What should I wear on the first date?
The answer depends on your intent. If you have engaged in long romantic conversations over social media for the past few weeks, dress provocatively.
Not sure what that means? Then you can always go with one of the many cocktail party silhouettes that feature a flattering cut with a length that skims the body while keeping the necklines and hemlines appropriate.
But now, with the first date at hand, you’re going to need some ideas to make your grand entrance.
What is a Cocktail Dress?
Without getting into the boozy evolution of the cocktail dress, it was the late 1940s, and Christian Dior was the first to coin the name “cocktail” dress, stitching a cocktail-specific term to an evening frock that can be traced all the way back to the 30s.
While the martini-inspired cocktail culture was in full swing in Paris in the 40s and 50s, it was not until the cultural decade of the 60s that this seductive little number made it into the American consciousness.
Inspired by Christian Dior’s “New Look” collection in 1947, the cocktail dress became the American way of life worn by the likes of Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe, who frequently flaunted the cocktail dresses by famed French couturiers, while American women rushed to find cheaper copies courtesy of Seventh Avenue.
While the trend of semi-formal cocktail affairs had died down during the 80s and 90s, cocktail dresses continued to be worn in hip bars and parties.
Today, after nearly a century of making the ladies look cool while sipping booze, the cocktail dress has become more than just something to spill cocktails on, as actress Jean Arthur famously quipped in the 1937 film, “The Ex-Mrs. Bradford.”
Madame Bridal’s 15 Cocktail Dress Ideas
There is a big spectrum of cocktail attire that you can go for, so here are Madame Bridal’s 15 cocktail dress ideas to steal his heart;
1. Little Black Dress
Historians credit the famous designer Coco Chanel for popularizing the “little black dress” as haute couture in the 20s.
While Coco Chanel’s inspiration for the design was her Catholic upbringing and poverty (she was brought up in a Catholic orphanage after the death of her parents), Christian Dior’s post-war “New Look” collection transformed the dress worn previously by only working-class women and domestics, into the uniform and symbol of a dangerous woman.
The Little black dress or LBD can be worn at any event and always looks stylish and appropriate. In fact, if you fancy yourself a fashionista, you probably have one in your closet right now.
2. Little White Dress
Almost 150 years after Coco Chanel’s iconic design, the cocktail dress made a similar but scandalous comeback when the French painter Madame Le Brun depicted Marie Antoinette in a simple white (and virtually transparent) dress made from muslin. The dress was a scandal in its day because it was worn without corseting or stays.
While the fashion faux pas in the portrait is something redolent of Ancient Greece, it was a shock for polite society at the time and got Queen Marie Antoinette a lot of bad press, which shows the impact of fashion on society. In modern times, the white dress has become an era-defining dress style that’s appropriate for any joyful occasion.
3. Strapless
Feeling dangerous? Why not go with a strapless cocktail dress paired with a jacket (preferably one that’s been designed specifically for the cocktail dress)? This type of design accentuates the shoulders and neck while giving you a casual, laid-back look.
4. Halter Neckline
The halter neckline is a sleek cocktail dress that features a strap that runs along the front of the garment to the back of the neck, keeping the upper back open. This is an excellent option if you want to showcase your shoulders and can work for any occasion.
5. Spaghetti Straps
The spaghetti (or noodle) strap dress features a thin shoulder strap which is used as support for the garment. While a camisole can be worn as casual attire, you can pull off a spaghetti strap in casual and formal events.
6. Deep V-Neck
The V-neck is an eye-catching piece that focuses on the neckline rather than the lower body. The deep V-neck cocktail dress is the perfect option for a party dress or your first date.
7. Nude / See-Through
Many celebs have slipped on a sheer dress for award shows through the years. From Kendall Jenner to Amber Rose and Gigi Hadid to Gwen Stefani, see-through dresses are the go-to for young and daring celebs and can be for you, too!
8. Backless
This has got to be the perfect dress to highlight your figure. No matter the event, a short backless cocktail dress will always make heads turn and leave quite the impression, especially on a first date.
9. Bachelorette Dressing
Basic black has been a Bachelorette party staple for some time now, and that’s not going to change, especially because it is customary for the bride-to-be to wear white. But the LBD is the perfect choice even if you’re not trying to contrast the bride’s outfit at a Bachelorette party and are looking for something chic for a first date.
10. Short Romper
While going sleeveless (aka showing more skin) is the preferred way to go with a cocktail dress, that’s not a rule. You can don a short-sleeved short romper for a first date or any outdoor evening event. It’s all about the romp lately as far as high-street fashion goes, and many women love the juvenile feel and versatility that rompers provide.
11. Glitzy Cling-On
A first date or a cocktail party aren’t really formal events, so there’s no need to burst out the ball gown. However, you can add some glam and sparkle to your outfit by going with a glitzy cling-on dress. The best part is you can let your imagination take over when it comes to color tone.
12. Sexy With High Slit Skirt
A pencil skirt features a flattering form-fitting design from waist to hem and boasts a slit to allow for easy movement. If you’re not looking to just suggest a bit of skin, but expose, then the hi-slit skirt is the way to go.
13. Lace
Nothing is as elegant as lace, and it looks particularly seductive on a party dress. The most feminine material there is lace, which both accentuates your femininity and offers a whole new level of comfort. A lace cocktail dress can help you strike the ideal balance between style and boldness because of how adaptable lace is and how many different ways it can be made to look. Just don’t forget to select the perfect heels to go with it!
14. Metallic Lame in Silver or Gold
The metallic lame dress features a polyester gold or silver metallic blend that gives off a subtle sparkle and shine, making it perfect for evening use or lighting up the room on a first date.
15. Scuba Cocktail Dress to Show Off Your Curves
One of the advantages of wearing a scuba cocktail dress is the fabric, which is incredibly smooth and water-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about spilling your drinks. This stunning and versatile dress is extremely flattering and suitable for any body type.
So, now that you know what the best types are, it’s time to try one out that invites all kinds of fun into the night.
