benefit from a little openness created by a high slit that allows you to fully open your legs. A cocktail dress with 1 slit, low-cut breasts and lowered puffy sleeves looks very relevant.
How to choose
Fashion trends in 2020 offer a variety of shades and styles of cocktail dresses, allowing you to choose an outfit from a photo for any occasion and type of figure.
According to age
Slender girls under 25 are recommended to choose short (15 cm above the knee) cocktail dresses for parties, made in bright colors of absolutely any cut. For young women 25-40 years old, the length is up to or slightly below the knee (10-15 cm).
The color palette you choose can be absolutely any, but you should not buy outfits in acidic, neon or hot pink colors. 40-45 years is the heyday of female beauty.
As cocktail dresses, the leading models are A-line, trapeze, cases, straight cut dresses made in rich bright cold or pastel shades.
If you have a slender figure, deep cuts and tight, low-cut models on the back or chest are acceptable.
You should not choose mini-dresses, fluffy skirts and neon colors for the holiday, which can give the image vulgarity.
After 50, the traditional cocktail dress is replaced by models below the knee, allowing to hide the problem area of the legs.
A slender figure will look good in fitted straight-cut dresses or sheaths. Curvy shapes can be hidden in an A-line dress or sheath. A case with a beautiful gathering on the skirt will give additional slimness.
The color scheme at this age should be calmer. When choosing an outfit, preference is given to straight, laconic lines, without an abundance of decor, complemented by voluminous accessories. Short (3/4) sleeves and lace trim are acceptable to hide problem skin on the arms and neckline.
Pregnant
Choosing a cocktail dress while waiting for a child, you should focus on models made of elastic fabrics.
The classic version of the dress is a dress in the Greek style with a skirt cut off from the chest.
Designers invite expectant mothers not to be ashamed of their position, actively showing off their tummy in tight-fitting short or long midi dresses with lowered shoulders or wrap-around models.
The most relevant maternity dress of the season will be a shiny mini-model made of lurex and sequins, allowing a woman to sparkle like a jewel.
For the wedding
Many modern brides are ditching traditional long wedding gowns in favor of more practical cocktail dresses that leave more room for movement. Such an outfit can be made in a classic white shade or be extravagant and combine several bright colors.
The most relevant colors for cocktail wedding dresses of the 2020 season are:
- white;
- red;
- yellow;
- turquoise;
- peach;
- lavender.
Fashionable styles of wedding dresses:
- A case with a straight or slightly flared skirt. Such a model has a length slightly (10-15 cm) below the knees, is made of dense satin fabric and has a deep cut on the back or chest.
- With a fluffy skirt made of chiffon, tulle or silk. In this model, the bodice is emphatically modest and does not distract from the bottom of the outfit.
- Guipure. Lace can be run over the entire dress or be present as decorated elements, shading the neckline, hem, sleeves.
- With a flared skirt sun. Helps to hide flaws and emphasize the waist. Pairs well with a rounded, V-shaped or square chest neckline.
The bridesmaids dress in the same outfits according to the fashion that came from Europe. Such dresses can be an exact copy of each other, be made in the same style, but differ in decor or match each other only in color.
White color, deep cuts, bare back and neckline are unacceptable for bridesmaids. Bustier outfits with a fluffy skirt, lowered shoulders, or sheath dresses look most advantageous.
An original solution will be an asymmetrical mallet skirt.
Guests can choose any cocktail dress for themselves. Mothers of the bride and groom should opt for sheath dresses made in bright or pastel colors with decorated elements. Women over the age of 35 can choose the style that suits them, decorated with a deep neckline, a slit on the skirt, ruffles or lace.
The only requirement for guest attire is the traditional rejection of white or the shade chosen for the bride's wedding dress. Bright red and black outfits for guests are also not welcome.
For the new year
The metal mouse is considered the symbol of the upcoming 2020, therefore the most relevant color solutions for the holiday are:
- white;
- Gray;
- silver metallic;
- the black;
- smoky;
- shiny fabrics.
The ideal length for a cocktail New Year's dress will be the option up to or slightly lower (10-15 cm) of the knees.
Among the fashionable styles prevail:
- A-line, with a full skirt, considered ideal for women with full breasts.
- Bustier dresses that showcase the beauty of the shoulders and chest. This outfit can have a fluffy or straight skirt.
- Dresses with a fluffy asymmetrical mallet skirt. The cropped front and lengthened back hem is at the peak of popularity.
- A case with a form-fitting skirt, closed front and open back, creating an extravagant and elegant look at the same time.
To graduation party
The graduation party is the first major celebration in a girl's life, preparation for which begins with choosing a dress.
Fashion trends in 2020 bring to the attention of school graduates:
- Trendy mullet dresses with trendy asymmetric hem. Such a model, shortened in front and longer in the back, looks most advantageous with a combination of a monochrome fully open bodice and a lace skirt.
- A bustier dress with a full skirt will allow you to create a truly airy and light look. Such an outfit should leave the shoulders completely exposed or have the straps lowered.
The color scheme of the outfit can be any. An abundance of floral décor and butterflies worn over a skirt, complete with a monochrome bodice, will help create an innocent yet playful look. A black bustier dress with gold or silver inserts and a fluffy, layered skirt is considered a real hit of the season of prom fashion.
What to wear with
For a cocktail style, wearing boats with a thin high (at least 10 cm) hairpin is considered a prerequisite. In the summertime, shoes can be replaced with a model with an open toe or closed sandals. Another condition is considered mandatory nude or black tights. Cocktail dress prohibits giving up pantyhose even in the heat or replacing them with stockings or mesh.
A handbag for a cocktail dress is only small (clutch), matching or contrasting in color with the outfit.
The addition of a clutch with decorated elements and a chain is allowed. In no case should you wear bulk bags with a cocktail outfit.
In the cold season, the dress is complemented by a fur jacket or cape, and instead of shoes, high boots with thin stilettos are suitable.
The jewelry is discreet. The ideal option would be voluminous, shiny earrings or a mono-earring, appropriate when the outfit is asymmetric.
The pendant should match the small earrings and bracelet. It is recommended to complement dresses with a full skirt with a belt with a shiny buckle. The headdress is rarely worn, but in the classic version, small pill-caps with veils are acceptable.
Fashion trends in cocktail outfits shown in photographs taken at Fashion Week 2020 allow for various indulgences in length, material and color variations when choosing an outfit. The only condition in cocktail style is considered to be strict adherence to the rules for the selection of accessories, allowing you to give the image elegance and style.
Video about cocktail dresses
Super beautiful dresses 2020:
Whatever decoration is selected for a cocktail dress, you need to remember that it must be large, multi-layered, long and original - one that will attract the attention of passers-by at first glance.You can safely combine shapes and volumes, various materials, bracelets and rings, chains and beads - this season you have complete freedom of choice.