Finding the right cocktail dress for a Once In A Season affair — like an exclusive Hollywood awards show, a billionaire-studded Silicon Valley event, or your best friend’s lavish wedding — can be tricky stuff! Even if your wardrobe seems stuffed-to-bursting, you want to find something special. Something to “wow” people with. Fortunately, the self-styled “master of precision cut cocktail dresses,” Antonio Berardi, has worked his magic yet again. His team has conjured up a sinful and simple solution, this stunning new flared mesh cocktail dress.
At once “sporty” (due to the foam-like mesh) and “feminine” (thanks to the flared skirt), this nylon black confection features bluish tulle lining, a flared hem, and a satin-twill panel. It bursts with personality…subtly, of course. Finding a cocktail dress that’s perfect for a particular occasion is a lot like trying to focus a telescope. If you turn the “focus knob” too far in either direction, you’ll get a blur. Only by finding that balance — smack perfectly in the middle — can you see the gorgeous night sky.
Likewise, when you’re shopping for a “scintillating” cocktail dress, you can easily err on the side of being too conservative. Then you’ll wind up with a plain, boring black dress that does zero to differentiate you from the other belles of the ball. On the other hand, if you veer too far from the “unadorned black dress” template, you may commit a big fashion gaffe — the sartorial equivalent of “having too many drinks at the bar.” You’ll embarrass yourself and make a spectacle for the paparazzi. This Antonio Berardi flared mesh dress gets the focus spot on: its simple color and styling is conservative. But it’s also interesting enough to turn heads… and even spark a little (delicious!) jealousy from other women.
Consider sharpening the look (literally!) by pairing it with these updated Christian Louboutin classic heels. Ornamented with sun-yellow hot spike studs, these 3.5 inch covered heels give concrete meaning to the phrase “dressed to kill.” Complimented by signature red leather soles, these heels serve as the perfect counterpoint to the Berardi dress, and they’re great with all sorts of monochrome looks.
Even if you’re not an Academy Award winner prepping to get feted or a Bond girl on a mission to seduce a European nobleman, consider adding these luscious treats to your goody bag! This post was written by Adam.
Jessica Chastain wore an Antonio Berardi cropped jacket, an Antonio Berardi Flared Mesh Dress and Charlotte Olympia Daphne Platform Peep-Toe Pumps at a Q&A event for “Zero Dark Thirty” held at Regal E-Walk Times Square Theater in New York City. Click here to indulge Berardi and Louboutin!
