Christian Dior used the term ‘cocktail dress’ in the late 1940s. However, the history of these elegant, evening-wear dresses began long before.
Cocktail dresses entered the world stage in the Prohibition Era of the 1920s in America. It became fashionable during this era to have parties at home in the early evening and serve alcohol because drinking in public places was forbidden. Speakeasies, private bars or clubs at which illegal alcohol was sold, also became popular. Cocktails served at these private parties or clubs usually consisted of a mixture of alcohol and fruit juices. Fruit juice was used to mask the poor quality of home-made liquor.
The first cocktail dresses were longer versions of day-time dresses accessorized with gloves, hats and tiny handbags. The 1920s saw the rise of the ‘Flapper,’ however, who introduced more formal cocktail dresses. These ‘Bright Young Things’ wanted to enjoy a good time after the depressing years of The First World War. Dancing such popular dances as the Charleston was too difficult in long dresses so shorter lengths became fashionable. ‘Flappers’ loved to dress up in pretty pastel or metallic knee-length dresses. Pearls, fringes, feathers and Lady Jane shoes completed the look.
Chanel designed the first ‘Little Black Dress’ in 1926. This was a simple ebony dress without seams. After it was featured in Vogue, the dress became an instant hit with women. They started to wear it to cocktail functions. Many preferred the plain black color and the classic lines of the dress to the often over-embellished evening-wear styles previously in vogue.
Cocktail suits came into fashion during the 30ss and 40ss. These formal suits were made of luxurious materials such as satin and silk. The suits were sometimes trimmed with rhinestone buttons. Wealthy women accessorized the outfits with stunning hats, such as feathered turbans and hats with silk veils.
The 50s was the golden age of cocktail dresses. Feminine styles with tight bodices, low necklines, and sweeping skirts were worn to early evening functions. The romantic creations were usually made of filmy material such as organza. A dress that Grace Kelly wore in the film, Rear Window, is an iconic cocktail dress from this era. It had a black bodice with a flowing white chiffon skirt. Kelly wore the dress with white gloves.
Audrey Hepburn’s elegant black sheath in Breakfast at Tiffany’s was a classic style of cocktail dress from the 60s. During this decade dresses worn for evening wear were often clinging and sophisticated. As women became more liberated styles became shorter and less formal.
Comfortable fashions became the vogue for cocktail parties during the later 60s and 70s. Many women chose to wear palazzo pyjamas (pantsuits with wide-legged trousers and long tops) to early evening functions. Caftans, often with psychedelic prints, were also favoured.cocktail dresses online
More formal styles returned to fashion in the 80s. Dresses with clinging bodices and wide skirts were often worn to cocktail parties during this era. They were often made of taffeta or organza.
Cocktail dresses have remained formal since the 80s. Today women can choose from many different styles. The LBD remains a popular choice. Vintage designer styles are also very fashionable.
