Fashion Editors Navigate the Cocktail Dress Code By Relying On These 8 Tips

Dress codes are something people don't talk about enough. The number of grey areas regarding what and, crucially, what not to wear are endless, espeically when it comes to cocktail attire for women.

Unclear what this style entails? You're in luck because we're here to talk all things cocktail. (Sans the drinks, unfortunately). Believe it or not, there may be rules you've broken at least once in your lifetime, but that's all about to change.

Ahead we give you the dos and don'ts of cocktail attire. Some of these guidelines might seem obvious, and others might be less so but, as always, we insist that you consider these as suggestions over rules.

Like everything else you wear, the most important part of getting your cocktail attire right is feeling like yourself in what you're wearing; hopefully, some of our tips below will speak to you. Of course, in addition to our cocktail attire commandments, we show you where to shop the pieces that will ensure you're always dressed appropriately.

Keep reading to discover the dos and don'ts of cocktail dressing and to better understand the nuances of cocktail attire for women.

The Official Dos and Don'ts of Cocktail Attire for Women

1. Consider: Keeping Hemlines and Necklines Appropriate

Avoid: Anything Too Revealing

Style Notes: A great rule of thumb here is to not wear something you would not want your boss to see you in. A cocktail party is different from a girls' night out.

Shop Dresses with Appropriate Hemlines and Necklines:

2. Consider: Sleek Trousers

Avoid: Wearing Jeans 

Style Notes: Even if you aim to dress up a pair of denim (and are successful at it), risking being underdressed is never worth it. However, no one said you had to wear a dress to be dressy—polished trousers are just as effective.

Shop Sleek Trousers:

3. Consider: Wearing a Smaller Bag

Avoid: Carrying an Oversized Bag

Style Notes: Cocktail parties simply aren't the time for huge slouchy tote bags slumped over your shoulder—especially alongside a nice dress. A clutch or a small bag always reads as elegant and refined.

Shop Small Bags and Clutches:

4. Consider: One Standout Accessory

Avoid: Piling on Too Many Statement Accessories

Style Notes: Coco Chanel recommended taking off one accessory before you leave the house, and when she speaks, we listen. Your best bet is to choose one standout item that you really love.

Shop Standout Accessories:

5. Consider: Wearing a Mini or Midi Dress

Avoid: Frumpy Gowns

Style Notes: There is such a thing as going too formal. The time to wear a floor-sweeping gown is not at a cocktail party. Opt for anything between a mini and midi-length dress or skirt.

Shop Mini and Midi Dresses:

6. Consider: Fancy Flats or Kitten Heels

Avoid: Wearing Trainers

Style Notes: Whether it be stilettos, kittens or block heels, a little extra lift can be nice when it comes to a more formal event. Pretty flats also work, but trainers are a no-go.

Shop Fancy Flats and Kitten Heels:

7. Consider: Your Undergarment Options

Avoid: Any Underwear Mishaps

Style Notes: Going the extra mile and making sure that your bra straps, slips or shapewear are correct for your cocktail outfit is almost as important as not wearing trainers. Once again, letting a detail like that slip can result in a less polished overall appearance.

Shop Smart Undergarments:

8. Consider: Using a Steamer

Avoid: Showing Up in Wrinkled Garments

Despite the colour or material of your clothing, wrinkles are always noticeable and look untidy. Using a steamer is one of the best ways to get rid of wrinkles and it's the fastest.

Shop Steamers:

Shop Chic Cocktail Attire for Women

What Is Cocktail Attire for Women?

Cocktail attire is a dress code that has come to serve as a default for most semi-formal events, making it an elusive style to decipher given the amount of occasions it's requested for. In the plainest sense, cocktail attire for women is any style that is suited for late afternoon through to early evening and nighttime wear.

Silhouettes are typically more fluid and shorter than black-tie attire. Still, there is a glamorous and sophisticated air to the dress code due to its connotations. As the name suggests, cocktail attire is usually worn to events where alcohol is sipped in abundance, so the dress code has become synonymous with lavish soirées and excellent parties.

What Is Not Acceptable Cocktail Attire for Women?

Cocktail attire is anything but informal. It still requires an element of effort, meaning that casual garments like jeans, t-shirts and loungewear. There are some exceptions to these rules, however, and it all relys on the styling of a garment.

Take Real Housewives of New York's Jenna Lyons for instance. The former J.CREW creative director has previously worn cashmere sweaters and denim jackets to ceremonious events like the Met Gala. Zendaya and Sharon Stone have done this too, with both decorated actors wearing white button-downs to the 2022 and 1998 Oscars, respectively.

Where these looks work for cocktail attire, however, is in the high-low mix of fabrics. Knits were thrown together with taffeta and sequins paired with cotton. These contrasts help elevate the basic materials and, if all else fails, reach for an excellent coat to hide it all under.

What Is Cocktail Attire in the UK?

Cocktail attire in the UK follows the same conventions as the rest of the world.

However, given the eclectic sartorial influences that sway the country, you can expect to see a few notable differences. For instance, skirts may be pleated (like Chopova Loewena or Reformation's cult styles ) or feature technical details like zips or elasticated tabs à la cargo skirts.

Tailoring might be eschewed for oversized shapes like bomber jackets and accessories might also deviate from the norm. You can expect to see a lot of ties, brooches and metal hardware, too.

Can You Wear Jeans to a Cocktail Party?

Unfortunately, for your favourite pair of denim, you can not wear jeans to a cocktail party. Instead, use the invite as an excuse to play dress up and reach for a style that falls outside your typical everyday remit. Your host will thank you for it.