Cocktail dress code implies a balance between formal and casual, elegant and comfortable. Etiquette author Alena Kate Pettitt recommends thinking about something in between sophisticated, formal and festive.
A cocktail party is an excuse to dress up, but you don’t have to wear something too fancy. At an event with such a dress code, such as a wedding, men often choose a suit and tie, and women a cocktail dress.
What does a cocktail dress code for women mean? The main goal of a women’s cocktail dress is to look impeccable, but not too fancy. Here are a few nuances that you should pay special attention to:
- Length. Social etiquette consultant Maria Lucrecia Arguello insists: when creating an elegant look, choose a dress that is knee-length or midi. A short dress or miniskirt is not the best choice.
- Fabrics. Give preference to high-quality dressy fabrics. The most successful materials for a cocktail dress are silk, satin, lace, light translucent chiffon, jacquard and velvet.
- Color scheme and prints. For a daytime outfit, use natural colors. In the evening, darker and more saturated shades are acceptable. Floral and other prints are appropriate for events in the spring and summer.
- Style and decor. A cocktail dress gives you the right to look a little bolder than in everyday life. Choose a simple, laconic style (A-line, straight or sheath) with bold decor: cutouts, bows, frills and flounces, feathers, fringe.
Instead of a dress or skirt, the cocktail dress code allows the use of trousers. Combine a laconic bottom with an elegant blouse, a flirty top or a classic button-down shirt and a blazer.
Cosmopolitan magazine recommends avoiding too tight and revealing outfits, jeans, shorts, scuffed clothes, sneakers and rough boots. Classic heeled shoes or elegant ballet flats are ideal as footwear.