What to Wear When the Invitation Says "Cocktail Attire"

 

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Kansas City | Sarah Storr

Wedding dress codes aren’t that complicated. But there are so many different ones that the more wedding invites you receive, the trickier it can be to keep up with them all!

One of the most popular dress codes couples choose for their wedding day is cocktail attire.

Not sure what that means?

Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered!

This guide will show you what to wear when a wedding invitation calls for cocktail attire.

What Is Cocktail Attire?

 

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Charleston | Abby Murphy

Amsale Evening Dress P525S

The most formal events usually have white tie or black tie dress codes (think tuxedos with bow ties and floor-length gowns).

But many couples opt for the cocktail attire dress code instead:

Dressy, elegant, and chic without the need to wear a dramatic, full-length evening gown.

The cocktail attire dress code can be confusing, partly because it’s so flexible.

Cocktail attire means dressy but not overdressed. It’s dressier than business casual. It’s fancier than the dressy casual dress code, and it’s a step above semi-formal attire. Yet, it’s not as fancy as the black-tie optional or black-tie dress code.

Here’s the bottom line:

If you receive a wedding invitation that says “cocktail attire,” you’ll want to look well-put-together. Present yourself with elegance and class.

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Cocktail Attire: No Need for a Long Dress or Tux

 

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The cocktail dress code derives its name from the cocktail dress, typically knee-length and hitting just above or below the knee. But by today’s standards, cocktail attire is open to many variations!

There’s no need to wear a red carpet-ready floor-length dress.

Instead, opt for a:

• •  Midi dress
• •  Tea-length dress
• •  Short formal dress that hits at or above the knee

Not in the mood to wear a dress? Consider a:

• •  Jumpsuit
• •  Dress pants with a chic blazer
• •  Modern pantsuit

For guys, if an invite says cocktail attire, that means leave your tuxedo in the closet. This is not the occasion to dress like James Bond.

Instead, rock a button-down dress shirt with a:

• •  Tailored suit
• •  Dress pants with a blazer, sport coat, or suit jacket

Accessorizing is part of the fun, too, so be sure to complete your look with the right accessories.

Here’s a chance to put on your best:

• •  Tie
• •  Pocket square
• •  Dress shoes
• •  Clutch handbag
• •  Jewelry

Cocktail attire isn’t defined by any one specific look. So it’s a great opportunity to show off your personal style and excellent fashion sense!

Consider the Location

 

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Charleston | Abby Murphy

Some couples have massive receptions, and others choose more intimate celebrations. Either way, being invited as a wedding guest is always an honor, so be sure to look your absolute best!

The cocktail wedding attire dress code works for all sorts of different venues. That includes beach wedding venues and grand ballrooms. It’s also common for what you might think are more casual wedding venues, such as barns, gardens, or even someone’s backyard.

When choosing a wedding outfit, keep the location in mind.

Invited to a beach wedding?

Rock a cocktail dress in a bold floral print or layer a colorful printed button-down shirt beneath your suit jacket.

Heading to a cocktail party at a high-end hotel or a beautiful estate?

Shine in a brocade jacket or embrace beaded embellishments or luxe fabrics like satin.

The fancier the venue, the dressier your look can be. But you’ll want to balance that with the time of the event.

Still deciding on your wedding dress code and theme? How about casual? Read 5 Casual Wedding Ideas for Easygoing Couples!

Consider the Time of the Event

 

The time of the event matters for one main reason:

Evening events tend to be dressier than daytime events.

Daytime vs. Evening

 

For an evening event, go ahead and get a little bit fancier!

Bold accessories are the perfect way to add a touch of glitz to your cocktail look. Wear your best diamonds, flashiest watch, favorite cufflinks, and strappy metallic heels! Wear a tie if you’re attending an evening event at a fancy hotel or ballroom.

During the day, pare back on the jewelry and opt for classic pumps instead of sky-high stilettos.

If you’re heading to a reception at a vineyard or a garden party in the afternoon, you can forgo the tie. But you should wear a well-fitting jacket and tailored pants.

Seasonality

 

Seasonality matters, too.

A short cocktail dress with strappy heels is perfect for a summer wedding. Meanwhile, a midi dress paired with a peep-toe pump is ideal for an outdoor fall wedding!

Cocktail attire works for day or night and every season. Therefore, let the time of day, the venue, and the season guide your final fashion choices.

Tips for Picking the Perfect Cocktail Dress

 

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Columbia | Markie Walden

Now, here are a few tips to keep in mind when choosing your outfit for a wedding calling for cocktail attire:

There Aren’t Many Fabric Rules

 

Cocktail dresses come in a wide variety of fabrics, and as long as the fabric has an elegant vibe, there’s no right or wrong fabric choice.

Any dressy fabric can work, whether you love the texture of lace, velvet, or faille, or the soft and sumptuous feel of satin or silk.

Avoid Casual Fabrics

 

Avoid casual fabrics, such as cotton jersey and sweater knits. If you'd wear them to brunch or the office, they are inappropriate for a cocktail event.

Choose a Silhouette That Suits Your Style

 

There is no right or wrong choice when it comes to silhouette — any neckline and shape can work! Just find a silhouette you love that flatters your body, be it a full A-line skirt, a midi slip dress, or a short shift.

Match the Sleeve Length to the Time of Year

 

All sleeve lengths work, but for comfort, it’s best to choose one that fits the season and time of year. Go sleeveless for summer and long-sleeve for a winter wedding, and you’ll look perfectly appropriate for the moment.

Select Season-Appropriate Colors

 

Remember the season when choosing colors, too. Autumnal tones are ideal for fall, and jewel tones are perfect for winter. Pastels and bright colors are perfect choices for spring and summer celebrations.

Neutrals work all year round!

Related: What To Wear to a Black Tie Wedding [6 Dos & 6 Don'ts!]

Here Are Some Wedding Guest Dresses That Are Perfect for a Cocktail Attire Wedding

 

From smooth satin slip dresses to timeless tea-length looks, these cocktail dresses are gorgeous:

Jenny Yoo Bellini Dress

 

Jenny Yoo Bellini Dress

The Jenny Yoo Bellini Dress is timeless, in a slip silhouette with spaghetti straps, a V-neckline, a scoop back, and a bias-cut midi skirt. This luxe satin design is appropriate for any season and available in over two dozen colors.

Amsale P355P Evening Dress

 

Amsale P355P Evening Dress

Available in classic black and vibrant fuchsia, the Amsale P355P Evening Dress is oh-so-chic. This midi dress is made from soft stretch crepe and features a V-neckline, bias-cut skirt, and back tails, making it stunning from every angle.

Jenny Yoo Carrie Dress

 

Jenny Yoo Carrie Dress

The Jenny Yoo Carrie Dress strikes a balance between vintage and modern. In luxe-faille fabric with boning and built-in cups, this midi dress features a structured silhouette. Whether sitting, standing, or dancing the night away, you'll look perfectly poised.

By Watters Seaside Dress

 

By Watters Seaside Dress

Available in neutral and vibrant colors, the By Watters Seaside Dress boasts an elegant sheath silhouette, flat, supportive straps, and pleated waist accents. This sleeveless design is made from dupioni silk, giving it a posh, elegant look.

By Watters Portobello Dress

 

By Watters Portobello Dress

The By Watters Portobello Dress offers a chic, polished look. In floral brocade fabric, it boasts an off-the-shoulder bodice, a slim column silhouette, and a center-back slit. This midi dress is beautifully accented with a foldover neckline detail.

Mac Duggal 26498 Dress

 

Mac Duggal 26498 Dress

In a full A-line silhouette with a tea-length hemline, the Mac Duggal 26498 Dress features an off-the-shoulder bodice with a flattering V-neckline. Soft tulle fabric and shimmering embellishments make it perfect for an evening cocktail reception in an upscale venue.

Jenny Yoo Adley Little White Dress

 

Jenny Yoo Adley Little White Dress

If you’ve been invited to a wedding that specifically asks you to wear white, the Jenny Yoo Adley Little White Dress is a great choice. It’s perfect if you prefer a shorter hemline. This design features a one-shoulder bodice with a romantic puffed sleeve. Its floral jacquard pattern adds a rich, luxurious texture.

Amsale Andy Dress

 

Amsale Andy Dress

The Amsale Andy Dress is both timeless and modern in a slip dress silhouette crafted in fluid satin. It features a straight neckline and midi-length with convertible back straps that can be crisscrossed at the neck or tied in the center back.

Jenny Yoo Olina Dress

 

Jenny Yoo Olina Dress

The Jenny Yoo Olina Dress is a showstopper in a form-fitting column silhouette with a strapless scoop neckline. A midi-length hemline and stretch velvet fabric make it ideal for cocktail party weddings in cool weather.

 

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The cocktail attire dress code is flexible. So you’ll want a look that matches the venue’s formality, works for the season, and makes sense for the time of the event. Get online or hit some stores and have fun shopping for different silhouettes, colors, and accessories.

And when in doubt, remember this:

With the right shoes and accessories, a little black dress and a gray suit never fail!

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