Cocktail Attire Beyond the Cocktail Dress
Why yes, when an invite reads “cocktail attire”, it’s a safe bet to break out your little black dress. And I have time and time again—after all, it’s a surefire option that always works. But last week when I was getting ready for a dinner party at home, I took a glance at my trusty black dress and have to admit that I wasn’t feeling it. Instead, I wanted to wear something a little more unexpected and a little more fun. That’s when I thought to myself: A jumpsuit would do nicely tonight. Or maybe even some tailored satin pants with a cool, structured top.
I ended up leaving that LBD in my closet—instead slipping into a crisp white jumpsuit with a pair of heels. And guess what? It felt so much more special than my standard outfit formula. Now, I won't be putting my black dresses into permanent retirement but think I'll be giving these other pieces a try for now. If you’re also yearning for something a little different for your next night out, you might want to try mixing it up as well. Below, I’m outlining four closet essentials for a fresh take on cocktail attire.
Jumpsuit
Top
Satin Pants
Heels
Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing where she oversees luxury, runway content, and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, and Tiffany Co., and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.
-
This Simple Fashion-Person Approved Layering Technique Changed the Way I Wear My Basics
Effortlessly cool.
-
Goodbye, Bubble Shorts—Everyone Everywhere Is Wearing This "Dated" Pant Trend Instead
Here's how It girls in New York, London, Copenhagen, and more are styling them in 2025.
-
Cooler Than Jeans and a T-Shirt—Everyone With Good Taste Will Wear These 15 Denim Outfits This Fall
Next time fall styling inspiration runs dry, just reference these looks.
-
Goodbye, Ballet Flats: It Girls in London, NYC, and Paris Are Prioritizing This Fall Flat Shoe Trend Instead
And they're styling it like *this.*
-
Everyone Is Suddenly Wearing This Expensive-Looking Item With White Pants
So chic.
-
Every Fall Outfit I Want to Wear This Year (So Far)
These looks are the definition of effortless.
-
No One Wears a White T-Shirt Quite Like a Fashion Person—6 Incredibly Cool Looks to Re-Create Now
Nothing but chic, effortless vibes.
-
The French-Girl Way to Style Black Capris This Fall
Outfit inspiration inside.