For men's cocktail attire, opt for a pantsuit or chinos with a button-down shirt, and consider adding a suit jacket or blazer. Women can choose a midi dress or dress pants with a nice blouse. Keep accessories simple and avoid bright or flashy colors.
Table of Contents
1. Cocktail Attire For Men
Men’s cocktail party dress code includes a pantsuit or chinos, a button-down shirt, and nice shoes like loafers. Ties are optional, though recommended, and you want to avoid wearing sneakers and a T-shirt.
A general rule of thumb is to include a suit jacket or blazer in your cocktail party attire. However, like the tie, this is optional. The idea is to look more on the side of semi-formal attire and less on the side of smart casual.
You never want to show up to a party or formal occasion in an ill-fitting suit. So, ensure your clothing etiquette is spot on with correct tailoring and the right fit.
2. Cocktail Party Dress Code For Women
When it comes to cocktail attire dress code for women, a cocktail dress or dressy separates are a must. You’ve probably heard the term “little black dress,” which perfectly applies to cocktail outfits.
For many cocktail events, floor-length gowns are too dressy, but a maxi dress that isn’t as formal or a midi dress could work perfectly. Of course, the typical cocktail dress most people refer to is a mini dress that is simple yet elegant (be sure to avoid hemlines that are too short, though).
However, women are not limited to dresses nowadays. Plenty of dressy separates are great for cocktail attire, such as dress pants or a knee-length skirt with a side slit, both paired with a nice blouse.
Pair the attire with nice dress shoes, a wedge, or dressy sandals for perfect ladies’ etiquette. The idea is not to overdress or wear something too formal, as the whole point is to be able to transition from afternoon to evening and from informal events to more formal occasions.
3. Accessorize To Emphasize
You can tailor your accessories to your style, but choose something that will transition well from daytime to evening events.
Avoid any flashy embellishments or that take away from the outfit itself, such as gaudy jewelry. You also want to avoid combining too many accessories.
For men wearing a stylish pantsuit, a nice bow tie or pocket square is a very nice touch. You can also consider wearing cufflinks for a stylish addition.
For women in cocktail dresses or stylish separates, wearing nice jewelry that isn’t too flashy is great. Of course, everyone should pair their cocktail attire with nice shoes as well, such as brogues for men or dress sandals or wedges for women – but remember, you don’t need to go overboard.
4. Keep It Simple
Cocktail attire calls for dark, neutral colors and very subtle patterns. You will want to avoid going overboard with bright colors or sequins.
A general rule of thumb in cocktail party attire etiquette is to keep it simple yet classy. Don’t overdo it with flashy colors or overwhelming patterns.
5. Plus-Sized Cocktail Attire
When it comes to a cocktail party dress code for plus-sized individuals, it is important to explore different fabrics and fits. It is all about deciding what you feel comfortable and confident in.
Try on different shapes and lengths and see what works for you. Some people may feel comfortable in a more flowy type of dress, while others prefer tighter, stretchier fabric. Whatever you feel best in is what you should wear, as long as it follows cocktail party dress etiquette.
6. Be Prepared For The Event
Ensure that you know the type of event and the dress code. This will help you plan your outfit well. For example, if you are going to a work cocktail party, you may want to lean more toward business attire.
If you are going to a more formal event, be sure to wear a nice cocktail dress or jumpsuit if you are a woman. A pantsuit with a dress shirt and tie is perfect for men on such occasions.
Another thing to consider is the venue. If it is an outdoor event on a warm day, then choosing a fabric like a chiffon may be better than suede because it is more breathable.
7. Dress Code Faux Pas
When attending different cocktail events, you want to be sure to avoid these “don’ts of cocktail attire”:
- Don’t wear jeans, shorts, or sneakers
- Don’t dress in a black tie or white time formal wear
- Avoid tuxedos or formal ball gowns
- Don’t think you can only wear a dress (a jumpsuit or pantsuit is acceptable as well)
- Don’t wear anything you are uncomfortable in
Avoiding these will ensure you are comfortable and not worried about your appearance. Rather, you can enjoy your time at the event and save yourself from embarrassment and discomfort.
How Are Cocktail Dresses And Cocktail Gowns Different?
| Cocktail Dress | Cocktail Gown |
|---|---|
| Simpler than the gown. | Long and a bit fancier than a dress. |
| Made from lighter fabrics such as cotton, chiffon, or lace. | Made of fabrics like satin, silk, or velvet. |