Monday, January 4, 2010

Cocktail Dresses

Some Popular Choices For Short Cocktail Dresses

DressesMost people stick with dresses that are no more than three or four inches above their knee. If you have slender legs, short above the knee dresses are a popular choice. Women with larger legs often go for an at-the-knee length rather than going for shorter styles. Either way, short is popular for a night out at a party.

The most chosen materials for cocktail dresses are silk, satin, taffeta, and chiffon. All of these fabrics feel nice against the skin and give you a comfortable feeling. If you do not plan to spend the money that some of these materials require, choose polyester or rayon. Both materials are great at imitating silk. Sleeker fabrics lead to a sexier look, while chiffon and taffeta can be flirty and fun.

The most popular of short length cocktail dresses have very little sleeves, if any. Strapless and spaghetti straps are the most commonly seen dress styles. Some of the most drama creating dresses are over one shoulder. Women who are larger at the top should choose dresses with upper support. Shawls are also common accessories used for coverage and warmth on cool nights.

short Cocktail DressesWhen considering the image that women want to portray, sexy is often the most chosen when it comes to selecting a short cocktail dresses. These dresses are frequently sleek and tighter fitting. Many have a slit on the side. Rich cut fabrics are popular. While ruffled or layered short cocktail dresses are acceptable, they often give lead to a younger and more youth style.

Black cocktail dresses in any style are also a favorite at parties. No matter which fabric you choose, black can be appropriate. It is often thought to be a very formal color yet at the same time also serves as being neutral for those that do not want to venture too far into the color wheel.

Next in popularity color choices are red and white. While cocktail dresses come in a variety of colors, these choices are considered to be the most commonly sought when it comes to a short dress.

Most dresses for cocktail parties are fairly simple. They are not covered in elaborate appliqués or sequins. Shiny fabric accessories or sashes are the popular for adding pizazz to a cocktail dresses (B G).

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Bridesmaid Dresses

Fresh New Bridesmaid Dresses For 2010

Bridesmaid DressesThe fall bridal shows are always exciting. Naturally, the highlight for most brides-to-be is seeing the latest wedding gown designs, but there are also some hot new styles debuted for bridesmaids during bridal market. Here are some of the fresh new bridesmaid dresses for 2010 weddings.

First of all, the ubiquitous strapless silhouette has finally loosened its grip on the bridesmaid collections. Bridesmaids, breathe a sigh of relief! No more tugging and pulling on ill-fitting strapless bridesmaid dresses that always seem to slip at just the wrong moment. You may actually get to wear a dress with straps if you are an attendant in a 2010 wedding!

One of the styles to take the place of all strapless, all the time is the classic bateau neck. An immensely flattering and graceful neckline that brings to mind Audrey Hepburn, there is plenty to love about a bateau neck bridesmaid dress. Shown in gorgeous colors like rich purple at Melissa Sweet, a bateau neckline gown with a full A-line skirt is an ideal accompaniment to the 1950s inspired bridal gowns that dominated the runways for 2010. Such a classic dress should be finished off with equally timeless accessories, such as pearl bridesmaid jewelry sets.

Bridesmaid DressesBrides who want a hip and modern bridesmaid dresses will adore the one shoulder dresses that are available for 2010. Sleek and contemporary, a knee length one shoulder bridesmaid dress is a fantastic choice for a wedding with a city chic flair. Match it with one of the slinky sheath style bridal gowns which are in vogue. Killer shoes and dramatic bridesmaid earrings are a must with this hot attendants' dress.

For long bridesmaid dresses, soft chiffon is one of the most popular fabrics. Seen in a neutral charcoal gray at Amsale or a lovely periwinkle at Badgley Mischka, floor length chiffon gowns are a stunning option for a formal wedding, day or evening. The gowns feature special details such as draped bodices, flattering halter necklines, or soft ruffles which set them apart from the boring bridesmaid dresses of years past. Perhaps the best thing about these elegant new bridesmaid gowns is that they do not scream "bridesmaid". They are actually stylish enough that they could (gasp!) be worn again later.

Color is an important factor in the look of a bridal party, and there is an interesting range of options for the 2010 bridesmaid dress collections. Noticeably absent are a lot of "safe" or pastel colors. Charcoal gray has emerged as a surprisingly wearable top color choice for bridesmaids. Deep colors like purple and ink blue are popular, as are bold colors such as vivid sunset orange. A new trend is very pale and ethereal colors which are not much darker than the color of the bride's dress. When made in soft and floaty fabrics like chiffon, the pale bridesmaid dresses will create an almost otherworldly effect. Complete the look with sets of bridesmaid jewelry in clear crystal (L F).