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Cocktail prom dresses are becoming more and more popular, since these dresses are not only fabulous they are also very practical. You can splurge on a classic designer cocktail prom dress for prom and wear it to other events. That makes a lot more sense than buying one prom dress that you can only wear once. Many prom dresses – with their pastel or bright colors and their ruffles or frills – can really only be worn to prom and so don’t get a lot of mileage, unless you plan on entering a pageant.

Cocktail prom dresses are also very versatile and offer lots of options. From halter styles to strapless options to slip dresses to classic a-line dresses, you can find a dress that flatters you. Cocktail prom dresses also come in lots of colors and fabrics – even prints – and in every size. Many of these dresses come with lovely detailing at the hem or neckline while some are simple and look outstanding with bold jewelry and accessories. Cocktail prom dresses also come in a variety of fabrics, from chiffon to silk to lace and other textiles. Your imagination is really the only limit with these great gowns.

There’s another advantage to opting for cocktail prom dresses: comfort. Everyone looks and feels a little funny in a long dress, especially when fast dance music comes on. A cocktail prom dress offers you lots of movement and comfort. And you don’t have to worry about someone stepping on your dress or tripping over your dress yourself.

Beautiful shoes are like fine chocolate – wonderful, decadent, and the perfect luxury. If you are wearing a wonderful cocktail dress out this season, you will want the perfect shoe to go with it. Here are some great options:

1) High Heels. Not the choice of comfort, high heels are nevertheless the epitome of sexy. They elongate the leg and make you appear taller and slimmer.

2) Pumps. Originally called “court shoes,” these shoes look like a cross between high heels and ballerina shoes. They are more comfortable than high heels but give you an added lift.

3) Slingpumps. These shoes have a strap in the back, keeping the back of your foot free. The look is classy and formal but still sexy. To wear these shoes, you will want to make sure that you will not be walking far in winter weather. You may also want to make sure that your feet and heels are baby-smooth before your night out.

Don’t just stick with basic black shoes, even with a black dress. Look at shiny or bright fabrics and exciting details that draw the eye to your toes tapping. Of course, always do a walk test and buy no-slip stickers for the bottoms of new shoes to prevent making an “unforgettable” entrance.

Cocktail dresses are formal or semi-formal dresses that come in all lengths but tend to stop just above the knee. If you have been invited to an event where a cocktail gown will be needed, go shopping with these style points in mind:

1) Length: Many cocktail dresses are above the knee, while tea length cocktail dresses stop two inches above the ankle. Ballerina length dresses reach the ankles. In general, the longer styles of cocktail dress are more formal and look great on women who are taller.

2) Shape: From a-line to classic tank-style dresses, you can find a cocktail dress in just about every shape and style. Ideally, stay away from extremes that are the opposite of what you are. If you are petite, for example, a huge dress can overwhelm you. If you are tall, a cropped dress will make you look even taller.

3) Details: Keep details – including beading and fancy collars – to an absolute minimum. You will get the most wear from your cocktail dress if you add pizzazz with accessories and fussy details will just aggravate you.

4) Fabric: Cocktail dresses come in silk, satin, chiffon, and many other fabrics. Touch and try on many different fabrics until you find the one that feels perfect. Keep in mind that soft, flowing fabrics are always more flattering that stiff or clingy ones.

5) Color: Darker colors and bright gem colors are popular during the winter while paler colors are popular in the warmer months. That said, though, always choose a color that is flattering to your skin.

Cocktail dresses and other fancy dresses can easily cost you many thousands of dollars, which just doesn’t leave much left over for anything else. Luckily, you don’t have to be afraid of paying full retail. There are a number of ways you can get great cocktail and party dresses for a steal:

1) Retail sales. Sales at your favorite stores are a great way to get good gowns and dresses at a reduced rate. The advantage of buying retail at a sale is that you still get great sales help.

2) Outlet stores. Many cities now have factory outlet stores where you can buy items that retail stores have not been able to sell. Here you’ll find dress styles from a season or two back but you will enjoy some sales help and great prices.

3) Used clothing stores. These do require some extra work, since you will find terrible bridesmaid dresses and some damaged dresses as well as some possible gems. For women who know what they are looking for and who have some shopping savvy, though, these stores can be a treasure trove.

4) Consignment shops. These stores buy back designer fashions from clients. Unlike used clothing stores, consignment stores are picky – sometimes very picky – about the merchandise they acquire, so that you don’t have to wade through racks of orange party dresses or torn cocktail dresses to find what you want. Since everything is previously worn, though, you will often pay less than you would if you paid full retail.

5) Sample sales or trunk sales. High-end stores and some designers have special trunk sales where they sell excess clothes and “sample” clothes that were used to sell an item to businesses. The discounts are considerable, so this is a great way to get new-ish cocktail dresses brand-new at a fraction of the price. Most trunk sales are not widely advertised, so you will need to do some digging to find sales in your area. Also keep in mind that sample sales and trunk sales are hard work. Expect a huge lineup, no organization, not too many sizes, almost no sales help and tons of people fighting for the same great dresses you want. Just come prepared and you could walk away with a great find.