cocktail dress formal event Tie strap ballerina in black exuding the confidence of a modern woman Black One-Shoulder Bow Formal Cocktail

Black was a popular color for cocktail dresses, but other dark elegant colors (purple, pink, deep green, and navy blue) were also favorites

Whether you're attending as a mother of the bride, mother of the groom, or a guest at a luxurious affair, this dress offers sophisticated sparkle and an unforgettable silhouette

This pairs so well with sweaters, t-shirts, long sleeves or tube tops underneath

Steve Christiansen is an ophthalmology resident who blogs at EyeSteve, where this article originally appeared

Because the process of creating silk is much more labor-intensive, the wedding gown fabric comes at a higher cost

P.S.- I do not own any of these photographs unless otherwise stated