You’ve been invited to a special event and you’ll finally be able to wear that cocktail party dress that’s been giving you the sidelong glance every time you look at your closet. You’ve put it on and it looks great, but there’s just one little thing missing. No need to stress! You can easily enhance your look by following these simple tips for accessorizing your cocktail dress.
Shoes
A pair of shoes can change your entire look! Wearing a cocktail dress means you're attending an event that's fancy enough to pull out those special shoes you never get to wear.
Take your pick: Strappy heels, pointed toes or pumps
Avoid: Boots, ballerinas and informal sandals are for less formal occasions.
Remember: If you’re looking for an easy way to make a simple cocktail dress stand out, choose shoes with sparkly embellishments or bright colors that differ from the main tone of your dress. You’ll know when you’ve found the perfect shoe for your outfit. 
Gift of jewelry
A little embellishment is the perfect addition to any cocktail dress .
Take your pick: A statement piece like a necklace, watch, ring or hair accessory will draw attention from across the room. Earrings are always a show-stopping accessory. Stacking a few bracelets is a fun and trendy way to complete your party dress.
Avoid: Mismatched metals. If your dress has a silver belt buckle, don't wear gold earrings. If you're wearing a gold ring, don't wear a silver bracelet.
Remember: Keep it simple. One statement piece with a few small embellishments will show you're chic and classy.
Purse
Your bag isn't just a fashion accessory, it's a lifeline! If you usually take your bag with you wherever you go, cocktail parties are no exception.
Opt for: A small, simple clutch. Your bag should complement your cocktail dress by matching your other accessories. If you are wearing black sparkly shoes, bring a black sparkly bag. If you are wearing silver hoop earrings, use a silver metallic bag.
Avoid: Large handbags. While large bags are handy, leave the giant tote bag at home when attending a cocktail party. The straps of a bag should never touch your body when wearing a cocktail dress.
Remember: You don't want to have to carry things around all night and worry about losing them or filling your date's pockets with your partying needs, so always bring a bag.
Makeup & Nail Polish
Makeup and nail polish can add the finishing touches to your cocktail party outfits.
Choose : Simple and subtle tones. For a more refined look, use neutral tones that pair well with your cocktail dress.
Avoid: Mixing several dominant tones that compete with each other. Red lipstick or nail polish is a great way to add some color to a black cocktail dress, but try to avoid bright colors like red if you already wear a lot of colors.
Remember: If you need an extra sparkle, try adding some glitter to your manicure, lipstick or eyeshadow. Not a fan of wearing makeup or nail polish? No problem! Just make sure your nails are neat and clean, your lips are bright and smiling.
Accessorizing your cocktail dress is your chance to express yourself, so don't be afraid to get creative. Enjoy your party, have fun, and always remember that a smile is the most attractive accessory a woman can wear.
