"Cocktail casual" dresscode...huh?? - YouLookFab Forum

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"Cocktail casual" dresscode...huh??

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

I have to attend an engagement party tonight for one of my closest friends. Her aunt and uncle are hosting the event and have listed the dress code as "cocktail casual." This is one I must say I've never heard before, and I'm now in a bit of a quandry. I'd like to nail the details for a variety of reasons (personal vanity, appreciation for my friend and her fabulous fiance, fitting in with this fairly upscale crowd etc). My initial thoughts would be to do a slight variation on the outfit I wore to the more casual wedding, i.e. my black and white polka dot dress and double-strand of white pearls. Instead of the silver sandals and dark red bag I wore then, I was thinking of brighter red, slightly more casual sandals and a metallic bag (what do you think, a clutch or my new pewter bag)?

If you guys think I'm off the mark with my thinking here, please set me straight!

And am I the only one who has never heard of this dress code before?

General

20 replies

Latest reply was from lynne

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

It seems like these merged dress codes are the new cutsie thing for events. I would interpret it to mean smart casual, but with the glitz of cocktail wear. So, dark denim with a heel and a top with some sparkle or bling (a going out type of top), or a daytime dress with metallic accessories- something like that.

Maya

Veteran

I *hate* it when people invent a dress code and don't even bother to explain it, as if to say it should be obvious.

In those situations, I think there are only 2 things to do:

1) Ask WTH "cocktail casual" means, or
2) Just do what seems right to you. They can't seriously expect a whole lot of uniformity after giving such a vague (or rather, nonexistant) description

From what I gather, the outfit you have planned seems about right. I might even swap the pearls for a more casual necklace. Maybe you can wear that dainty necklace instead. It's more understated without being more casual.

Queen Mum

Veteran

I think people invent these dress codes when they want somethiing in between. They might be saying "no jeans, but you don't have to go all out" either. I think the outfit you described would be perfect.
I think I personally would wear a simple LBD with non over-the-top accessories. That is how I would interpret it.

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

I am going shopping today and have always wanted to find a summer appropriate lbd (or possibly a little white dress instead). If I spot one today I may grab it and accessorize with turquoise and red... Unfortunately my only lbd is the maggy london one, which while lovely is too heavy for this time of year.
Yeah, dress codes like this are tricky for sure!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I love the idea of your polka dot dress! Perfect in my opinion.

Michelle always kicks it up a style notch so it really doesn't matter how other people dress or interpret this dress code. If you can find a LBD then fabulous, but if not - go with the dots.

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

Dots it will be! It's bucketing rain out right now, and since shopping is strictly optional, I choose to stay dry and hit the mall tomorrow instead.
Angie et al, think the red sandals, pearls and pewter clutch will be a decent compromise? Maya, the dainty necklace is a genuine diamond pendant that's pretty eye-catching irl, so I think I'll leave that off for tonight.

Kyle

Veteran

Michelle, for what it's worth, you've interpreted casual cocktail just as I would. I think people are trying to be genuinely helpful by providing a dress code at all, but of course everything is open to interpretation, which is fine with me. If common sense prevails, it's hard to be too far off the mark.

tarzy

Veteran

Michelle - I'm always knocked out by your fashion sense. I think you'll nail this look.

I'm just wondering what's next? "Formal hiking attire?" "Festive funeral wear?"

Queen Mum

Veteran

I wasn't necessarily telling you to wear a LBD, just that if I were faced with the dilemma, that is what I have in my closet that I would choose. I think your polka dot dress will be fab!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Sounds like another Michelle- perfect outfit to me. Have fun tonight and good thinking staying dry. It was me that sent rain your way so that you could rest that knee.

Maya

Veteran

Tara, I think I"m going to formally specify "festive funeral attire" at my funeral. It will be in my will.

Traci

Veteran

What's the venue? Every time I read "Cocktail Casual" I think that's a nice way of saying bar clothes. Maybe I've been in Wisconsin too long.

chellebrate

LOL

I haven't heard that term before either. Your polka dot dress is a great one!

I live and attend such a casual events it's so sad.

Debora

Veteran

Your polka dot dress was the first thing that came to mind. It's lovely on you and your accessories sound perfect. Have a wonderful time and let us know how it turned out. You can always put a LBD on your wish list and take your time finding the perfect one.

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

Hahaha!! Thanks for the rain, Angie! My knee joins my whold body in thanking you for the nap you let us have.

Tracy, you crack me up!! I never thought of barwear, to be honest. The venue is someone's private home, so that kind of getup would probably not be the best choice.

Joy

Veteran

Enjoy celebrating with your friend this evening. Your outfit sounds very approprite for the occasion and we know it looks fab on you.

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

Thanks for all your validation, ladies. I'm just back from the party where I felt totally appropriate. I checked with some of the people I know better and apparently my/our interpretation of the dress code was right on the money, i.e. dresses and skirts mostly. So thanks for making a potentially ambiguous instruction easier to master!

Megan

For "cocktail casual"- I'd interpret it to mean dress and heels but not black or glitzy, like what you would wear to a daytime wedding.

Your polka dot dress sounds great but I'd stick with the dressier shoes

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Your instincts were spot on again, Michelle. So glad you had a nice time. Know you looked k-word worthy.

Rain can be a blessing :0)

lynne

Veteran

Dress codes like these are such a PITA. A week ago I volunteered at a big deal summer party for our art museum. Initial dress code said "cocktail attire". Later they said "wear what you would wear to a hip gallery opening". Huh? I wore a summery LBD and red shoes.