Cocktail dresses are usually knee length (or just below the knee) dressy dresses that can be worn to anything from weddings to a dressed up dinner or a party. They aren't just little black dresses anymore. Cocktail dresses can be patterned, lacy, beaded, and just about any color. They can also be form fitting or a-line. The color, fabric and fit can make your cocktail dress more of an evening dress or something a little more casual, as will the accessories you wear along with your dress. See below for tips on how to accessorize your evening cocktail dress.

Blush Colored Beaded Cocktail Dress

Pair a blush colored cocktail dress with beaded details with a pair of blush colored heels to match. You want to keep your accessories simple, as you don't want to take away attention from the dress. Wear a pair of stud earrings, a few gold bangle bracelets and a structured clutch to match the color of the dress or a gold clutch. This type of dress is great for an evening reception or dinner date.

Floral Patterned Cocktail Dress

Bold floral patterns on a cocktail dress are a beautiful look for a daytime wedding or even a beach wedding, as well as for a date or a party. Whether this dress is form fitting or a-line, you'll want to keep accessories minimal with this dress as well. Wear your hair down for a more casual affair and stick with just a bracelet and a clutch purse. For a dressier event, put hair up and add dangling earrings with a clutch to match. With either of these looks, pair the dress with high heels that match the dress. For added flair, wear a pair of bright heels that match the flowers on the dress.

Little Black Cocktail Dress

The little black dress can be worn just about anywhere, although it's not really appropriate for daytime events. Black dresses can be worn a number of different ways. Wear it with your hair up and wear bold earrings and a bold bracelet, or a statement necklace. Add strappy heels to dress up your little black dress even more and a beautiful beaded clutch to complete your look.

When choosing accessories, be sure to keep the neckline in mind. For higher necklines, stick with earrings and bracelets instead of necklaces. For plunging, v-neck or sweetheart necklines, add necklaces that match the neckline.  Also remember that if the dress is already beaded or boldly patterned, you can probably stick with minimal accessories. Have fun dressing up your evening dress and add different accessories to change up your look so you can wear your dress over and over again.

Visit a local dress shop for more information.