What is a Cocktail Dress Code


You are one of those people who is most comfortable in their worn out pair of denims with a t-shirt and a pair of canvas sneakers. Well, I don't blame you. After all, the need to be comfortable can surpass the fashion demands that is put on most people. But what if your boss has just called you to invite you to his annual extravaganza of a cocktail party? What do you do then? How do you decide what to wear so that you do not look completely out of place? Well, we give you a crash course in what the correct cocktail dress code is that can help you with picking out the perfect clothes for the bash that you need to attend.

Choosing Cocktail Attire

When you want to pick out clothes for a cocktail party, the first thing that will give you a clue as to what to wear is the invitation that you have received. If the mode or manner in which the invitation was sent out was casual, that is, it was given over the phone or sent out as an email, then chances are that the dress code is going to be relaxed and casual. On the other hand, if you have received a formal invitation with a R.S.V.P, you are looking at a formal event. In the latter scenario, more often than not, the host will specify some form of dress code. There will be options mentioned like semi formal, black tie optional, casual, etc. According to these details, pick out a suitable attire for the party.

Another important tip that will help you pick out the right attire for the outing would be to choose the right fabric. This is important. Wearing a wool blend or knitted dress to a cocktail party in the summer is definitely avoidable. The color of the fabric should also preferably depend on the season. In winters, it is advisable to pick clothes in dark colors, while in spring and summer, pick out lighter colored fabrics. Another hint regarding what to wear to a cocktail party can come from the time of the party. If you are attending a cocktail party, in the middle of the afternoon, then chances are that the occasion will be a semi-formal one. With evening parties, the attire will need to be more formal. If you are attending the party with a date, then it is advisable to coordinate your outfits. These are just some of the tips to keep in mind while picking out clothes to wear to a cocktail party.

Cocktail Party Attire for Women

For a long time, cocktail attire was just one of the many different types of evening wears. But it was in the 1940s that the famous designer, Christian Dior, used the term to specifically refer to those dresses that were worn to early evening parties. While the length of cocktail dresses can vary greatly depending on what local fashion dictates, in most cultures, cocktail attire for women consists of dresses that fall above or just below the knee. While there can be cocktail dresses that are ankle length, these are generally categorized under gowns or evening wear. The best example of a cocktail dress is the Little Black Dress or the LBD that was popularized by Coco Chanel. If you have an LBD in your wardrobe, then with the right accessories, it can be the perfect dress to wear to a cocktail party. Other than the perfect LBD, you can choose cocktail dresses for women in a variety of colors and silhouettes. Accessorizing well is key to perfecting your look for a cocktail party.

While till a few years ago, dresses were the only acceptable clothing attire for women attending a cocktail party, today it is not so. A skirt with a dressy top, jumpsuits, or even dressy pant suits are all acceptable clothing for cocktail parties. But while wearing any of these clothes, do ensure that you do not look like you stepped out in the same clothes that you wore to work in the morning. Ensure that your clothes enhance your appearance. If you are opting for a trousers and top combination, ensure that the top is extra feminine, and cut well to accentuate your curves. Pick clothes in colors that suit you and always pay attention to the footwear you are wearing.

Cocktail Party Attire for Men

Cocktail attire for men, generally translates into wearing suits in dark colors like blue, gray, black, and brown. Avoid wearing tuxedos unless specified as these are generally the dress code for black tie events and extremely formal parties. A well tailored pair of khaki pants with a classically cut jacket or a blazer is also acceptable for semi-formal events. You may choose to wear a tie but this is not mandatory. It is important to ensure that you wear a good pair of polished shoes or loafers and that you match your shoes with your belt. Do not wear denims or t-shirts teamed with jackets for a cocktail party.

If you do wear jewelry, ensure that you keep accessorizing to a minimum and that the same is subtle. If you are unsure of what to wear to a cocktail party as the dress code has not been specified, it is advisable to dress in a formal and conservative manner. Choosing the right cocktail attire for men is not as a difficult as it seems to be. A pair of well cut trousers with a good jacket and a fitted shirt is the best clothing option that you can wear.

Wearing the right attire for the right occasion is extremely important and the same holds true for cocktail parties. Now that you know what the cocktail dress code is, it should be easy for you to pick out the right clothes for the party that you need to attend.

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