A cocktail attire for women is one of the most essential pieces of clothing in the closet.Though they were tailormade for fancy occasions during the early 19th century, today they are not confined to just that. They can be worn at any event if they are worn the right way. You will need to know the very many rules and rituals that are associated with the cocktail attires. But don’t worry when we are here. Today, in this article, we are going to help you rock a cocktail outfit by introducing you to some essential tips and tricks. So, all you have to do is scroll down and give this piece a read. Now, without any further ado, go ahead and get started because it is time for you to flaunt some beautiful cocktail dresses for that next grand cocktail or literally any party that you have been wanting to attend. Come on!
In This Article
What Is Cocktail Attire?
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Simply put, cocktail attire is nothing but formal clothing but far more celebratory. It is casual than your office wear and tad bit formal than your regular casual attire. More often than not, if you are expected to show up in cocktail attire, the invitation will say so. If it does not, then you need to understand that events like anniversaries, reunions, engagements, weddings, etc. are all your typical occasions for cocktail attires.
What Is A Cocktail Attire For Women
A general rule of thumb for a cocktail dress is that it cannot be skimpy, transparent, too short or too long. Basically, the stuff that falls in between the formal and casual spectrum. Anything from a classic little black dress (LBD) to an A-line, strapless, embellished, lace or long sleeves midi dresses are your safe bets. We will discuss more on this in a bit.
8 Must Know Do’s and Don’ts of Cocktail Attire For Women
1. Don’t Wear Skimpy Dresses/ Do Watch Your Hemline
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Do not confuse the cocktail party to be a night out with your girlfriends, because it is not. Do not wear something that is transparent, sleazy or something that gets you unnecessary attention. Ask yourself, would you appreciate someone wearing the same dress at your party? There, you have ‘your’ answer. Be watchful of your neckline and that they don’t plunge into the oblivion. Also, let’s not try and pull a Kardashian with see-through dresses.
A-line dresses, princess cut or anything with a flowing hemline that is below your arm’s stretch works. ‘The Little Black Dress’ is an evergreen choice that will never go out of style. Strapless dress to sweetheart necklines, spaghetti straps to long sleeves, there’s so much you can do.
2. Don’t Wear Huge Gown That Trail Out/ Do Midi Sized Dresses
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Keep those ball gowns for your ‘Cinderella’ moment. The fashion gurus usually suggest that you steer away from wearing gowns that trail out and about. Since they are the experts, we should just keep at it.
Midi size dresses are perfect cocktail dresses if you are not comfortable with shorter ones. Your options here are unlimited, so, unfortunately, we have no excuses here either.
3. Don’t Show Up In Jeans/ Do Wear Trousers
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Jeans might be your ultimate comfort dressing, and there are no questions asked there, but it still does not give you the leeway to wear them for a cocktail party. Since they do not fall under the formal-clothing category, don’t even have it as an option.
Instead, try pant suits or chic looking trousers with a chic silk or chiffon blouse. Pair the outfit with a pearl necklace, pumps, and just enough makeup. It is not all that difficult, after all. Is it?
4. Don’t Carry Huge Bags/ Do It With A Clutch
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As a woman, I know the urge to carry a mini-convenience store for all the ‘just-in-case’ scenarios and hence the need for an oversized bag. But, by all means, avoid it, and it does not go with the idea of a cocktail party.
A clutch is your best bet or a small yet stylish body bag. If you feel the need for things that go in your handbag, leave the big bag in your car and carry the absolute essentials in a clutch. It makes a statement in itself.
5. Don’t Do Flip-Flops/ Do Heels Or Platforms
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We all practically live in flip-flops, and the comfort from these flip flops is indisputable. Not just flip flops, but boots, gladiators, flat sandals, etc. are not considered as cocktail outfits, unless of course, it’s an exception.
Platform heels, wedges, or pumps are perfect footwear, plus they enhance your silhouette.
6. Don’t Overdo Accessories/ Do One Statement Piece
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Accessories go a long way in elevating your outfit, and just one neck piece is enough to enhance the look of a plain dress. So, think about that one piece in your accessories kit that will not only stand out but also complements your dress.
One statement piece and just one needs to stand out, too many things at once will just look sloppy and unappealing, and ruins the entire outfit. You could probably add fine jewelry like a bracelet, finger rings, etc but keep them minimal.
7. Don’t Go In Shoddy Or Crumpled Dresses/ Do Consider Dry Cleaning Or Steaming Your Attire
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It goes without saying. But, just in case you are considering a pant suit, fancy trousers or jumpsuit, make sure you iron it out and not end up with a crumpled outfit.
If you are like me and not good at pressing your clothes, just get it steam ironed by a dry cleaner. Plus, you usually are given enough time to prepare for the event, so lack of time is no excuse.
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8. Don’t Let Your Undergarments Show/ Dp Strapless Or Stick On Bra
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Your undergarments should be way out of the radar, and this is an unsaid and a non-negotiable. They are called undergarments for a reason people! If you think that sometimes a peeking bra can make us look sexy, a cocktail party is not the place, especially not when it’s not your own.
If your dress has a plunging or tricky neckline, strapless or stick-on bras are your best bet. If you are wearing shapewear, ensure that they align with the shape of your dress and don’t stick out. Not just as an etiquette, but even otherwise, it is not a pleasant sight.
As you know, cocktail attire for women is a tad bit formal and kind of party wear at the same time. And we understand that it can be confusing to style it the right way. But now that you have this article by your side, why do you even have to worry? Remember to dry clean or steam your attire before wearing it and avoid show-through clothes. Accessorize your dress with a cute clutch, and you are good to go. If required, try wearing them with the shoes and accessories a day before the party to see if you are comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should cocktail dresses be?
Your cocktail dresses should neither be too short nor trailing out on the floor. It should be below your arm’s length when stretched down and ideally be above your shins, like a midi dress or skirt.
What are the important tips for choosing cocktail dresses?
Take a minute to understand the host’s taste in clothing, what they might like or the theme of the party. It’s usually a good place to start. If you are still unsure, just pick up the phone and talk to the host or other friends from the party. Also, the most important thing to remember is always to be slightly overdressed than be one of the outliers in the party.
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Pratima Ati
After working in Marketing and Business Development for a few years, Pratima Ati jumped ship to pursue two things she… more
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