Etiquette Guide for Cocktail Dresses

There are many different types of cocktail dress. Cocktail dresses are usually short, but they can be full-length, with sleeves or without. While many think of the color black, cocktail dresses can really be any solid color or print, as long as it is keeping with the season and event. While modern women are encouraged to break fashion tradition, such as wearing white even after Labor Day, it should still be appropriate for the event. For example, you should never wear a white dress to a wedding, especially a full-length gown.

Party invitations typically specify the level of formality that is expected at the event. For example, if the invitation notes black-tie or formal, women should wear full-length gowns, unless it is a daytime outdoor event where a shorter dress is acceptable. If the invitation notes casual, you may still want to contact the host for further clarification. Casual can range from an outdoor outing in culottes and camisoles or a dressy casual event with strappy summer dresses cut to lengths above the knee.

A cocktail dress is not the time for linen or any other material that wrinkles easily. Parties often require sitting and standing for extended periods, so dresses should be made of fabrics with structure and fine tailoring as opposed to loose-fitting garments. Of course, loose-fitting, flowing dresses might be acceptable for a daytime summer event.

Cocktail dresses should be in keeping with any party theme. Not all cocktail parties feature a theme, but if they do it should be noted by the host or written on the party invitation. While a basic black dress is almost always appropriate, guests may want to wear a dress that features a relevant print or cut. For example, if the party is at a beach resort, it is common for cocktail dresses to feature lighter, flowing material in festive floral prints. The important part of staying in theme with your cocktail dress is to keep the look elegant and reserved, not over-the-top or novelty.

Actually, cocktail attire for women does not always mean wearing a dress at all. Depending on the event or specification from the party’s host, a nice pair of pants and an elegant top is perfectly acceptable. This is especially practical in the winter if a guest does not want to wear pantyhose. For a summer pant look, satin pants and a strappy camisole with elegant accessories is ideal. For winter, this look can be coupled with a nice scarf and a demure jacket.