Cocktail Fashion Passion

You know what's cooler than cool? Things from way back in the day, like the cocktail dresses cool ladies used to wear.

Style.com editor, Laird Borelli-Persson, must feel the same way because she has put together an entire book aptly named, "The Cocktail Dress" which traces the history and evolution of this decidedly fantastic and feminine piece of clothing. The little black dress is the go to, sure, but the cocktail dress leaves no mistake in mind: "I didn't just leave a business meeting in time for an after work drink," says the cocktail dress. "Au contraire." The cocktail dresses announces proudly its sole purpose: "I'm here for the party."

The best part is you don't even have to be Joan Crawford to wear one. Thanks to things like, yes, Sex and the City (the show, the movie), cocktail time has gotten that much fancier, and as can be trusted, everything old is (eventually) new again.

Check out New York Magazine's slide show of some stand out looks in the book here.