Cocktail Attire for Spring (Beyond the Cocktail Dress)

last updated 14 August 2019

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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

Staud

Rosa Off-the-Shoulder Crepe Jumpsuit

Available in sizes 0 to 12.

Fleur du Mal

Strapless Crepe and Silk-Satin Jumpsuit

Available in sizes 0 to 10.

Violeta by Mango

Polka Dots Asymmetric Jumpsuit

Available in sizes XS to XL.

Brandon Maxwell

Rolled Collar Jumpsuit

Available in sizes 0 to 8.

Clayton

Darcie Denim Jumpsuit

Available in size XS.

Top

Self-Portrait

Plumetis Asymmetric Top

Available in sizes 0 to 10.

Pixie Market

Pink Ruffled Off the Shoulder Shirt

Available in size S.

Petar Petrov

Cutout Silk Crepe de Chine Turtleneck Blouse

Available in sizes 32 to 42.

Magda Butrym

Vannes Top

Available in sizes 34 to 40.

Anouki

Silver Sequin Turtleneck

Available in sizes 34 to 40.

Satin Pants

Moss Copenhagen

Wide Leg Pants in Hammered Satin Co-Ord

Available in sizes XS to L.

Lauren Ralph Lauren

Plus Striped Mid-Rise Pants

Available in sizes 14 to 22.

Nili Lotan

Seville Pants

Available in sizes 4 and 6.

Georgia Alice

Pj Satin Pants

Available in sizes 6 to 14.

Wilfred

Chablais Pant

Available in sizes 00 to 12.

Heels

Zara

High Heel Strappy Sandal

Available in sizes 5 to 11.

Sam Edelman

Ludlow Dupion Slingback Pumps

Available in sizes 5 to 11.

Rene Caovilla

Crystal Snake 100mm Pump

Available in sizes 5 to 12.

MSGM

Rouche Sandals

Available in sizes 36 to 41.

Attico

Baby Crystal-Embellished Sandals

Available in 35 to 41.

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Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury and runway content as well as wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, Tiffany & Co., and MyTheresa, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, 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.