So you’ve been invited to a party. You’re excited to have a good time, but you notice that there’s a dress code for the event – and it is cocktail attire. All you know about cocktail outfits is that they are short dresses, often with flashy colors and designs.
But what exactly are cocktail dresses? What kind of cocktail dress should you be wearing? What type of shoes would go well with the cocktail dresses?
The most popular cocktail attire for women is a knee-length party dress paired with heels (Credit: Sirtravelalot / Shutterstock)
Don’t worry because we have answers to these questions and more.
Cocktail Attire: A Comprehensive Guide
Cocktail attire encompasses a range of semi-formal and formal outfits suitable for various social gatherings.
For men, cocktail attire can be as simple as a suit and tie, while women have a variety of dresses that suit the occasion, each with their own personal charms.
AnnaLynne McCord, Rachel McCord, and Cara Santana flaunt their legs in cocktail dresses (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN / DJDM / Judy Eddy)
In general, however, cocktail dresses usually extend to the knee’s length at most, making them somewhat easy to identify.
The Perfect Cocktail Dress: Style and Sophistication
There’s a simple trick to knowing whether or not the dress you’re planning to wear is suitable for a cocktail event. Ask yourself – would I want my business co-workers and bosses to see me in it?
Cocktail parties are meant to be enjoyed, but they’re semi-formal at the very least, meaning that you’ll need to cut down on the more revealing attire in your wardrobe for now.
Below are three cocktail dresses that you can buy on Zappos.
When choosing the perfect cocktail dress, consider whether it’s something you’d feel comfortable wearing in front of business colleagues or bosses
That doesn’t mean you should wear a full gown to the event, either. Remember that cocktail dresses extend only to your knees at most. You can also make a bold statement by wearing strapless dresses, too.
Just be sure to keep the amount of skin at a moderate level for the event, as cocktails are used for occasions such as weddings.
Finally, you’ll want to get an ornate or captivating dress. If you want to look as gorgeous as possible, choose striking colors that stand out from crowds or elaborate designs lining the dress.
Remember that you’ll still need to follow the dress code, so if they have any color themes, be sure to pick them accordingly.
Beyond the Dress: Alternative Cocktail Attire for Women
Yes, there are! You don’t have to wear a dress to a cocktail event if that’s not your thing or you don’t have a dress available. You can wear a pair of sleek trousers or a jumpsuit instead, as long as they look formal.
Below are three flattering jumpsuits that you can buy on Nordstrom.
You have the flexibility to wear sleek trousers or a jumpsuit to a cocktail event if dresses aren’t your preference or are unavailable, as long as they exude a formal look
That means no denim, no khakis, etc. You won’t look as captivating with a pair of trousers as you would with a dress, though, unless you’ve got a top that’s bold enough to match.
Alternatively, you can go for a mini-skirt with a matching top instead. This is perfect for outdoor cocktail events, such as those held in resorts and beaches during the summer.
They’re also easier to mix and match designs with, making them more versatile when picking a look before the event. How about these three alternatives from Farfetch?
You can also choose a mini-skirt paired with a matching top, which works well for outdoor summer cocktail events like those at resorts and beaches
And in the unfortunate cases where you can’t find plus-size cocktail dresses at your local department store, they serve as a fashionable alternative look. You really can’t go wrong with them.
Accessorizing for Cocktail Events: Elevate Your Look
Remember that your dress is the centerpiece of your outfit, so keep the accessories minimal and simple while maintaining a sense of refinement and elegance.
For example, you’re better off using a mini bag or a clutch instead of a handbag or shoulder bag to carry your items.
And, of course, try using accessories that match your dress for maximum effect. Below are a couple of suggestions from Matches Fashion.
Valentino’s Rockstud leather pouch and a white The Attico wristlet pouch that is created with hundreds of wispy ostrich feathers and beading
And don’t overdo it. You can wear accessories if you want, but if you want your dress to stand out, you need to ensure nothing else grabs the spotlight. You don’t have to wear various jewelry pieces at a cocktail event.
Stepping into Style: The Perfect Shoes for Cocktail Attire
The cocktail outfit you’ll be wearing isn’t the only thing you should consider. Your shoes can make or break the entire look, so you must find a pair that perfectly matches your goals.
And since this is a cocktail event, you’ll also need to follow some extra guidelines.
Named for Kate Moss, Christian Louboutin’s classic So Kate pumps are perfect for formal events
Keeping with the idea of the dress being the centerpiece of your entire look, you’ll want to go for shoes with simple designs. As cocktail events are semi-formal or formal, you’ll also want to look professional.
That’s why we recommend getting high heels that are simple and easy on the eye while complementing your attire. Ideally, you want the focus of your look to be your dress, so keep the heels as basic as possible, and you’re good.
That doesn’t mean you can’t rock some fancy heels or thigh-high boots. But to be able to do that, you’ll need to be dressing appropriately.
While cocktail outfits typically have your dress (or mini-skirt or trousers) as the centerpiece of your look, that doesn’t always have to be the case. You can also wear a simple dress but need something else to garner attention.
That’s where the shoes come in. Below are a couple of alternatives that you can find on Amazon.
Cocktail heels from Jessica Simpson and Stuart Weitzman
For simple dresses that aren’t that eye-popping, wear party heels adorned with glamor and made with premium material such as velvet. You’ll find that your heels will immediately become the star of the show, as your dress isn’t as stylish as your footwear.
In the end, though, it’s all up to personal preference. You’re free to do so if you want to stand out using both your dress AND your shoes.
While cocktail parties are meant to be enjoyed, they maintain a degree of formality, so opt for attire that strikes the right balance between sophistication and style (Credit: G-Stock Studio / Shutterstock)
Just remember that it’s good to strike a balance on how glamorous your look can be and that you’ll need a centerpiece for your look, whether it be your dress or your shoes.
Conclusion
Cocktail dresses are a fantastic way to shine at formal events, offering a delightful blend of formality and beauty. By following the guidelines we’ve outlined, you’ll turn heads at any cocktail event.
Remember to balance your overall glamour and choose a centerpiece for your look, whether your dress or your shoes. With these tips, you’ll be ready to make a lasting impression at your next cocktail party.