Although cocktail hour is caught somewhere between a casual outing and a formal evening, it gives patrons plenty of room for creativity in their choices. Whether you are having a pre-dinner drink with your closest girlfriends while on a beach vacation, embarking on a casual meeting with a potential client or meeting a date for a glass of red and calamari, the trick is to achieve effortless style.

Since for the most part cocktail hour takes place with the sun still illuminating the horizon, shorter hemlines and upscale jeans are perfectly acceptable. A pair of dark wash demin jeans with a silk or chiffon blouse and chunky jewelry would be ideal for a relaxing occasion. However, if you are aiming for a more formal ensemble, you will find obsession in lace. A short-sleeved baby doll black dress overlapped with a thin lining of lace offers a lovely appearance. Trying without trying too hard, this A-line scalloped dress from Pull&Bear exudes classic, but far from prude, sophistication.

A-Line Scalloped Lace Dress from Pull&Bear

Lace is a huge commodity this season, with lace dresses, shawls, blouses and tights. By incorporating laced pieces into the depths of your wardrobe, you will never have trouble achieving princess evening attire. This easy-to-love material gives an otherwise tame outfit instant elegant vigor. Splash in a hint of color with baby pink nails and super feminine silver hoops and you’ll look sweeter than your lush strawberry daiquiri.

Although black is always a time-honored standard for a classy cocktail dresses, deep hues still radiate elegance. For a dressier venue, opt out of the bright summer color and trade in for eggplant purple, sparkling jade, cobalt blue or warm red. A personal favorite style element is adding a fitted blazer over top your outfit. Combine the trends of this season by going for a floral print blazer, like this one from Zara.

Floral Print Blazer from Zara

By adding a tailored feminine black blazer to a short ruffled dress, you will add instant sophistication in merely seconds. Spice it up with a pair of long feather earrings and large, full curls, and you’ll keep that playful façade. Simplicity can also be key, especially if you select a bold color such as a striking cobalt and ruby red. Since the colors are already eye-catching in themselves, there is reason to follow the old maxim, less is more.

Your choice in makeup is also fundamental in cocktail hour attire. Regardless of any lingering daylight, it is an elegant evening hour, so a twilight glow with glimmering golds, dusty light shimmers and lip colors that pops is crucial. Pairing a light shimmer with a little black dress will cause your eyes to shine before the moon even reaches the night sky. If you are sporting the deeper, salient hues, a clear and delicate lip gloss will be the perfect complement.

Cocktail hour is a supreme time to truly let your inner glamor queen show. By remembering to incorporate dashes of your unique personality with chic sophistication, you will surely wow your client or steal his eye with beautiful ease.

By Amanda McCoy

As if a first date isn’t nerve-wracking enough, with a surplus of qualms dashing in and out of your head. What if he doesn’t like me? What if we’re stumped for conversation? What if body cleanliness isn’t anywhere near the top of his priority list? But we are also faced with the added stress of the ensemble enigma – Looking innately irresistible without appearing like we’re trying too hard. It’s a paradox so powerful, sometimes we can be tempted to simply throw our iPhones in the garbage, put on our flannel pajamas and say we’ll try dating again next year.

First dates are no longer limited to the typical dinner and the cinema. The 21st century man is getting creative, thus our outfit choices should follow. If your could-be new leading man opts to ditch the candlelight and transport you on an outdoor adventure, fear not.

You can lose the stilettos without losing your appeal. Get in touch with your inner wilderness girl, yet hold onto that inner diva with a fitted long neutral-colored sweater. It’s casual chic, but with the touch of a long necklace, doesn’t lose its sass. Pair it with a simple shawl or leggings, and you’ll be sure to distract him to lose his direction – but there’s nothing wrong with going off trail!

If you’re meeting your possible prince charming for a mid-afternoon cocktail or happy hour hors d’oeuvres, dare to expose a tad more skin. A satin one-shoulder flowy blouse offers timeless class with a spunky girly-girl punch. Pair it with fitted cropped trousers and a chunky wedge that looks effortlessly fresh without overdoing the afternoon. This natural style will surely carry the appetizers over to dinner, and with a sparkling attitude to match, dessert.

If he’s scooping you up for a more formal affair, go GLAM. With full, striking curls, ruby red lips and a boldly-coloured cocktail dress, the cards will certainly be laced in your fingertips. A simple elegant dress will steal his eyes at any evening excursion or 5-star restaurant, but by adding a peeping neckline, he’ll be prying for that kiss goodnight. Your look will be sparkling brighter than your glass of champagne.

It’s a dating truth; if you feel confident and sexy, you’ll be more open, appealing and easier to bond with…and it all begins in your closest. With the right outfit, when the doorbell rings, you’ll feel that rush of assurance to remind him just how smart (and lucky) he was for asking you out. If the date ends spark-less and mediocre, at least you looked fabulous.

By Amanda McCoy

For cocktail parties, a last minute date or a girls’ night out; the little black dress is a lifesaver in plenty of unforeseen situations. Unfortunately, I only have one that’s been sitting in my closet for over a year because although it fits me perfectly it’s kind of boring! Not boring because of its simplicity and charm but because I’m tired of wearing the same type of dress to every event. Most people use their little black day dresses when in doubt of doing something daring. They’re in need of something simple but still want to look, at the very least, decent. But who says you’re tiny trustworthy number can’t have a little bit of extra oomph next time that wedding invitation says “cocktail attire.”

I have rallied up some little black dresses that are more than just versatile. They pack an extra punch, an extra pop of colour or a sneaky little surprise hidden behind the “old faithful” label.

First up is a Badley Mischka Peplum Cocktail Dress from Neiman Marcus.

Yes, it’s got a little spout of shine to it and the peplum ruffle gives it a bit of flair but it’s still versatile enough to wear to a number of different cocktail-inspired events. And as a bit of a side note, this dress is great for tall, thin women that want to create a more define waistline. See the model’s perfect hourglass frame?

This classy piece is a London Times Tiered Combo Dress from Dillards.

Perfect for the woman who wants to feel comfortable and give the illusion of a flatter stomach, the tiers act as the perfect camouflage for any insecurities. And the bit of white on top brings the eye upward while still acting as the perfect go-to item for a more formal occasion.

Now we have this One-Shoulder Black Dress by Scala from SimplyDresses.com.

It’s a personal favorite of mine out of this bunch. Probably because of the crystal-neckline, which enhances the reputation of the “little black dress”. The best part about this feminine and flowy number is that almost any body type can wear it!

And finally we’ve got a Type Z Sidya Cocktail Dress from Zappos.com.

Another great shape for a lot of body types, this dress is versatile but still fun and eye-catching. Perfect for a date, as a wedding guest or a holiday work party it’s the perfect little black dress with a twist.

Snagging the perfect LBD for you is always a plus. It’s a signature piece for every woman’s wardrobe. Remember, Coco Chanel talk us that. But if you’re tired of the same ole’ knee length, tank dress …. Go a bit out the box and add a bit of wow-worthiness to your next LBD moment.

By Grace Lynne Fleming

Inevitably, we all want something. Whether it’s a smaller waist, longer legs, and defined arms or just to be 20 pounds lighter the grass always seems to be so much greener on the other side doesn’t it? Well, it doesn’t have to be. Instead of trying to make yourself fit into clothes made for someone else’s figure, learn what emphasizes your beautiful body and have a blast every time you step foot into a dressing room!

Petite

So you may not have long legs like Heidi Klum but who cares? As long as you stay away from more extravagant dresses that swallow up your tiny frame and keep it sleek and simple, you will be the star of the night and not just your print dress. Showing your legs off may be just what you need to look long and lean. Try this Adrianna Papell monochromatic sequenced dress from Nordstrom (which can be bought in petite) and don’t forget your heels! Staying with one color keeps the dress from cutting up your frame which can make you look shorter and the little bit of leg creates height.

(Note: If you’re insecure about showing off your legs, try out an A-line dress which flatters almost any body type.)

Plus-Size

Plus-size get a bad rep for supposedly not being able to wear as much as other ladies. But that’s not true. When you’ve got a bit more to flaunt you can wear those dresses that tend to wear smaller women. If you are curvier all over you can rock a patterned skirt or ruffles without the worry of it taking over your frame. Try this JS Collections gown from Nordstrom. The print gives illusion, the cinch as the waist creates a beautiful shape, the one shoulder will have everyone’s eyes drawn up while the full skirt adds some comfort.

Apple

If you carry all your weight in your mid-section the last thing you want to do is create attention in that exact spot. Stay away from sheath, body-hugging shapes and instead focus on other areas like your legs, arms and neckline. Rouching and ruffles will flatter and minimize, or embellishments to the chest or hips will draw attention away from your middle. Try this Todashi Shoji draped chiffon dress from Nordstrom. The one-shoulder embellishment draws the eyes up and the draping around the stomach will minimize any insecurities.

Pear

Women with a little more hip action, also known as those with a pear shape can have some serious fun with skirts. Full skirts, layered skirts, printed skirts …. The option is completely up to you. Make sure to stay away from hip-hugging gowns because they will only emphasize the area. Instead try on some dresses that have a bit more feminine pizzazz like this very full pleated skirt gown by Yigal Azrouël from Nordstrom.

Hourglass

As I believe all women should, if you’ve got it flaunt it. And if you’ve got the famous, sexy coke bottle figure … be daring. Show off that womanly figure with a body-hugging sheath gown that will accentuate your well-defined waist, hips and shoulders. Don’t cover yourself up in layers and fullness. Try something similar to this Nicole Miller black sheath gown from Nordstrom that will hit your curves in all the right places.

Most importantly have fun shopping. Try on things that may look not-so-great on the hanger. Whatever the occasion, when you’re shopping for an evening gown it’s a special time and you should feel special. And my last tip, don’t settle until you find something you love!

By Grace Lynne Fleming