What does cocktail attire mean for women?
Cocktail attire for women means a dressy dress that ends between the knee and mid calf. The cocktail dress code sits third on the usual scale: casual, smart casual, cocktail, formal, black tie, white tie. It is the most common dress code for weddings, engagement parties and evening events.
The fabric does most of the work. Satin, crepe, lace, velvet and structured knits read as cocktail. Cotton jersey, denim and linen do not, whatever the length.
What to wear to a cocktail event
Cocktail wedding. Cocktail attire for a wedding means a knee length to midi dress in a dressy fabric, in any colour except white or ivory. Heels, block heels or dressy flats all fit.
Engagement party. An engagement party is usually cocktail or a little under it. A midi or knee length dress with some colour or detail suits most venues.
Work event or awards night. For a work function, keep the hem at the knee or lower and the neckline modest. A sleeved midi dress or a tailored dress in crepe is a safe choice.
Evening party or the races. A cocktail dress also suits a milestone birthday, a dinner and most days at the races, called derby day in the US. Add a jacket or wrap for the cooler end of the day.
What not to wear to a cocktail event
Cocktail attire rules out both ends of the scale. In most cases, avoid:
- A floor length gown, which reads as formal or black tie
- A very short or very tight mini dress
- Casual fabrics such as denim, jersey and linen
- Sneakers, thongs or flip flops, and casual sandals
- Daytime sundresses
A long dress is not always wrong. An ankle length dress in a dressy fabric fits cocktail attire if it is simple in shape.
Cocktail compared with other dress codes
| Dress code | Hem length | Typical dress | Typical events |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casual | Any | Sundress, T-shirt dress | Weekends, barbecues |
| Smart casual | Any | Shirt dress, wrap dress | Lunches, the office |
| Cocktail | Knee to midi | Cocktail dress in satin, crepe or lace | Weddings, engagement parties |
| Formal | Tea length to floor | Maxi dress or gown in a dressy fabric | School formal, prom, balls, evening weddings |
| Black tie | Floor | Evening gown | Black tie weddings, galas |
| White tie | Floor | Full ball gown | State and ceremonial events |
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See all cocktail dressesCommon questions
What is a cocktail dress?
A cocktail dress is a dressy knee length to midi dress worn to semi formal events. It is more polished than a day dress and shorter than a formal gown.
Can a cocktail dress be long?
Yes, within reason. A midi or an ankle length dress in a dressy fabric fits cocktail attire. A full floor length gown usually reads as formal and can look overdressed.
What is cocktail attire for a wedding?
Cocktail attire for a wedding is a knee length to midi dress in a dressy fabric, worn with heels or dressy flats. Any colour works except white and ivory. It is dressier than a day dress and less formal than a gown.
Is cocktail attire the same as semi formal?
In most cases, yes. Both ask for a knee length to midi dress in a dressy fabric. Cocktail attire is often read as slightly dressier, and it is the more common wording on evening invitations.
Can you wear black to a cocktail event?
Yes. A black cocktail dress suits almost every cocktail event, including most weddings. A knee length or midi black dress in satin or crepe is one of the most rewearable dresses to own.
Can you wear pants to a cocktail event?
Yes. Dressy separates or a jumpsuit in satin, crepe or another polished fabric fit cocktail attire. Keep the same level of polish as a cocktail dress, with heels or dressy flats.