How to WOW in Cocktail Attire

When the invitation says “cocktail attire”, what do you wear?  This was my thought when I received an invite to attend the upcoming Calgary’s Lady Ball  evening. So I’ve put together FOUR of this season’s most stunning cocktail outfits and all my tips on how to WOW in them.  PLUS, win tickets to be my date to this event! You don’t want to miss this post…

When the invite says “Cocktail Attire”

Will you be my date?  I’m giving away a pair of tickets to this SOLD OUT Lady Ball Gala event on April 20th.  Scroll down to find out how to enter! To help me choose what to wear, I contacted The Hudson Bay in downtown Calgary to put together some options.  It was such a fun experience getting to play Pretty Woman for an afternoon.  Now the hardest part, which one should I wear?

The Lady Ball

Building on the phenomenal success of its #Ladyballs awareness campaign, Ovarian Cancer Canada has re-branded its signature fundraising event Love Her to The Lady Ball Gala!  On Thursday, April 20, Calgarians are invited to love her while taking part in an incredible evening of fun, fashion and comedy at The Lady Ball, to be held at TELUS Spark with presenting partner CIBC.

Hilarious comedian Jessica Holmes will once again host the event, while Hudson’s Bay Calgary Downtown will present a spring fashion show. Guests will enjoy the soothing sounds of City Sleep while indulging in a chocolate fountain provided by award-winning Calgary chocolatier Cochu. Some delectable wines from partner Tinhorn Creek and a Nespresso bar are just some highlights of the evening, in addition to a live and silent auction.

WHO: Ovarian Cancer Canada alongside presenting partner CIBC

WHAT: Together, they present THE LADY BALL, Ovarian Cancer Canada’s signature event which raises funds to increase awareness, provide support to survivor and fund ovarian cancer research.

WHEN: Thursday, April 20th, doors open at 5:30 and event starts at 6:30 pm

WHERE: TELUS Spark

WHY: To bring awareness and raise funds for Canada’s most fatal women’s cancer

Ovarian Cancer Fast Facts:

• Ovarian Cancer symptoms are usually confused with those of other diseases

• One out of every 2 women diagnosed will not live past 5 years

• There is no screening test

• Ovarian Cancer kills 5 Canadian women every day

• The Ladyballs campaign recently won two marketing awards at Cannes

• There hasn’t been an improvement in ovarian cancer survival rates in over 50 years

How to wow!

A, B, C, or D? Pin these outfits to your Pinterest for future inspiration!

Choose short: To me, “cocktail” means show off those legs!  Choose a mini to midi length dress.  Rompers are great options too!

Choose heels: Nude heels give the illusion of extremely long legs.

Choose jewelry: I chose really simple accessories here so that I wouldn’t overpower the beauty of the dresses.  Statement earrings are always a great choice.

Choose a purse: Go for a clutch!  Always an elegant touch.

Choose lace: If you are self-conscious about your legs or arms, there are plenty of long sleeve dresses (like this one!).  Lace and tulle are big this season, take advantage of this slightly see-through style to add some sexiness!

Choose black: A colour that never goes out of style.  It’s also great for any season and instantly slims and tones your body!

Shop the Looks

Please note that a few of my original outfits are now sold out online, but check your nearest Bay or TopShop to see if it is still in-store!

Magna Print Floral Split-Sleeve in pink and red by TopShop

Tokyo Floral Wrap Playsuit by TopShop (original was called Satin Birds Playsuit)

Twofer Necklace Dress in black by Guess

Long-sleeve black dress (sold out online but I linked something similar)

Nude Pumps from Karl Lagerfeld  /Alternate save version from Spring

Win Tickets and BE MY DATE!

So want to come and join me for a fabulous evening of comedy, fashion, wine and chocolate? I had you at wine right?  Or maybe chocolate… Head to my Instagram NOW and enter!  Contest closes Tuesday night so don’t forget to enter.

Clothes provided by: The Hudson Bay

Photography by: Milton Photo

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Love, Kiki