Cocktail attire has a dress code for both men and women. Women should wear a cocktail dress or a smart pantsuit or skirt, while men should wear a suit jacket or blazer and a tie. The colors and fabrics of the attire should match the season and formality of the event. Accessories should be tasteful and hair and makeup should be clean and discreet.
Cocktails are semi-formal affairs that usually happen in the early afternoon. Since these gatherings are semi-formal, there is a generally accepted dress code for men and women. Although the same style of attire can be worn year-round, you can change the colors and fabrics of your cocktail attire to match the season and the formality of the event. When choosing the best cocktail attire, look at what is considered socially appropriate and what is in keeping with the season and event.
For women, appropriate cocktail attire typically includes a cocktail dress. If you feel uncomfortable in a dress, replace it with a smart pantsuit or skirt. When choosing a cocktail dress, select a style that is comfortable for you and that fits your body shape. Although a sexier look may be appropriate, it still needs to be sophisticated and polished. Avoid choosing a dress that shows a lot of cleavage or is too short, and stick to the adage that either the legs or the chest should be on display, not both.
The generally accepted length for a cocktail dress is just above the knee. For more formal gatherings, a longer dress may be a good option. In terms of color and fabric, your choice of cocktail attire should be based on several considerations. For fall or winter occasions, darker or more muted colors tend to be better choices, leaving brighter or pastel shades for spring and summer. The same rule applies for the formality of the event, with darker or muted colors considered more formal.
Patterns tend to be less formal than solid colors, as do bright fabrics, although these can be great options for less formal parties. If you’re ever in doubt about your color choice, the quintessential little black dress, cleverly decorated, is your best bet. Accessories for your cocktail ensemble should be kept tasteful, whether they consist of one or two statement pieces to accent your dress or smaller, more elegant ensembles. If the event is in the fall or winter, then your cocktail attire should also include appropriate pantyhose.
Choose a bag that is small and easy to hold in your hand – aptly named clutches are perfect for this. Hair and makeup must be clean and discreet. Avoid, for example, bright colors, very obvious eye shadows. Nails should be well-groomed and can be painted natural or with a hint of color to match your outfit, but it’s best to avoid overly long and overly stylish nails.
Men should generally wear a suit jacket or blazer and a tie. The colors of the jacket and tie should be based on both the season and the formality of the event. As with cocktail dresses, darker or more muted colors are more appropriate for fall and winter parties and more formal gatherings. However, novelty ties and brighter patterned shirts are good choices for more fun, casual events.
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