How to Glam Up Evening Dress Into Cocktail Dress

Glam up your evening dress into cocktail attire.

Whether you're dressing up a little black dress or adding pizzazz to a red-hot date dress, adding glam to create a special cocktail dress is easy. Choosing accessories that complement your dress and show off its style can turn simple elegance into a knockout at any party.

Shoes

Choose a sparkly pair of shoes to complement your dress. For formal occasions, any color goes and if the shoes have sequins or are patent leather, even better.

Handbag

Carry a small handbag or clutch in a color to complement, but necessarily match your shoes. Think of your purse as another piece of jewelry, and carry something eye catching and stylish. Iridescent sequins, silver, gold or copper-colored faux lizard or a vintage mesh flapper bag will add the right touch to accessorize your cocktail dress.

Jewelry

Add glam with pearls, gold, platinum and diamond jewelry. Choose a collar necklace or chandelier earrings studded with diamonds or Swarovski crystals. Add a bracelet and an oversize sparkly ring to complete the look.

Gloves and Wrap

Wear evening gloves and a fur or faux fur stole when it's cold out. Add an old-fashioned fur muff for a glamorous vintage look.

Hairstyle

Complement your overall look with an updo hairstyle, complete with a diamond or rhinestone tiara hair decoration for the full effect.

References

• Metropolitan Museum of Art: Dressing for Cocktail Hour
• DivaVillage: Spice Up Your LBD