Cocktail dresses are frothy, appealing and arresting. Also referred to as a cocktail gown, this garment comes in a variety of shapes, sizes and lengths. Depending on the current fashion trends or wardrobe acceptability, the length of a cocktail dress varies. Some cocktail dresses stop just above the knee, while other selections end around two inches from above the ankle, known as a tea length cocktail dress. When a cocktail dress touches the ankle, it is "ballerina length" - this is commonly associated with being an evening gown, with the differences between the two hard to tell.

Selecting the right attire:

Today, cocktail dresses come in an array of beautiful materials, with silk, satin, and chiffon being the most popular choice. Selection of appropriate color plays an important role in finalizing a dress. The colors differ as per the season the dress is worn in. Floral prints, pale green, yellow are more suitable for summer, whereas darker shades look more graceful during chilling winter. Though black is a universally accepted dress code for cocktail dresses, jewel-tones, and bright shades translate well to this outfit. The most popular choices are the well-known "little black dress". Shoshanna, Cynthia Rowley, Jil Stuart, Betsey Johnson, Tracy Reese, Anne Klein, Marc by Marc Jacobs, and BCBG Max Azria are a few to name; offering popular dress collections.

Most of the cocktail dresses are plain, and it depends on the wearers' preference to accessorize and get the 'all the more appealing' look. The apparel should be accompanied by flattering jewelry, handbags, and other accessories to give the wearer an appealing look. Right pair of shoes should also be selected to set off a cocktail dress, especially if the wearer is sporting an outfit in short length; shoes become an important focal point. The silhouette of the apparel should be adjusted to fit the figure of the woman, keeping the top and waist slim and fit; for the choicest look. It should be kept in mind that the dress should not to too tight and should not pull anywhere.

Trend Radar:

• Halter top necklines: These necklines will become popular going with the woman who is tall. The diagonal running to the neck divides the shoulders and makes them look broader. This makes the waistline appear smaller and the gives a 'swan like' look to the neck. Traditional V-cut apparels charm the attention to the bust.

• Asymmetrical handkerchief and jagged hemlines: They are back in style. They give a fresh and new look in mid calf length, but they also make the legs appear shorter. Similarly jagged skirts break the line of the leg and give them a shorter look. Petite women should avoid these patterns. This pattern should be worn with fewer jags where the highest and lowest part of the hemline is only couple of inches apart. The hemlines should be of mini skirt, or knee length.

• Flowing skirts: Flowing skirts in chiffon, silk and cotton, are showing up everywhere in the season; especially in floral prints and sherbet-hued solids. Empire waisted baby doll dresses suppress short women and give them the 'school girl' look. Form fitting chiffon dresses will be in vogue without using yards of fabric.

• Loose strips: Strips of fabric and ribbon are to be seen all over dresses this season, hanging from the waist, and shoulders. But this style would not suit women with shorter height as it will make them look bulk and heavier.