About Cocktail Dresses

From runway shows to movies, cocktail dresses are often on display. With colorful fabrics and artistic designs, it has been the clothing staple for a night out with friends or even dinner with parents. It has now become a piece of clothing that every young woman must own and collect. Cocktail dresses have a long history dating back to the 1920s and continues on today, with new designers creating and reinventing modern looks.

History

Cocktail dresses first came about in the 1920s, during prohibition when alcohol drinking was illegal. Under the guise of a party, women socialized with men, wearing clothes that were a cross between evening wear and day clothes. Cocktail dresses were designed in a style that is now associated with the flappers. Back then, the length was more conservative, grazing the knees and even down to the ankles.

Significance

The cocktail dress is important because it is usually a symbol of socialization. It is worn when the occasion calls for drinking and talking with friends, as opposed to a formal dinner. It is more casual than evening wear but more glamorous than regular day clothing. It is considered semi-formal wear.

Features

Back then, cocktail dresses were beaded and had a lot of fringe. Different kinds of material were also used in making the dresses, like sequins, velvet and gauze. Now, various materials are also used in making these dresses look creative. These dresses have surged in popularity because people are more open to the idea of cocktail dresses than they were a couple of decades ago. Various lengths and styles are experimented with, going from dangerously short to long and sweeping, as well as material such as chiffon and organza mixed into the designs.

Misconceptions

Cocktail dresses were a sign of irreverence because of various reasons. They were popularized by flappers and became a symbol of speakeasies and underground parties. The dress designs went against the usual design of formal wear. The concept itself slowly entered the mainstream as designers took inspirations from different parts of history, making the cocktail dress a sign of creativity and personality.

Expert Insight

Television shows and movies displaying clothing ranging anywhere from the flamboyant to the classic have made cocktail dresses the norm to wear at parties and various social events. Designers usually have a category of cocktail dresses incorporated to their line. Leading designers include Anna Sui, whose work is known for the blend of colors and materials, as well as Betsey Johnson, who is known to fuse classic and modern together.