Yahoo Lifestyle Here's What You Actually Need to Know About Cocktail Attire
Hot take: I love a good wedding dress code. As someone who considers being underdressed an act of the deepest shame (I literally still have nightmares about forgetting to do my makeup for prom), I absolutely thrive within the confines of a hyper-specific theme. It removes any need for the quintessential “How dressy are you guys getting?” group text, so you know exactly what level of glam to strive for.
Between holiday parties and wedding season, most of the invitations in your inbox will probably ask for “cocktail attire”—which might have you asking in return, "Okay, what is cocktail attire?"
Think of it as that sweet spot between casual and black-tie—formal, but not too formal. We're talking mini and midi dresses that feel polished, chic jumpsuits, or tailored suiting paired with elevated accessories. The key is looking dressy enough for champagne toasts while still being able to hit the dance floor. In other words: sophisticated but actually fun to wear.
Still unsure? That's totally understandable! To give you a better idea of what this entails, keep scrolling for the dos and don'ts of cocktail attire for women. (BTW, Cosmo has lists for spring, winter, and fall weddings, too. You can thank us later.)
Short, but not too short
Save your floor-length gowns for black-tie events and go for a mini or midi length, instead. It's also a good idea to leave the club classics at home for cocktail events. We fully support your right to serve ass on a Friday, but for weddings or formal events, stick to mid-thigh and longer hemlines.
Suits encouraged
Disclaimer: just because the dress code says "cocktail," that doesn't mean you have to wear an actual cocktail dress. Keep your personal style intact—and if that means a pair of posh trousers, then have at it!
You can style a pair of nice trousers with a fancy blouse or a button-down and blazer for a chic pant-suit moment (neckties are optional, but always appreciated). Or, hey, up the ante a little bit and go for a closed, fitted blazer sans shirt for an elevated and daring look. Wide-leg pants work just as well as ultra-tailored ones, and the same goes for jumpsuits.
Play with textures
As a rule of thumb, cocktail dresses should be structured and elegant. But at the same time, you can feel free to show off—sequins, feathers, and embellishments are all welcome in moderation. Just make sure that both the fabric and the print feel evening-appropriate—which means Reformation sundresses are out (sorry, friends).
Blazer dresses are a big yes
Formal, but fun is the aesthetic you should be channeling when the invite specifies cocktail attire—and nothing's more fun than skipping pants. As long as your blazer dress is long enough to graze your fingertips (i.e. doesn't actually look like you forgot pants), it's a yes in my book. Shop for more demure colors, like black, red, or rich jewel tones, vs. pastels or bright colors, which tend to feel a little more daytime (and therefore casual).
Flats are not the vibe
I, too, avoid wearing high heels at all costs, but in this case, you're going to have to take one for the team. But don't get it twisted: That in no way means you have to break out your best pair of six-inch platforms. You totally can if you want—but if you're looking for something a little more down-to-earth, kitten heels or a chic little wedge work just as well (just make sure they're evening wedges, not the woven espadrille kind).
FYI: Ballet flats, sneakers, and casual sandals all fall into the "not the vibe" category, but Mary Janes, pumps, loafers, heeled sandals, and platforms are fair game.
Grab an elevated clutch
The hands-free vibe is convenient as hell when you're juggling a plate full of hors d'oeuvres and a martini, but I'm going to politely request that you leave the crossbody at home.
Totes, satchels, hobo bags, or any otherwise oversized style is going to totally kill the dressed-up vibe you've painstakingly curated. Instead, grab your absolute bitchiest clutch or a chic little shoulder bag.
Get a bit daring
TBH, I think it's totally fine to wear lingerie-inspired pieces for fancier occasions, if you do it right. A silk corset dress? Sure. A lace bustier under a sleek suit? Absolutely. Cocktail attire is generally a bit more modest than semi-formal, but a little décolletage never hurt anyone (especially under a fitted blazer)!
Keep in mind: this advice should be taken on a case-by-case basis. So, like, if you're going to a dinner party hosted by your mother-in-law, it's probably best to just wear an LBD.
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