What is cocktail attire? - YouLookFab Forum

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What is cocktail attire?

gradfashionista

(website)

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My SO reminded me of an event tonight at his firm. Having never been strictly bound by a professional dress code, I'm wondering what cocktail attire means if a woman pursues a pant option. For reasons involving commuting and skin showing, I'd rather not spend the day running errands in a mini. Would wool culottes--black or light grey--with a white tux shirt be appropriate? Or how about a statement white shirt with a pair of black slacks? Or, lastly, a black silk wrap top with a black slacks? The fancy top + black slacks seems to be a theme.

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19 replies

Latest reply was from Suz

Suz

(website)

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Yes, you could definitely wear the outfits you describe but you might feel a bit out of place, depending...if you have some bling, a pretty clutch, killer shoes, this will work for sure. Or if the fabrications of your shirts are luxe.

But otherwise -- depending where you live and the nature of the function -- often "cocktail attire" means a dressy dress. Not necessarily a mini. I wear my Nicole Miller knee length sheath or my CM silk dress for summer "cocktail" type events. Angie's blue jumpsuit would be another appropriate outfit, or one of her lace dresses. You could potentially wear the burgundy dress you didn't end up wearing to the wedding.

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JAileen

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Both of your outfits sound appropriate. Could you bring drssier shoes and change, and maybe add some jewelry?

I went to a cocktail party about five years ago and everyone wore jeans.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I might bring a change of clothes in a tote rather than trying to dress for the event -- unless you have a really easily re-accessorized LBD or similar.

Author Linda

Veteran

"Cocktail" means elegant lite. Short, not long, party dress or, if pants, elegant monotone or smartly paired coordinates that have a little pizazz. Black on black. Gray with a light-colored top, silk or silk-like. Jewelry. Nice clutch (better yet if it's showy). Dressier shoes.

Of course, as JAileen points out, it really depends on the corporate culture involved. My husband is a lawyer, so the above. But my son's company would be filled with people wearing jeans or even shorts! So there's that.

Diana

Veteran

If it's a law/finance firm event I can guarantee you that many women will be in business dress (e.g. suits or sheath w/blazer), in addition to those in traditional cocktail dresses. (My husband is a lawyer and I go to these things on occasion although I try to find excuses not to go, lol). So I think either of your black slacks options would be fine. Maybe add a little tasteful jewelry or a pretty clutch for the dressy factor. I'd bring a blazer/dressy jacket along just in case to up the formality.

ETA: I actually wouldn't wear a short dress or very high heels to such an event. It's still a work related event.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Another way of describing it -- the black gown you wore to the wedding is too formal for "cocktail." Cocktail is usually shorter dresses of the same level of specialness.

A cocktail party is different from an invitation that specifies "cocktail attire." A cocktail party, as the others suggest, could mean anything -- depending on the culture. Usually, though, I tend to think if a host or hostess calls it a cocktail party they are hoping people will dress up a bit for the event and look special. (At least I would be, if I were hosting, LOL.)

If an invitation specifies "cocktail attire" you can be sure they want people to dress up and at minimum not to wear denim.

Liz A.

Veteran

I'm in DC so maybe a bit dressier than some areas, but cocktail to me would be a cocktail dress, i.e. dressier than a business dress, but not a long gown. Or if pants, some type of shinier tuxedo type of pant with a silky or blingy top as well.

Ledonna N.

Veteran

Sounds very appropriate I love the idea of a tuxedo shirt.

Anonymous

Suz explained what I believe to be cocktail attire. It seems to me to be a very specific sort of dress. I know it instantly when I see it.

Amy

(website)

Veteran

Yes, your options sound right. Cocktail attire is a step above business casual, but doesn't reach formal. When you see those articles in magazines about taking an outfit from day to night, that's the kind of thing they're talking about. Adding nicer shoes, a bit of bling and evening appropriate makeup to one of your outfits would be right.

Just for fun, here are two of my cocktail dresses. I like bling-y things, so something without all the lace or velvet, but with the same general level of dressiness is what I'd shoot for.

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rabbit

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Agreeing with these posts, and the only thing I'd add is that I'd be a little cautious about wearing a white tuxedo shirt or classic business white shirt with black bottoms because I think that sometimes is what the servers at these events where drinks or appetizers are served wear.

Amy

(website)

Veteran

Rabbit's advice is spot on! I once was a matron of honor at a wedding where we wore all black...just like the wait staff. It was kind of embarrassing.

always trying

Veteran

I attend quite a few of these events. Some say cocktail attire and some say semi formal. People seem to dress the same for both of these. some in knee length dressy dresses like Angie's lace one. Some wear shorter dresses but dressier than what one would generally wear to work. many wear various kinds of pants, generally black, and not anything that looks like leggins or really skinnies. If the pants are more like skinnies then they are generally worn with a tunic top. Tops vary to shimmery, sequin, or some silky very dressy ones. also see many drapey dressy looking tops and or jacket type like lace, sheer, etc. with sequined, jeweled or some such tanks or camis under them.

A good option is the LBD dressed up with jewelry, dressy shoes, etc. this is why one should, IMO, have an LBD that can be dressed up or down.

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

So, interestingly, there didn't seem to be a consistent dress code for women (men were business casual). Some women wore LBD or their equivalents with heels, but many looked business casual to me--think ballet flats, knee-length skirt, top and cardigan. The cocktail look that I had envisioned--like a lace DVF mini with a clutch and fancy shoes--was rare. I felt quite comfortable wearing the following and did not feel out of place.

ETA: the cleavage was my camera plying tricks. I'm not buxom by a long shot.

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rabbit

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That looks like an awesome outfit you chose, very chic!

Author Linda

Veteran

Very nice! Love the shoes, and cocktail cleavage is a wonderful thing.

Suzanne (ambergreen)

Veteran

It's the best when we find we've risen to these outfit challenges perfectly, isn't it? And Fluevogs can often help with that... Well done.

Amy

(website)

Veteran

Nice!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

That looks perfect!! You did really well. It gives off a jumpsuit vibe, which makes it feel dressier and more intentional.