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Much like a white buttoned-down shirt and a pair of black dress pants for men, women need cocktail dresses in their wardrobe. From lovely evenings of dinner and dancing to mandatory corporate functions, elle.com suggests having an assortment of cocktail dresses to choose from in your closet. Being prepared will make putting a look together effortless and enjoyable.

Los Angeles-based celebrity stylist Ali Marie Kahn adds that no woman should be without a three cocktail dress minimum. “Women will always need a cocktail dress, it’s just a matter of how often. Shop ahead, find one you love and you will have it on hand in a hurry,” Kahn says. Bold colors and innovative designs are keys to memorable cocktail dresses. Elle cover girl Carrie Underwood chose a ruffled pink frock from Jenny Packham for a red carpet spin. Fashion risk taker Sienna Miller recently mixed up her look in a colorful patterned minidress by Jonathan Saunders, proving that cocktail dresses can simultaneously be pretty and statement makers.

Being the center of attention is unavoidable in the perfect party dress. Ruffles, lace, feathers, bubble skirts and eye-catching prints are among the options for belles of the ball. Tory Burch’s floral silk dress is demure in cut but exuberant in color, and Temperley London’s mini-dress pops in magenta. “Don’t go boring,” Khan says. “And add accessories according to what is in each season.”

It also never hurts to look to the stars for fashion inspiration. No, not the ones above, but the shimmering starlets on the red carpet. Actress Reece Witherspoon slipped into a bright yellow Nina Ricca strapless party dress at the 2007 Golden Globe Awards, and Rihanna donned a bright blue Zac Posen full skirted dress to the 2008 Grammy Awards. Both dresses embrace vibrant hues, an important element of a party dress.