Cocktail attire is defined as a combination of formal, casual, elegant, and comfortable clothing. Men typically wear a suit and tie to an event with this dress code, whereas women typically wear a cocktail dress. According to bridal consultant LauraLee Baird, a cocktail dress is intended to reflect the gap between day and night.
What constitutes a cocktail dress?
The basics of cocktail dressing for women
- Lean towards bold colours, patterns and fabrics. Instead of the classic little black dress, why not change it up with some sequins or silk? ...
- Find balance in a midi dress. ...
- Be different with a pantsuit. ...
- Be daring with a crop top and high-waisted skirt or trousers. ...
- Your shoe choice is important. ...
- Always opt for a clutch. ...
- Stand out with an accessory. ...
What do you wear over a cocktail dress?
What to Wear Over a Cocktail Dress (Coats and Wraps)
- Wool Dress Coat. This type of coat will probably work over just about anything, with the exception of a floor-length ball gown.
- Cape/Shawl. These are fun and a little more dressy than a regular wool coat, but you can wear them for other occasions as well.
- Faux Fur Shrug or Bolero. ...
- Leather Jacket. ...
- Blazer/Bomber Jacket. ...
What exactly is a cocktail dress?
What exactly is a cocktail dress? A cocktail dress is a semi-formal gown that is appropriate for both afternoon and late-night events. The concept of a cocktail dress was first published in Vogue in 1927. It was then classified as a short formal occasion-appropriate attire.
What does a cocktail dress look like?
Cocktail attire is a standard dress code for parties and evening functions. For women, cocktail attire typically calls for a dress that finishes at or above the knees and high heels. Although cocktail looks should always appear sophisticated, they can also be fun and embrace exciting colors, embellishments, cuts, and unique accessories.
Does cocktail attire mean long or short dress?
Cocktail attire is generally associated with knee-length dresses, sophisticated heels, and simple suits. However, as one of the most popular (and versatile) dress codes, there are numerous ways that you can incorporate your own personal style in dressing for this type of wedding... starting with long dresses.
What do you wear when the dress code is cocktail?
Different kinds of cocktail events As a general guide, 'cocktail' means no jeans and no sneakers. You want dress chinos or suit pants, a button-up shirt or suit shirt, and probably a blazer or suit jacket. Ties are optional, but recommended, and your footwear should look sharp and polished.
What is considered cocktail attire for a woman?
Essentially, it means you should dress in relatively formal clothing—but not too formal. It's kind of an in-between place, if you will. Think: mini and midi dresses that are chic and polished, suiting that's a bit more tailored, and footwear that feels elevated (literally, if you're wearing heels).
Why are they called cocktail dresses?
Consumer Cocktails Christian Dior was the first to name the early evening frock a “cocktail” dress in the late 1940s, and in doing so allowed magazines, department stores, and rival Parisian and American designers to promote fashion with cocktail-specific terminology.
What is the difference between an evening dress and a cocktail dress?
#1: Choice of Fabric Gowns are mainly made of organza, taffeta, satin, or similar other types of fabric. However, evening gowns are made of heavier fabrics like silk or velvet. On the contrary, cocktail dresses are made of lighter fabrics like cotton, chiffon, and lace. Light fabrics suit big and voluptuous women.
Can I wear a long dress to a cocktail wedding?
Cocktail Wedding Attire for Women It traditionally skews on the formal side—but that doesn't mean you need to wear a floor-length evening gown. While you might want to leave the mini skirt at home, it's perfectly appropriate to wear a midi cocktail dress or something that hits just above the knee.
Are palazzo pants cocktail attire?
Palazzo slacks made from a flowing fabric like chiffon are a great style that pairs well with many dressy tops appropriate for cocktail occasion, though any flowing, wide-leg trousers can work for cocktail events.
Is semi-formal and cocktail attire the same?
Cocktail attire is a smidge more formal than semiformal attire, and is often for weddings held later in the day, while semiformal is usually for afternoon weddings. Avoid a tuxedo and go for a well-tailored suit with a solid shirt—tie optional but encouraged. Take cues from the wedding's location.
How do you tell if a dress is a cocktail dress?
Typically, a cocktail dress hemline will fall right above the knees. If you are looking for something a little longer, avoid a floor-length gown look or maxi dresses for women. Instead, opt for a midi dress that offers a more streamlined look with its length, but is not too over the top.
What is a classic cocktail dress?
But what's a cocktail dress? The dictionary definition is “an elegant dress suitable for semi-formal social occasions, falling to just below or just above the knee.” Most of us probably think of the classic little black dress when we're choosing cocktail or semi-formal attire. And there's nothing wrong with that.
What's the difference between a cocktail dress?
So where to start? Understanding the difference between cocktail and formal dress, that's where. Traditionally formal or black-tie events require the wearing of a long gown; for a cocktail event, shorter frocks or pant or jumpsuit outfits are the go.
Is cocktail formal a dress code?
A small step above semi-formal, though not as formal as black-tie optional or black-tie, cocktail attire is a popular dress code choice. It's a balance between elegant and comfortable and typically more formal than a day wedding but more casual than a night celebration.
Does cocktail attire mean jeans?
As such, clothing that is more casual – such as jeans, polo shirts, or casual sneakers – has no place in the Cocktail Attire dress code, but neither does more formal menswear – such as dinner jackets, formal waistcoats, or cummerbunds.
Can you wear jeans to cocktail attire?
You might wonder if you can wear jeans or sneakers to a cocktail attire event. In some cases, you can, but in general, you should avoid wearing jeans and sneakers to these types of events. If you are unsure, then your best bet is to not wear them.
Can I wear jeans and a blazer for cocktail attire?
As a general rule, no, you can't wear jeans as cocktail attire. If you know that this is a super casual cocktail party, then perhaps a very dark pair of well-tailored jeans with a very nice blazer would be acceptable. However, you need to be absolutely certain that this is acceptable beforehand.
What is cocktail attire?
Cocktail attire is a standard dress code for many parties and evening functions. Falling somewhere between business casual and black-tie formal, cocktail attire is typically a nice balance of formal with casual and elegance with comfort. While cocktail attire is not exactly conservative, it is reserved and sophisticated.
What is festive attire?
Festive cocktail attire is often the dress code for dressier holiday parties. During the holiday season, it’s likely you have a cocktail event to attend. Festive cocktail attire is similar to regular cocktail attire, except festive touches like bright colors and glitter are integrated into the overall aesthetic. Choose a bright red dress, gold sequins, or anything that glitters. Metallics or anything that shines is also perfect for the festivities.
What to wear to a cocktail party?
Cocktail dress code involves casual suits and dress shirts for men. To adapt cocktail attire for more formal occasions, like weddings, add a tie or bow tie. For events that require cocktail attire, you can wear something more fashion-forward than your business suit. Stick to wool suits in dark colors in winter; for summertime and outdoor cocktail events, you can wear a light-colored suit in a breathable material like seersucker or linen. Oxfords, loafers, and brogues are acceptable footwear choices. Depending on the setting, you may be able to wear a leather or suede boot, but avoid sneakers.
What is cocktail attire?
Cocktail attire, also known as semi-formal attire, is the style of clothing you'll wear at evening events like fundraisers and weddings. For women, cocktail attire is typically a cocktail dress: a knee-length dress designed for just such an occasion.
When do cocktail parties take place?
Cocktail parties generally take place in the evening. Consider the setting—outdoor or indoor, business event or wedding—to determine the correct cocktail party attire. For more formal events, you may want to wear a more conservative cocktail outfit.
Can you wear a maxi dress to a cocktail party?
As a general rule, stay away from both maxi and mini dresses and opt for something in between. You don't have to wear a cocktail dress to a cocktail party, though—jumpsuits, pantsuits, blazers, and blouses in fine materials are all great alternatives.
What is a cocktail dress?
But what’s a cocktail dress? The dictionary definition is “an elegant dress suitable for semi-formal social occasions, falling to just below or just above the knee.” Most of us probably think of the classic little black dress when we’re choosing cocktail or semi-formal attire. And there’s nothing wrong with that.
What is a little black dress?
This halter-style little white dress by LIKELY is super flattering, while this Rebecca Taylor frock is the cocktail dress equivalent of the perfect white t-shirt.
What to wear to a cocktail party?
Opt for nice shoes like loafers or oxfords, and don’t forget a belt. Wear socks that match your slacks. Since men’s clothes offer fewer choices than women’s clothes, your cocktail attire will probably overlap with your business professional or even business casual clothes. Cocktail attire events are a great time to play with subtle accents, though—like a flashier pocket square than you might wear for a formal business meeting.
What is Festive attire?
You may also see dress codes that say “festive attire,” especially around the holiday season. This is essentially the same as cocktail attire but suggests that you might add pizazz with bright colors, bold jewelry, sequins, and other flashy choices.
What is the best attire for a wedding?
Weddings. Cocktail attire is typically best for evening events—it’s more appropriate for a dinner date than a brunch date, for example. It can also work well at work-related social activities, like the office holiday party, unless your workplace is very formal.
What is cocktail attire?
“Cocktail attire” is one of the most common dress codes for fun events and celebrations, from company holiday parties to weddings to birthday bashes. But while the name implies what you might be drinking at these events, it does little to help you decide what to wear.
What to wear to liven up your look?
Bold jewelry and accessories can liven up your look. Try chandelier earrings, statement necklaces, bangle bracelets, or whatever speaks to your sense of style. Feel free to express yourself with makeup, too. For shoes, you can wear boots, heels, or dressy flats.
Is cocktail dress formal?
However, this isn’t a very formal dress code, so it leaves some room to play with your look. Cocktail attire lets you try out new trends and show your style.
Is a tie a good suit?
A suit always works well here, but it doesn’t need to be the most conservative, work-ready suit. A tie is typically a good choice, but it’s not necessary for more casual cocktail occasions. Wear a dark-colored suit and tie for dressy cocktail events like weddings, though.
