Oh god what is a cocktail dress and where to find one?

[ElephantsAndMiasmas]

I need to get one for a dinner event coming up, apparently. Shops all full of nice summery dresses but are cocktail dresses different in some way?

Am panicking because only have this weekend to go shopping. So advice on 1) what the feck constitutes a cocktail dress exactly? and 2) any nice ones in existence at the moment would be amazing!

Thanks Noddy!!!

You know how to make a girl cry!!!

Some good buys to be had here - Hobbs Outlet

The current season stuff looks nice too - Pink

But to me, this is the cocktail dress.

Bother. The Cheyne one. Raspberry.

Go on Noddy!!

What is hideous about this (my) dresss !! www.suzannah.com/dresses/cocktail-dresses/elbow-sleeve-fifties-cocktail-dress.aspx

I love it and look great in it (I know I shouldn't say that but it makes me feel good)!!

Going off to look at my hideous collection

Okay, we can start to narrow down. My first instinct was to get a faithful LBD and some fabulous accessories, but if you want to be able to wear it to weddings and parties as well, then I think black would not be such a good idea. I'd go for a plain shift-type dress (shift dresses never date), possibly in silk or a material with a sheen to it and non-embellished so you can wear it to posh daytime events too. Just go for whatever colour flatters you and as good quality/cut as you can afford. You can ring the changes with your accessories.

Oasis has some very nice, very cheap dresses - short though, so only if you are young or have v good legs.

I second Coast.

Sorry upahill I did say 'most' , I think they are a bit stuffy and overpriced

I thought your dresses were lovely upahill so that makes it 2:1

There you go its only me! They are a bit ageing soap actress at ascot runs for cover

So do I Noddy. I didn't say I bought the collection!!!

Elephant.
Scroll down the following link and make a note that none of the dresses worn here can reasonably be worn at a cocktail party!!!!

www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2004481/Nancy-DellOlios-delisional-dress-sense.html

I wore this to a summer ball last week, and it looked lovely. It's a bargain at this price (sob, I paid full price, but I do love it!)

www.coast-stores.com/LUCA-DRESS/Garments/coast/fcp-product/2224713420?cm_mmc=AffiliateWindow--designerdresses.me.uk--0-_-&awc=2805_1308320087_f2576c1913a5cad2f5ee27385121242f

OP, do you like this? Most sizes are sold out online, but I saw loads of them in an actual Coast shop yesterday.

Hello - thanks for the links, some of those are beautiful. I like the purpley Hobbs one (Laila i think it's called) but some are so glam and also v tight over my huge bum that I don't think I can pull them off.

Will try to get to Hobbs and Coast tomorrow.

PMSL at nancy, upahill - that is valuable advice!

you want to look at the anglomania thread

thos esusannah dress things look like you are the "mom" of an 18 year old at a graduation

'you want to look at the anglomania thread'
No you don't!!

You will be skint forever if you go there!!

(I love anglomania but only have 1 dress)

Err strutter I am!

its a sale thread

£140 mine was

www.matchesfashion.com/fcp/product/Matches-Fashion/Dresses/diane-von-furstenberg-DVF-Z-D2426861A11-dresses-RED-BRICK/49044 kind of unexciting but you might wear it again

like this Think it could look great with the right accessories. Have bought a few things from mango recently and the quality is really good for the price.

i liek that but too pregnancy for me

I don't think so I find empire line more pregnancy have to avoid. And wear good underwear!