Typical to the vagaries of fashion, black tights and stockings have come in and out of style several times. The saying that everything old is new again is played out over and over again on the runways and racks of apparel. A quick look at today’s fashion trends will confirm that, for now, black tights and stockings are definitely part of the trend.

The women of the Beat Generation completely embraced black tights as a way of expressing their departure from the conservative 1950’s housewife role. A pencil skirt, turtleneck, black tights and flats became the unofficial uniform for these female followers of Ginsberg and Kerouac, and was The Outfit for listening to mad bebop jazz played in dark, smoky bars from the Village to North Beach. The look still works and is a favorite with women from Paris to Des Moines. Shoes styles are much more flexible and pairing anything from peep toe pumps to Uggs is not out of the question. To lighten the look without losing the feel, try black stockings instead of tights. Stockings create a more elegant, polished look than tights but still manage to keep a bit of that essential Beat vibe.

No one looks better in a little black dress than Audrey Hepburn. It has to be said however, that Ms. Hepburn could wear a suit of armor and look amazing, but that does not take away from her sense of style. At a recent film premier in London, Reese Witherspoon seemingly channeled the Breakfast in Tiffany’s star with a simple black dress, black tights, and a little something sparkly at the neckline.

credit

A classic, black on black is slimming, flexible, and can go practically anywhere. To give your outfit an extra kick, choose lace or textured black stockings and kicky shoes. You will be noticed without making a scene.

Baby doll dresses, lacey Goth inspired creations, pleated mini skirts, paisley print sack dresses, or square-neck cocktail shifts all work well with black stockings or tights and each look has its own personality. Gwyneth Paltrow looks smashing in a black leather pencil skirt, black tights, and boxy unconstructed jacket but not everyone does and honestly, that’s the way it should be. The upshot of dressing well is by dressing to please yourself, you ultimately really rock your look. So explore, have fun, and look great!

Within the last ten years, the trend in business clothes for women has offered a variety of choices. When women entered the work force in mass during the 1990’s, the power suit ruled the office. Boxy suits with shoulder pads, high heeled pumps and stockings that coordinated with the business suit became the norm. Women are feeling comfortable in the workplace and are now dressing in more feminine styles. Today, looking professional doesn’t mean donning dull colours or dowdy fashions. The new ladies business wear trends offer exciting, pretty clothes that are comfortable, businesslike and stylish.

The key is to choose a dress, trousers and jacket line that suits the figure and to select colours that are complimentary without being too bold or brassy. The first consideration is whether the office environment is casual or dressy. A casual look could include tailored trousers, a crisp shirt or sweater set and a soft jacket.

Tailored and classic styles are timeless and will always be appropriate for business wear. But a slightly flirty skirt, a few ruffles on a jacket or a bright coloured shell can add a feminine and contemporary touch to a business outfit. Although jeans may be accepted in some work environments, torn or ragged jeans may be trendy at the nightclub but leave a negative impression at the office.

Dressing for success depends upon whether the job is a high profile position where customer contact is required. A more formal style business suit, with either a matching jacket or trousers, will always work when a polished look is necessary.

Eexamples of a classic business suit are shown with a tailored blouse and fitted jacket. Basic black, grey or brown creates a professional statement but a brighter coloured blouse or scarf can be added and is a popular new trend.

Mixing a solid trouser or skirt with a patterned jacket makes an updated fashion statement. No longer does a ladies business suit have to be a two piece outfit of the same colour and fabric. Mixing textures and patterns creates a contemporary look that is well groomed yet creative. An updated power suit means brighter colour and softened lines.

Finding the basics is the first step in selecting appropriate business wear and mixing a few pieces, coordinated jackets and trousers, and a few shirts or knit tops offer the necessary apparel for a full week at the office. After purchasing the essentials, adding a few new trends, watch the news for ideas and liven up the weekly routine. A business outfit can easily be overwhelmed with inappropriate jewellery so be careful to not add too many bangles and layers of jewels.

The new fashion for beach and pool is more flattering than ever. This season we will see many one piece suits, most of them designed in a delightful retro style. The summer’s big topic is glamour galore and old Hollywood style. Sweetheart necklines, light ruffling in front and skirting are the key elements. Not only is the new swimwear very figure flattering but also luxurious and fun to wear. The looks appeal to our inner divas and challenge to let out the vamp in the mermaid.

credit

The new swimwear is more generous and covers more skin than in previous years, but also brings more style and elegance back into the sunlight with its one piece suits, bikinis and tankinis.

Together with the retro styles we will, for a healthy balance, see very avantgarde looks. These are cut-out suits with a variety of unusual and interesting shapes and openings around the waist or in the back. Catwalks were also dominated by wrapped suits that look as if a wide ribbon was slung around the body, covering what really needs to be covered in an artistic pattern. They might be challenging to wear in the water, but who wants to get wet with designer suits like this anyway?

credit

A third trend is the sophisticated yacht club look with one or two piece suits in a mix of solid colors and metallic accents. The colors are basic – black, white, brown tones together with gold or bronze. This style incorporates chic nautical elements like cords and rivets.

credit

We can look forward to a feast of colors that come in exquisite jewel tones. Emerald, sapphire and amethyst brighten up any day and exude the feeling of a luxury resort. Fuchsia is on top of all of the designers’ lists and celebrates a grand comeback this year. Make sure to have the matching lipstick and nail polish for a look of lavish perfection.

The majority of the new looks are designed in these strong solid colors, but the patterns are not to be overlooked. They are just as bold and sophisticated. Bright large florals, nautical stripes or large polka dots compete with safari patterns. Freshly risen from hibernation are the beloved and timeless animal prints!

The summer 2009 swimwear takes a step up on the fashion ladder and offers great looks for everyone and every budget with an emphasis on feminine and luxurious shapes, materials and colors all infused with much style, comfort and a lot of fun.

Spring fashion color trends this year are all about bright colors anchored by neutrals. Bright colors may be the trend this year, looking slim is and always will be the biggest fashion trend of all. Black is a great slimming colour, but there are a variety of bright and beautiful colors this spring that look great on women of all shapes and sizes (and go great with black!). So which spring fashion color trends make you look both trendy and slimmer? The following colors are a surefire spring trend for appearing slimmer and yet incredibly fresh and trendy.

1. Fuchsia Red

Fuchsia Red was seen walking down the runways of designers such as Peter Som and Reem Acra. This deep and bright color has both the ability to slim, yet brighten and enlighten the woman wearing this rich and gorgeous spring color trend. Fuchsia red also pairs well with neutrals to add a bright pop of color under a business suit or a top paired with black  bottoms.

credit

2. Palace Blue

Palace blue appeared as a bright pop of colors this spring in the collections of designers such as Lela Rose, Abaete, and Cynthia Steffee by Shawn Kearney. Palace blue looks best when worn in a cute pair of shorts or as a distinctive signature piece. This bright color is deep enough that it slims and conceals yet it is bright and exuberant and screams fashionista.

credit
3. Slate Grey

Fashion is art and art reflects the current atmosphere of our world. In tough economic times such as these designers are using more neutrals such as slate grey. The great thing about slate grey is that it is sophisticated and slimming. Slate grey is also a great option for the woman who does not like to wear bright colors. Slate grey is also great when paired with one of the other trendy fashion colors this spring. Charlotte Ronson featured the color in a variety of looks.

credit
4. Vibrant Green

The color of vibrant green is reflected every where you look during the spring season so it only makes sense that fashion designers would fill the runways with this beautiful color. Women of color look especially beautiful in the color vibrant green. This rich color slims and trims women of all shapes and sizes. This color looks great in dresses or as a rich and beautiful signature color as well as in accessories.

credit

Black boots are an essential part of any woman’s wardrobe. From the sexiest high heels to the most comfortable casuals, here in no particular order are ten black boots that will never go out of style:
1. Diba Dakota.

These flat, round toe boots reach just under the knee and are chicly accented with leather side-ties at the top. Made from supple patent black leather with a slouchy shaft and full inside zip, they are a classic boot with original detailing.

credit
2. Frye Heath.

A timeless classic. These are square toed, casual biker-style boots with an outside zipper. Mid-calf 11.5″ height with a stacked 1″ heel, they look tough but ever so fashionable.

credit
3. Gabriella Rocha Shannell.

These are pull-on ankle boots accented with three buckles at the ankle and a rear slit. The 1″ heel makes them very wearable, with detailed styling and fashionable ankle-height adding a touch of sexiness. Great with a skirt and tights.

credit
4. Timberland Stephania Pull On Boots.

Made by a trusted brand known for work-tough boots, these equestrian inspired tall boots are both sturdy and stylish. They have a subtle stitched leather and suede patchwork design on the shaft, a rounded toe and special footbed designed for day-long comfort. These boots manage to be fully waterproof and very sturdy yet still elegant.

credit

5. Cathy Jean “Slouch Boot”

This elegant black boot is a stylish combination of slouchy and shapely. It is fitted around the calf to accentuate the shape of the leg with a soft slouch around the ankle, and narrow heel. Made from patent black stretch fabric for ease of wear, these boots will go with almost any outfit, any season.

credit

The following people seem to be a couple of ginger biccies short of a packet. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you:

1. EyePoker Version 7.1…

Definitely not a ‘packed-train-during-rush-hour’ look.

Very Statue-of-Liberty looking.

How oh how does she manage to sleep at night, ey? I mean, the only way to get any shuteye would be for her to sleep face down – which isn’t the cleverest thing to do …unless you have a pair of gills, that is.

credit

2. Flower Head…

Erm, dude, you’ve got flowers growing out of your brain. Really bad sign, dude. Really bad sign. The last time I saw flowers growing out of someone’s head, they turned into…

…well, let’s just say it happens in stages.

The headaches are the first sign.

Then the flowers…

Then your hair starts to grow worms.

And then, POOF, you turn into …a cucumber.

There. Told you it was bad.

Terrifying.

Grrr.

credit

3. Guilty as charged…

And all this time, Bob Marley was selflessly taking the blame for shooting the sheriff when it was little blonde missy here what done it.

It’s payback time, missy.

How did she do it? Shoot the sheriff, you mean? Well, simple. Stand behind her and find out.

credit

4. Is it a bird? Is it a plane?

…no, it’s Amy Winehouse’s long lost twin, Tammy.

Maybe there’s hope for our Amy yet. Who needs a bloody loser of a husband when you have a twin out there that’s as GA-GA as you are, Amy darling? With follicly-challenging hairdos like those, the pair of ya can take over the frikkin world. THE FRIKKIN WORLD, I tell you. You won’t even have to sing, babes. Do not ask what you can do for your country, but what Max Clifford and Hello Magazine can do for the two of you.

credit

5. Is it Amy? Is it Tammy?

No, it’s Pammy, the other twin.

Yes, Amy darling, you’re a triplet. See? And she’s dying to meet you. Real impatient and everything.

(’xcuse me, this is getting, like, really emotional. Hold on. Need to go get some tissue. Reunions just choke me up no end. Like, totally.)

credit

6. There’s no place like…

Dorothy couldn’t find the Yellow Brick Road because, because, because, because, becauuuuuuuse… because Toto fell into a complete and utter puppy-diva strop after the following poodle-looking competition stepped onto the scene trying to outdo him in the woof-woof department.

’Not on’, Toto grrrrrr’d, aiming for their manes.

Took hours to separate them four.

So now Dorothy, Toto, Mr Scarecrow, Lion and Tin Man are gonna have to take RyanAir to get to the Land of Oz, but seeing as RyanAir’s gone and started bloody charging to use their bloody in-flight loos and knowing how ticklish Toto’s bladders are, it’s gonna cost a bloody fortune to get there. (take a leaf out of TinTin’s book, Toto. His dog never does a sh*t.)

credit

7. Donald Frump…

I’m forever indebted to you, Mr Trump, for proving the theory that no matter how much money someone may have in their closet, they can still look naff.

How did you do it, man? How did you make looking ridiculous seem so effortless, so natural?

I envy you.

credit

8. Babe Magnet…

This would actually be really clever …if it wasn’t so dumb.

And it looks like he knows just how clever, but dumb, it is.

If he didn’t have friends before, he definitely has tons now. Of the imaginary kind.

credit

9. Hair-Tinted Glasses…

Can’t afford a pair of sunglasses? Well, don‘t despair. Do what this lady’s done by creating a pair of your own with your own hair and you’ll be A.O.K. She’s never looked back since, has done her confidence the world of good, plus she’s actually managed to nab herself a boyfriend in the process too. Yes, her and Mr Babe Magnet. Love at first sight, I’ll have you know.

credit

10. Mullets United…

This is a bit of a Catch 22, methinks. Is it the face or the mullet that makes the set-up look odd? Would they look any less strange in a…

…come to think of it, can you think of any hairstyle they wouldn’t look odd in?

Bless ‘em.

credit

11. Rainbow ‘Fro…

This is what happens when you eat a rainbow: you get lumbered with an embarrassing pair of glasses that even Curly from Coronation Street wouldn’t be seen dead in, and a beard with a front parting.

The afro should be the least of his worries.

Really.

credit

12. Ginger Blancmange…

She really doesn’t look like a very happy bunny, does she?

Contrary to what one might think, her facial expression isn’t your typical model-pouting ‘I-am-beauty-incarnate’ look. It’s more of a ‘oh-f*ck, oh-f*ck, my-hair’ look.

Next time, dear, when a hairdresser says they know what they’re doing, pretend you need to use the loo, then make your escape like pronto.

credit

13. No Sh*t, Sherlock…

Is this a walking advert for a detox diet, perhaps? Or a cry for help?

I can’t decide.

Maybe he’s an ardent fan of the Poo Queen, Gillian McKeith (of You Are What You Eat fame).

Or maybe it’s a metaphor for something: ‘My Head’s Full of Sh*t’ or ‘As a Man Sh*teth, So is He’.

credit

14. The Joker plays ball…

Dear Mr Joker,

The whole reason why you were put under the witness protection program was to protect you from all the Gotham City folks you pissed the hell off years ago.

Now, wearing your hair like THAT isn’t exactly gonna hide away the clues to your real identity, is it now?

credit

15. All Rise…

I have every confidence that this look will catch on …in the year 2560.

What a brave face this young man’s putting on in a world where no one has an Adam’s clue what true fashion is.

We’re just not ready for you, man. We’re just not ready.

credit

16. Adonis…

With eyebrows that are clearly determined to be together and ears that want to get as far away from his head as possible, why oh why would he then help his face along with a hair cut like THAT?

He’d actually look Ok (ish, ish) if he shaved off everything and just left that thatch of hair at the front.

credit

17. Human Antlers…

Ooh, ooh, ooh, looks like I’ve found EyePoker Version 7.2.

Hmmm…I wonder how Mr Human Antler would feel if he woke up the next day and everyone around him had the exact same hairstyle as him. Probably wouldn’t feel so special then, would ya, you attention-seeker you?

credit

18. Love me, Love my Glasses…

Girl: Take off your glasses. I want to see your piercing-blue eyes.

Guy: I can’t.

Girl: Really?

Guy: Really.

Girl: Oh, pleeeeeease.

Guy: I can’t.

Girl: Loser.

Guy: Non-bespectacled woman-sapien-sapien.

credit

19. Phil ‘Spectacle’ Spector…

Oh dear, Phil Spector’s hair – well it looks like it’s having a bit of an identity crisis, doesn’t it – like it can’t quite decide whether to be an all-out Einstein do or an all-out afro, so it thought ‘damn it’ and went for both.

(is it just me or does he look like Sven-Göran Eriksson?)

credit

20. Aha, so THAT’S where Gordon Brown’s been going wrong all along…

Get your hair done like this, Gordy boy, and all’s forgiven.

Ok, maybe not. But it’s a start and is bound to be better than that ‘more-boring-than-John-Major’ look you’ve got going.

We suffer when we watch you on TV, Gordy. We do. And if you loved us (like I’m sure deep in your heart you do), you’d do it.

And on that note, I shall leave you with 3 words, Mr Prime Minister:

Reinvention. Reinvention. Reinvention.

credit

The UK has offered the modeling world a multitude of beautiful faces and trend-setting personalities; more than that, it has provided prime examples of a particular breed of model: the celebrity. These women do more than walk well and photograph like a dream. They move beyond to explore a variety of career options in acting, writing, music, and more. Read on for UK fashion models who went on to become celebrities.

KATE MOSS

Now a Tabloid Princess, Kate Moss didn’t get her start appearing as a troubled celebrity on the cover of National Enquirer; for that matter, her star wasn’t born through her musical collaboration with Primal Scream or as Blackadder’s Maid Marian on British TV. London-born Kate is the supermodel best known for exemplifying the 1990’s trend of “heroin chic”, and for working with enough fashion icons (Calvin Klein, Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, etc) to be an icon in her own right.

credit

KATIE PRICE
Some call her Jordan, some call her Katie, but everyone calls her successful. Hailing from Brighton, Katie Price has thrown her hat into so many rings (with measurable success, it’s worth noting) it can be easy to forget where she started. This best-selling author with a platinum record, personal documentary and a work-out DVD first found fame as a topless model on The Sun’s Page Three.

credit

TWIGGY

Question: which London-born woman has appeared in eighteen movies, made over fifteen television appearances, and made some twenty recordings, but is still best known for her big, heavily-lashed eyes, stick-like frame, and being one of the most famous models of all time? Answer: the original model-waif, Twiggy. A fixture of the 1960’s, Twiggy set both the example and the standard for models seeking to carry their fame beyond the catwalk. Her modeling career was short (only four years!) but her legend lives on.

credit

NAOMI CAMPBELL

With her exotic features and endless confidence, native Londoner Naomi Campbell has been a fixture of the modeling world since the 1980’s. The difference between then and now? Back then, she was one of only a few black women making a serious statement in the industry, paving the way for ethnic models of the future one cover of Vogue at a time. Now she’s the 38-year old modeling powerhouse whose moved into writing (‘Swan’ was publishing in 1994), music (check out album Baby Woman), and acting.

credit

LILY COLE

Looking for the model-turned-celebrity of the future? Count on Torquay-born Lily Cole to follow where the previously mentioned women have led. Still in her modeling prime (she was born in 1988), this wide-eyed, doll-faced model is a current It Girl of fashion, appearing frequently for Chanel, Versace, Louis Vuitton and their likes, but hasn’t held back from pursuing a career in acting and controversy.

credit

Okay, ladies, you know how much you love your shoes, right? However, as a fashionista, I must admit that there are some designer shoes I wouldn’t be caught dead in, no matter what brand name they carry. In the fashion world, its okay to have limits, especially when you are avoiding a trend that someone is trying to create simply for the publicity.

1- Grandma Miniskirt Shoes

Such is the case with the new Scorah Patullo shoes seen here:

credit

Honestly, these are the most hideous and, surprisingly, expensive shoes I’ve ever seen. What would you wear with them? My gut instinct says a grandma sweater and mini-skirt because no other mismatched outfit would be suitable for such poorly planned shoes.

2-  Mischa Barton’s Shoes

One place we tend to see the worst shoes are, you guessed it, on the stars. Many women enjoy trend watching in the tabloids, but from time to time there isn’t a decent trend in sight. Take, for instance the shoes seen on Mischa Barton here:

credit

So, what’s going on there, exactly? Is it just me or do her feet look painfully smashed into these terrible Maryjane wannabes? I’m a woman who loves her flats, but come on, Mischa! You can do better than that!

3-  Gweneth Paltrow’s Shoes

How about the stars who make mistakes over and over, but continue not to amend their ways? Gweneth Paltrow is a fashion icon for our generation. However, some terribly ugly boots she’s been spotted in will make many think otherwise:

credit

The ones on the left are interesting. I can honestly say I have never owned strappy boots nor have I ever known someone who’s owned strappy boots. As for the ones on the right, is that a zipper? Need I say more?

 

4- Sandle / Boot Cross Breed?

Every season, there is a shoe that takes the cake. A shoe so hideous and terrible that I almost wish I’d never seen it. This type of shoe makes you wonder what you would do to quiet your laughter if you ever actually ran into them in the real world. This season, we have a winner:

credit

A thong boot? Really? I thought the point to boots, even stylish ones, was to keep you feet semi-warm and dry. What is even more astounding is that these boots are a whopping $515! Who would pay that price for boots that won’t even keep your feet dry if it’s drizzling?

5- What a Croc

Of course, the end all of all shoes was the creation of the Crocs and their inexplicable rise to popularity with everyone, even babies:

credit

Look down. If you are wearing Crocs right now you’ve officially given up on fashion trends.

I don’t mean to be judgemental, but ladies, have discretion. Don’t wear something simply because the stars are wearing it. Wear it because it looks good.

Vivienne Westwood one of the most significant and recognized designers in the twentieth century. When Vivienne Westwood speaks, the design world listens. Borne in Glossop, Derbyshire, UK on August 4, 1941, Vivienne Westwood was little known at age 25. She then met and later married Malcolm McLaren. Malcolm McLaren was instrumental in guiding and redirecting Vivienne’s life.

Twice named as British Designer of the Year, she has been influential in guiding the direction in which British wools, tweeds linens and tartans just to name a few have been taken.

As a famous and one whose designs are sought after worldwide, Vivienne Westwood has articulated quotes sending those within her origin and under her guidance in directions never ventured throughout the world. Achievement is a major focus of Ms Westwood. Some of the most prolific quotes coming from Vivienne Westwood have been immortalized and will be spoken by those in fashion for generations to come.

Quotes such as:

“Yes, the bras give a very good figure” provide designers and the fashion world alike with the backbone to developing styles conducive to a females figure. The integrity of feminine appeal is based on this one major area of a woman’s’ anatomy.

“The muscular, athletic type is not representative of the human race, who are varied in physique” transitioned the interest and focal fascination of the media and designers from the rugged and muscular to be inclusive of the more diminutive body forms of the male and female physique.

“My son has followed fashion since he was a punk. He and I agree that fashion is about sex.“ Fashion is totally about sex. The male and female demonstrated desire can be stimulated based on the appeal of an outfit accentuating certain parts of the body.

“My clothes are very popular in Japan” and have become increasingly sought after in America.

“It is not possible for a man to be elegant without a touch of femininity.” Elegance is in direct correlation with femininity. The appeal and significance of an elegant male is somewhat based on his ability to tap into his feminine side.

“I’d done a fragrance before, but in a small way, and now I wanted to wait for the right time to make an important fragrance statement. “ Our sense of smell is drawn to a fragrance that makes a statement. When providing descriptive phrases to direct an individuals desire, we focus our efforts on sex appeal in combination with nature.

“I was the first person to have a punk rock hairstyle. The Vivienne Westwood appeal is completely and emphatically based on punk rock right down to her hair.

“Fashion is very important. It is life-enhancing and, like everything that gives pleasure, it is worth doing well.” Fashion makes a statement. In addition, everyone has a statement to make!

“I am attracted to People who make the effort in knowing what suits them – they are individual and stylish.” The young are ever so aware of their eccentricity. They portray an exceptional sense of style.

“I think it’s important to vote.” Amazing statement of what a country and people value.

Sleek and sexy with accents on all the right curves, the black cocktail dress has a convoluted origin but is no doubt tied to the popularity of cocktail parties which became all the rage in the 1920’s — when alcohol sale and consumption was illegal courtesy of prohibition in the United States.

Not that it mattered, because the cocktail party overcame it’s someone shady beginning and soon established itself as THE place to be. It soon became apparent that the cocktail party had need of its own form of evening attire – some type of evening wear that the rich and neo-rich could slip into. Something that was a little less formal than a tuxedo and formal gown. Something like – the black cocktail dress!

The first black cocktail dresses were made to order for the flapping 1920’s party scene, and in fact the first black cocktail dresses were very similar in design to the waist-less, loose-fitting cut of the then-popular flapper dress As a matter of fact, many women who were instantly attracted to the modern look and feel of the black cocktail dress were flappers. The black cocktail dress was an immediate hit with the younger set due in no small part because the length of black cocktail dresses barely grazed the knee. And like the flapper dress of the times, many black cocktail dresses sported a beaded fringe or fringes, while made of silk fabric or layered chiffon.

As the 1920’s gave way to the early 1930s, cocktail parties became a common social event. The standard design of the tight-waist, knee-length skirted black cocktail dress became accepted attire for older women as well. Silk remained the fabric-of-choice, but the cut of the black cocktail dress evolved into a more refined and sleeker looking dress: black cocktail dresses became more form-fitting and were often decorated with rhinestones and lace. The black cocktail dress soon became an essential part of a woman’s wardrobe, and woe to the woman who showed up at a cocktail party dressed otherwise.

Soon the 1930’s turned a page to the 1940’s which in segued into the 1950’s. All the while the cocktail party became a permanent fixture of our national lexicon. Cocktail parties remained and the black cocktail dress kept pace — although it can be said that women’s cocktail attire took on a somewhat elegant look as the concept of the black cocktail dress borrowed heavily from the design of elegant evening gowns. For a little while at least, the image of having cocktails took on a romantic air.

Not to worry, as the 50s progresses, black cocktail dresses for women evolved into a great many styles: full-length skirts with plunging necklines or curve-hugging designs with embroidered or jewel-studded necklines were the style-of-choice. Furthermore, dress coats and suits in addition to three-piece skirt-suits were popular as well. Naturally accommodated with a matching black bag, shoes and gloves.

With the advent of the 1960’s the standard cocktail dress was not limited just too basic black. Colours became more muted and pastels became increasingly popular. Fabrics such as silver and gold lamé became equally popular. As the sixties progressed, the black cocktail dress narrowed, and for the young, cocktail clothing began to lose its impact as clothing took a 180 degree turn toward new styles and colours. The “cocktail party” was linked more with something your “parents” did. Alcohol consumption at all hours was becoming increasingly more acceptable, time and place seemed less important and cocktail parties began to fade in popularity.

It took nearly 3 decades to pass before cocktail parties became “hip” once again. The 1990s saw a revival of the cocktail tradition, in both music and style. And now in the new millennium, black cocktail dresses remain as popular as ever.