Cocktail Attire: The Dresscode
And the weekend is right here! Going for a little jive this evening or maybe you have a classy, fancy date. Well, most of us just receive a beautiful envelope which inside says ‘Cocktail Attire’. As daunting as it might be to wonder what really to wear and how to look your best, it might actually turn out to be real fun. When something says “cocktail attire,” it more or less suggests a suave dark suit worn with a tie (the colours could vary from charcoal to dark blue) for men, and a shorter, party dress for women such as the LBD or co-ordinates. Cocktail attire is all about being a little less than “formal” attire, and definitely more casual than a “black tie.”
Cocktail attire options for women
Let’s just say that when it comes to women, there are several options to pick from. Here’s what you could really pick for your next cocktail event.
- The Little Black Dress: This is something most of us have in our wardrobes and a little black dress is always timeless.
- The Embellished Cocktail Dress: These are much trendier and playful. Gives a festive feel.
- The Lace Cocktail Dress: Heading to a day wedding or a lunch party, a lace cocktail dress is all about delicacy and is a more feminine option.
- The A-Line Cocktail Dress: This is the dress to be bold, flirty, glamorous. This can be strapless, cap-sleeved, spaghetti strapped—you name it.
- The Long Sleeve Cocktail Dress: This is a dress which is about knee-length with longe or 3/4th sleeves but a backless one’s always a winner.
- The Strapless Cocktail Dress: If you’re curvy or you have shoulders you would love to show off, this is the one for you.
Cocktail attire options for men
Can’t really tell whether this is a good thing or not, but for men the options haven’t really changed over time. Here’s what you can do best. Keep in mind where the event is and who your host is. If it is someone younger, dress relaxed. Pick your well-fitted tailored dark suit and head out. If they are older, try dressing up much sleek, maybe a three-piece suit will work wonders too!
10 Do’s and don’t of cocktail attire: Women
- There’s a line between a girl’s night out and a pajama party, so make sure you really avoid wearing jeans.
- Your dress must have the right hemlines and necklines. It gives your body the shape it needs to make you look your best.
- If you are someone who cannot resist wearing pants, you can wear trousers, especially the ones with wide legs.
- Strictly no carrying over-sized totes, handbags. Stick to embellished clutches or wristlets as they compliment well with your cocktail attire.
- Anything that you wear must not be wrinkled. Bad first impression. Iron well.
- Using a steamer is a good option if you have a lot of detailing on your dress.
- Stay away from too many accessories. Pick a statement jewelry which outstands whether it is a ring or a pair of earrings.
- Wearing a maxi or a floor length gown defies the whole purpose of a cocktail gown. A mini or midi works just fine.
- Sneakers or shoes might be really popular right now, but with cocktail dresses you must only pair heels.
- Wear the right undergarments.
10 Do’s and don’t of cocktail attire: Men
- Of course, you want to pull out your best attire, but a tuxedo can be way too much. Avoid wearing them.
- A well-fitted blazer or suit is what you need to make you look ‘the man’.
- Don’t upstage the host. Remember you can look great while keeping in mind that the event is all about your host/hostess and not you.
- Your cocktail attire should not be anything bright or flashy. A dark rich colour is going to make you the star instantly. You can always explore with darker shades of red, brown and green too.
- If you’re unsure about what really to wear, make sure you ask the host. It’ll save you the embarrassment.
- Keep your sneakers and sport shoes home and wear those pointed leather shoes you have been storing away to glory.
- Pick crisp shirts with well defined collar and avoid french cuffs for any day events.
- A ‘bow’ tie is a complete no no unless you’re wearing a tux which again is highly unlikely.
- If you want to get creative with you cocktail attire and look one notch up, a pocket square is an absolute yes.
- When you pick shoes, loafers are only when the event is very casual. Oxfords are perfect to match your cocktail attire and a brogue punch hole is an option to explore too maintaining the elegance.
Whether you’re a man or a woman, picking up the right cocktail attire depends a lot on your taste and the demand of the occasion your are visiting. Just keep in mind ‘less is more’ and is always a winning way.
Having some questions about choosing your own cocktail attire? Write them in the comments section below and we will help you with what can work best!
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