Size 20 Cocktail Dresses

When you're shopping for that special occasion and looking for something in a size 20 cocktail dresses or larger, today's plus size fashion industry has made it possible to find just the right style to make the perfect fashion statement for that semi-formal occasion on your social calendar.

Apple green cocktail dress available in an assortment of colors.

Cocktail dresses are worn for semi-formal functions and are less formal than a gown. How long a cocktail dress is varies from one style to another. The hems of some cocktail dresses reach just above the knee, others may be mini, and still others can be ankle length with some variations in between. The appropriate length for a given occasion is sometimes stipulated on the invitation. Ankle-length cocktail dresses are also referred to as tea-length dresses and dresses that fall just short of the ankle are known as ballerina-length dresses. For semi-formal functions, the popular shorter length cocktail dresses are most common.

Selecting the right cocktail dress for you will depend on a number of factors including current fashion trends and what you're comfortable wearing. When you receive an invitation to a semi-formal event, trying to decide what to wear can be nerve-wracking. You don't want to be overdressed or underdressed. If you find yourself in this predicament, here are a few tips to help ease you through the process:

In general, the following guidelines apply. It is appropriate to wear a cocktail dress if:

• The invitation for the event arrives in the mail
• You are invited by phone
• The event is a benefit or associated with a charity
• The invitation uses the term semi-formal

If, after reading through this list, you are still unsure whether a cocktail dress is right or not for your particular social event, contact the phone number on the invitation and ask. Don't feel embarrassed. It's better to know for sure than to show up and feel out of place because you are overdressed or underdressed.

Cocktail dresses are made of beautiful fabrics like silk, chiffon or satin. When attending a cocktail party, any of these fabrics are appropriate, but when choosing your dress it's important to know a few "don'ts" that apply to cocktail dress etiquette. For example, don't pick a sequined cocktail dress for a cocktail party. While they are popular, they are reserved for more formal parties celebrating things like a wedding or anniversary.

Other features to avoid includes:

• Appliqué
• Gaudy prints (keep prints simple and stylish)

Shopping for size 20 cocktail dresses or larger sizes is easier than ever because many plus size designers offer selections that can be viewed in online catalogs. This makes it easy to "window shop" at a number of retailers and manufacturers to scope out selections of the latest cocktail dress fashions. The following links provide a jump start to your shopping experience:

• Igigi – Offers sexy, sophisticated cocktail dresses in sizes 12-32
• Elegant Plus - Great place to shop for that little black dress or other cocktail dresses in sizes 12 – 34W
• Nordstrom
• Macy's
• Figuresque – Offers styles designed to enhance your curves

Choosing the right accessories for your cocktail dress will complete your look. Select shoes that complement the length of your dress. If your dress is short, your shoes will serve as a focal point. The same is true of your handbag. You can find a selection of cocktail handbags made of rich fabrics like silk or satin that are decorated with pearls, gold, silver or other classic options.

Women are no longer limited to a handful of choices when it comes to buying a plus size cocktail dress. Instead, you'll find the latest trends represented in plus size fashions with fabrics that drape your curves to make you look and feel great.

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