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, especially 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, especially now as we head into the festive season. So, you've received an invite to an elegant after-work function or lavish soirée, and the host has specified to come in cocktail attire. Now what? Do you slip into something ravishing and risk getting a chill as you battle the British winter? Or, do you head straight to the racks of your favourite boutique in hopes of finding something rivalling a red carpet moment? Not quite.

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.

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 number 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.

Anything from a little black dress to a striking mini adorned with feathers and sequins works, as you'll need to ensure whatever you wear doesn't look too casual or dressed down. That is truly the cardinal rule of cocktail attire—if you can wear it to brunch with a friend, it's probably too relaxed.

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

So, now you're familiar with what the dress code actually calls for, I've consulted with fashion experts and seasoned tastemakers who have attended their fair share of cocktail events over the year to bring you the official "dos" and "don'ts" of cocktail attire.

They say some rules are meant to be broken; however, when it comes to specific and hyper-specialised ordinances outlining what you should wear, these aren't conventions you want to meddle with.

Consider, then, this to be guidelines in helping you pick out your perfect outfit. I'd recommend starting by shopping your own wardrobe and sense-checking what you own against this advice. Of course, if you want to use the invitation as a literal invitation to dress up and invest in something new, I've also pulled together the best cocktail dresses currently available to shop.

1. Do: Keep Hemlines and Necklines Appropriate

Don't: Wear 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.

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2. Do: Sleek Trousers

Don't: Wear 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. Just leave the jeans at home.

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3. Do: Carry a Smaller Purse or Clutch

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 smaller, dainty bag always reads as elegant and refined.

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4. Do: One Standout Accessory

Don't: Pile on Too Many Statement Accessories

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

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5. Do: Wear a Mini, Midi or Maxi Dress

Don't: Over-The-Top 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, midi or maxilength dress or skirt.

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6. Do: Fancy Flats or Kitten Heels

Don't: Wear 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.

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7. Do: Think About Your Undergarment Options

Don't: 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. (Unless you're, of course, emulating the best French lingerie brands and trying the art of la séduction voilée or the veiled seduction.)

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8. Do: Use a Steamer

Don't: Show Up in Wrinkled Garments

Irrespective of 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.

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Shop Chic Cocktail Attire for Women

Are Cocktail Dresses Typically Long or Short?

Cocktail attire emerged in the early 20th Century after a period of more restrictive dress codes that saw women sport constricting and elaborate garments like corsets, opera gloves and bustles. Yet, the inception of more freeing silhouettes enabled women to take more autonomy in the way they dress for these kinds of functions. In turn, liberating designs led to shorter hemlines and cuts that were sculpted to the body. So, cocktail dresses have always historically oscillated between long and short lengths.

There is no explicit rule for choosing either, however, given that cocktail events are the only functions where wearing shorter dresses is actually permissible—for instance, you can't wear anything above your ankle with black-tie dress codes—I always advise leaning on the shorter side. The only real misdemeanour that comes with cocktail attire is wearing anything that grazes the floor. Maxi dresses are allowed if they're more pared back, but anything too ostentatious or elaborate won't be acceptable in this context.

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 relies 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 a Woman Wear Trousers for Cocktail Attire?

Absolutely! Women can most definitely wear trousers when heading to a cocktail event. There are some caveats, however. Tailored wide-leg trousers are best kept for the office, unless you're wearing them with a sophisticated top like a scarf blouse or a slinky racer-back tank. (Both of these styling modes appeared on the recent Tom Ford and Saint Laurent runways.)

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.

Can You Wear Flats With a Cocktail Dress?