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How to Dress for a Cocktail Party

By , About.com Guide

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Wear High Heels

BDBGirls "Isa' Sandal with slender heel and adjustable strap

Image Courtesy of Nordstrom
Wear high heels with your cocktail dress, or if you have problems standing or walking in high heels, try kitten heels, which are lower but at least give a little lift. Slender heels such as those on the pictured black sandals (Buy Direct) add to a taller look.

Shoes may be the same color as your dress, a coordinating color, a neutral, or metallic. Best choices in evening shoes for petites are

  • pumps with pointed toes
  • shoes with peep-toes
  • high-heeled sandals

Avoid shoes with ankle straps because they cut off the vertical line that you need to look longer. Also avoid gladiator sandals and wedges - they're too much shoe for the dressy cocktail party look.

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