Southern Protocol

The most important factor in any cocktail dress is confidence! If you feel great, you’ll look great, and exude that talk-of-the-town cool. Sadly, we can’t all fit in those second skin silk frocks that saunter down the runway. But never fear! There is a dress for every one of you, and you can find it easily with a few simple guidelines.

Just in time for wedding season and tons of other fetes, quaint boutique Lula Kate on King Street is overflowing with perfectly chic dresses for all shapes, sizes, colors and ages. As if their already-in-stock lovely dresses weren’t enough, Event Manager Gina Mullen says that they can mix and match any dress top and bottom, therefore custom making a dress to your specifications! 

FOR THE GIRL WITH THE DAINTY FRAME
The challenge for all you petite gals out there is to know how to create your curves – they can be manmade! Choose dresses with beaucoup shape, stand-out necklines, princess darts that give you an Audrey Hepburn-size waist, or dresses that come with a contrasting belt; all super easy ways to give you shape. Make sure you never go after huge patterns, as they will only drown you (experts say the pattern should never be larger than your fist). Instead opt for single-color dresses that elongate your height. 

FOR THE GIRL WITH ALL THE CURVES
While most voluptuous women see their curves as a curse, some dresses were no-question made specifically for them! Empire waists have been all the rage season after season, making it a new classic that easily skims across the lower part of your body. Choosing dresses with details on your top half – bows around the neckline, a decorative trim, etc.- automatically draw the eye upward and closer to your dazzling smile.  You should also always select dresses that hit right at your knees; pair it with heels and your larger bottom half is magically long and lean. And if you’re a self-conscious about your arms girl, remember that cap sleeves and draping shawls are always appropriate. 

FOR MRS. 36DD 
A slender waist and Barbie boobs: what every flat-chested girl thinks she wants, and every big-chested girl struggles to clothe. The secret  is to embrace your chest, God gave you the sultry decolletage! Do not shy away from V-necks. Instead, choose a V-neck with thicker straps that slant out towards your shoulders; show your dainty collarbones and your cleavage looks smaller by comparison. Dresses in skimming fabrics (like jersey) with A-line flares and bottom-half details also detract attention from a larger chest. And finally, the number one rule that should be held above all others for this set: FIND A BRA THAT FITS! Treat your girls well and you’ll be surprised how cooperative they are. Lula Kate’s square-neckline Millie dress draws all the attention to your waist, while comfortably fitting your girls. 

Remember that ready-to-wear dresses are mass manufactured (where did the days of couture go? sigh.) and it is simply impossible for the same dress to fit all body types. Try buying your clothing to flatteringly fit your worry zone, then get the rest tailored specifically to your measurements. Trust us, it’s worth the extra $20!

And as if Lula Kate didn’t offer enough, Mullen says her favorite cocktail dress in the store looks good on everyone – it’s “the perfect little black dress with a twist.” The dress, in shantung, has a fuller skirt and gorgeous organza overlay with applique flowers. The cinched in waist, dark color (though it’s available in white – hello, rehearsal dinners for brides-to-be!) and neckline that hits right at the collarbone flatters almost everybody’s shape.

Lucky for all of you we’re having a fabulous “Pink Carpet Event” with Lula Kate this coming Thursday, September 24th. Come mix and mingle while you find that dress that is essential to your wardrobe.

Lula Kate is located at 324 King Street, phone number 843.805.7195.

Tags: cocktail dress, flattering dresses, lula kate