Cocktail Attire for Women: What to Wear Next?

Dress code restricts your freedom to wear what you want. That helps when you’re rummaging through your wardrobe to find a perfect cocktail attire for women. Obviously, you need to consider the season to choose what to wear for a cocktail party. Moreover, the place and time matters.

If you’re aware of the dress code, you’ll know how to push the fashion boundaries to dress in the right way. High heels and simple outfits always have their roles to play. But, denim skirts and huge gowns are not party-ready stamps. Learn what essential fashion staples will remain forever in the category of dress code for cocktail party. Here’s the list.

What is A Cocktail Attire for Women?  

    A standard elegant dress code to wear for evening functions and parties defines a cocktail attire for women. Most of the times, the cocktail dress for ladies are above or hemmed at the knees. Mind it, the look should be sophisticated. However, you can play with colors and exciting accessories to add to the fun.

 What Is The Proper Length Of A Cocktail Dress?

There’s no hard and fast rule when it comes to the length of a cocktail dress. It depends heavily on the season and type of party you’re going to attend (like wedding, formal, festive etc.) If you’re planning to attend a formal event, choose a dress that falls above or just below your knee.

If the event is semi-formal or casual, wearing mini dress can make you look gorgeous. From midi dress to cocktail suit to mini dress, all are awesome for cocktail parties.

What Shoes Can You Wear for Cocktail Parties?

Heels are the best choice for cocktail events. Some of the cocktail-ready shoes are:

• Spool heel

• Stiletto

• Kitten heel

• Peep-toe stiletto

Nude colors like beige, tan, and white are fail-safe options. These colored shoes will make you look elegant while highlighting mainly your dress. At the same time, it will not make you look gaudy. But, if you’re ready to go bold, wear black or any shoes that matches your outfit’s color. Moreover, wear a statement necklace to complement the bold look.

Can You Wear Boots With A Cocktail Dress?

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Want to wear boots? No worries. Choose boots that are sophisticated and sleek. Avoid boots with too much patterns. Go for neutral colors. Silhouette boots match any type of cocktail dress.

Boots to wear for cocktail parties:

• Chunky heel mesh boots
• Matte textured boots with glittering above the knee dresses
• Boots with black laces

However, if you’re wearing over-the-knee boots, pair them up with conservative looking frocks. Whatever dress you’re wearing with boots, make sure there’s a gap of 3-5 inches between the hem of your dress and the top of the boots.

What Type of Bag You Need for Cocktail Party?

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Ditch your oversized bag. Love something embellished, fluffy, sparkling and tasseled. Look for clutches or crossbody bags that are shining. The clutches are fun and easy to carry. Crossbody bags with golden handles are sleek and give some real focus on your appearance. These bags are good to put in all your essential items into it. Plus, they go perfect with almost all types of cocktail attire for women.

What are Most Favored Cocktail Accessories?

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Shop for chic and eye-catching accessories. Mind it, putting on too many accessories can hamper your overall appeal. Instead of some matte finish accessories, pick sparkling ones. As for instance, you can wear a golden colored necklace with a big pendant. Or, a short pearl necklace. If you’re wearing standout accessories, limit it to 3-4 maximum.

On the contrary, if you’re choosing small-sized accessories, make sure they’re complementing each other. Pearl tennis and diamond bracelets are can give you a chic-fashionista look. Earrings embellished with gemstones with a knee-length bodycon dress can seal the deal.

Winter Cocktail Attire

Black, brown, and navy colors are best to nail winter cocktail attire. Heavy-fabric full-sleeve dresses are good to combat the chilling cold outside while looking fashionable. Layer up the dress with a jacket or blazer to enhance your appeal and stay warm.

If you’re ready to bare your legs, wear high-heeled pumps, strappy sandals, or boots with it.

Summer Cocktail Attire

Like cocktail attire for men, women also have many choices for cocktail dresses in summer. Gorgeous, sparkling, bodycon mini-length dresses can work. To choose the right length, keep your arms by your side. Make sure that the hem is at your fingertips.

A straight velvet skirt with an embellished top also looks good. If the top is plain, wear a skirt with either sequins or laces. You can also go for a shining long tunic or palazzo pants with chiffon fabric.

Cocktail Attire on Festivals

Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and holidays are the times of back to back cocktail parties. Off-shoulder dark colored cocktail dress for ladies can add to your glam. Wrap silhouette with high-low end in velvet fabric having full-sleeve makes you stand out from the crowd. Long sleeve lace midi prom dress can also be a good option. Crepe jumpsuit with ruffles on it also looks sophisticated.

Business Cocktail Party

Dress code for business cocktail party have to be formal. There are many cocktail suits for ladies which looks good on almost every body shape. Apart from cocktail suits, plus size women also have many other options just as slim women do have. Dresses with slim silhouette and embroidered lace can be a perfect business cocktail attire for women.

A maroon or black sheath dress can also help you look absolutely best. Satin fabric well-tailored jumpsuits with fringe trim can also look gorgeous on petite women.

Cocktail Attire for Wedding

Light colored feminine dresses can be your cocktail attire for wedding. From peach, blue, and pink to orange, yellow, and light green, so many colors are there to pick from. Wedding cocktail dress code should be flowy and cute. Chiffon and lace fabric help you to play safe.

If you’re looking for cocktail attire for beach wedding, flowy maxi dresses or wrap dresses can give you a super-romantic look.

Casual Cocktail Dress Code

Somewhat relaxing yet aesthetic, that’s what defines a casual cocktail dress code. Prefer to go with loose dresses than with bodycon ones. Sleek blouse paired with pencil or A-lined skirt can dress you up for the cocktail event. Cream blouse with tailored navy or black colored slacks with a statement jewelry is also what you can pick. Or, you can pair up a crop sweater with ankle-length well-tailored trouser and a sparkling statement necklace.

Garden Party Cocktail Dress 

Have to attend a garden cocktail party soon? Cute and feminine floral dress can help you meet the dress code needs. Flattering drape with light fabric is good for a fancier look. Dusty rose, cream, light grey, or olive colored sequin or laced dresses are perfect for cocktail event held in a garden.

Additional Tips to Choose the Right Cocktail Dress   

•     Go with black if you’re confused about what color of dress to wear.

• Shoulder-touching crystal earrings are great to uplift the celebration mood of a cocktail party.

• Choose a dress with length that falls somewhere between your mid-thigh area to mid-calf.

• Tie your hair into a low chignon (if you want a quick hairstyle). Apply light concealer and a good lipstick. Also, don’t forget to swipe in mascara.

• You can give a touch of fur to your dress and enjoy an ultra-glam look for winter cocktail parties.

The Bottom Line

Following the dress code considering your body type is the safest way to look perfect for the event. When in doubt, feel free to ask your host or hostess about the dress code. Consider your personality and style while dressing up.