Knockout Party Dresses

Whatever your next big occasion, there is a dress out there that can make you feel like the belle of the ball.


If it's a formal occasion like a wedding, something more relaxed like a cocktail party - or something far less stuffy, like a luau, there are plenty of dresses from which to choose.


If you're the kind of dresser who likes to set the fashion pace, check out some of the new looks this season.


One-shoulder Look


· One-shoulder dresses are back again and looking as sexy as ever. Go bold with a bright coral-colored stretch satin number. Its bodice is strapless on the right side. The left shoulder has a strap with a cascade of fabric falling over it. It's a the right one, exceptseveral inches above the knee for a truly flirty look.


· One-shoulder dresses don't always drape the left shoulder. The one-sleeve charmeuse blouson dress covers the right shoulder and bares the right one, except for a slim spaghetti strap. If you are not familiar with charmeuse, you will love it. It's a lightweight, shimmery satin that offers a soft, body hugging drape effect. It's available only in a beautiful multi-colored pattern on an ivory background.


· For a dramatic look, try on a short crinkle chiffon dress with 3D floral detail created in a rich navy blue. The pleated empire bodice contrasts with the crinkle chiffon skirt. Floral details go up and over the left shoulder. It is a classic look, created with fashion-forward details.


Details at the Hemline


This season finds lots of attention being paid to the hemline. Not all flourishes and flounces are at the neckline.


· Consider the strapless asymmetrical bust gown. People's eyes will be drawn first to the brilliant fuchsia color of this little strapless dress. After that, they will go straight to the hem of the short crinkle chiffon dress. The hem is covered in 3D flowers that match the same fuchsia color of the dress. The flowers go deep, ranging from about 5 inches to 8 inches above the hem, which adds real volume to the dress and looks decidedly high fashion. The strapless bodice has a shirred asymmetrical bust.


· If you're going with a long dress, check out the pick-up skirt on an iridescent Shantung ball gown. The bodice is a fitted halter with a jeweled neckline. At the hipline, the fabric of the full ball gown is picked up at various points and tacked to the underskirt. The result is a luxurious, voluminous look. It is hard to describe, but impossible to forget once you see it.


· If you prefer a short pick-up skirt, try the strapless ombre pick-up dress. The strapless bodice is fitted to the hipline, where it flares out and the fabric is picked up around the hips. It ends in a bubble hem, making the shorter style a modern and fun look.


Ruffles and Ruching


· You will find attention to detail at the neckline and on the bodice on dresses - like a sleeveless stretch taffeta dress with a ruffled neckline. If you haven't worn stretch taffeta before, you will be pleasantly surprised. It is comfortable and kind to curves. The soft rose color complements this very feminine little dress.


· Equally feminine is a blush pink strapless dress with all-over ruching and a pleated bustline that creates ruffles on the chest area. The color and cut combine for an elegant look.


· Beading is used to draw attention to this dark iris-colored jersey dress with an X back. While the style is quite alluring, the beaded halter strap is supportive and ensures nothing slips. Wide bands of beading cross under the bustline and over and behind the neck. The beaded halter straps cross in the back of the dress. It finishes with matching beading down the back of the skirt. This dress is beautiful from the front and the back.


Layers


· Horizontal layering can add dimension and sophistication to dresses. The stretch shimmer tiered dress is simply elegant. Done in your choice of taupe and black or amber and black, the sleeveless dress features a portrait collar and black sash on the bodice. The skirt is four tiers of fabric, with a kick pleat in the back.


· For a variation on the tiered theme, check out a similar dress done in a shade of blush with a short jacket and an asymmetrical tiered skirt that falls to the knees. The jacket has ¾-length sleeves and beading that matches that on the tank bodice of the dress. The skirt is fashioned from six asymmetrical tiers, which are flattering and intriguing. The shimmering stretch fabric will move with you and keep you glowing through the party.