Can you wear pants to a cocktail party

For women, being asked to wear cocktail attire offers an excuse to get dressed up and look beautiful. Putting together the perfect cocktail outfit and choosing your dress should be an exciting and creative activity. Cocktail attire is a nice balance of elegant but comfortable and formal yet casual.

It typically falls somewhere between business casual and black tie. Cocktail attire is often used for special occasions, special events, or celebrations and can be frequently found printed at the bottom of invitations.

While cocktail attire is a time for getting dressed up, there is an element of formality and sophisticated flair involved that keeps the wearer looking elegant and stylish. This often means a suit and tie for men and dresses for women. While cocktail attire is not conservative per se, it is considered to be more reserved and formal than your standard business casual or party outfit. The term cocktail attire hails from the early 20th century when the wealthy and leisurely used to get together and drink cocktails between lunch and dinner.

Cocktail attire is thus meant to be the bridge between day and night. Getting dressed for your cocktail attire—themed event is an opportunity to channel your inner s glam girl.

The dress code for cocktail attire is essentially a semi-formal outfit or look that takes you from daywear to nightwear; casual daywear is too relaxed, and formal evening attire would be too proper. Cocktail attire will have you looking nice for an event but not too overdressed. Typically, men wear a suit and tie, whereas women wear what is known as a cocktail dress.

Several variations to cocktail attire exist. Dressy mini-lengths can work, but you should make sure that the hem is at least as long as the bottom of your fingertips when your arms are by your side. Ladies' Cocktail Suits If you feel more comfortable in a jacket and skirt or pants than in a dress, consider opting for a dressy suit for your next cocktail occasion.

Women's Cocktail Attire Separates You don't have to wear a dress or suit for occasions that call for cocktail attire. Tops When choosing a top to wear for a cocktail occasion, look for elegant touches that separate the piece from business or casual tops.

Skirts As with dresses, skirt lengths can range from a few inches above the knee to just below it. A straight skirt is a good choice for a longer, tunic-style top, while you can go for something softer with a flowing silhouette if you are pairing it with a shorter blouse. If your top has a lot of embellishments, opt for a skirt that is fairly basic, though made in an elegant fabric like velvet. If your top is relatively plan, you can go for a skirt with glamorous features like sequins, beadwork or lace detailing.

Pants You can also opt to pair dressy pants with your selected top, being sure to select a dressy style appropriate for the occasion. Shopping Tips While there are plenty of fashions labeled as cocktail dresses, expand your search beyond this particular label and you'll discover a world of opportunities. Casual Cocktail Attire for Men. What Is After Five Attire? By Kate Miller-Wilson. By Jacqueline Dautaj.

Cocktail Dress. This one should be obvious, but you'd be surprised at how many people keep rubber bands on their wrists—even at nice events. Before stepping out of the house, swap your hair tie for a sleek bracelet. This post was originally posted at an earlier date and has since been updated. Don't: Wear Anything Too Revealing. Do: Keep Hemlines and Necklines Appropriate. Don't: Wear Jeans. Do: Wear Sleek Trousers. Don't: Carry an Oversize Bag.

Do: Use a Clutch. Don't: Show Up in Wrinkled Garments. Do: Use a Steamer. What time should a cocktail party start? A cocktail party starts later on in the day, outside of the usual meal time time frames. Therefore, the ideal time to host a cocktail party is in the late afternoon before dinner time , or at least 30 minutes after what most people would consider dinner time , which is is usually after pm.

Ricardas Houregue Pundit. Are jeans OK for cocktail attire? Cocktail Attire Don'ts:. Mahdi Cearbhall Pundit. Can I wear boots with a cocktail dress? A pretty cocktail dress with a pair of simple boots or a pair of Western boots with a plain but feminine dress can work, though.

Abib Lal Pundit. Can you wear a romper to a cocktail party? They are on update on classic semi-formal cocktail style. They set you apart at any cocktail function or event. Wearing a romper is easy: it's a fully formed outfit waiting for you to wear.

Much like a dress, this piece can be quickly donned for a night on the town or a last minute party invite. Juli Chirinos Teacher. What do you wear over a cocktail dress? Wool Dress Coat. This type of coat will probably work over just about anything, with the exception of a floor-length ball gown.