Cocktails usually start in the afternoon and end around 20:00. Such events do not require such strict dress code compliance as, for example, Black Tie or White Tie. However, depending on the type of event, there are dos and don’ts when choosing an outfit. For example, if it is permissible to wear a short dress and bright jewelry at a social cocktail, then at a business buffet such an outfit is not permissible.
First, let's figure out what events the Coctail Attire dress code implies. These are short events up to 4 hours: various presentations, exhibitions, film premieres, red carpet appearances, corporate banquets, dinner parties or family celebrations with the invitation of a large number of people. All these events can be divided into 3 types.
Types of cocktail events
Depending on the occasion, events with a dress code. Cocktails can be divided into 3 types: business, classic and social. The minimum set of things to attend such evenings includes: a cocktail dress, high-heeled shoes, a handbag (preferably a clutch) and, in some cases, jewelry.
Coctail dress code for business buffets
For a business meeting with partners scheduled in a restaurant, the best choice for women would be a cocktail dress with open arms, just below or to the middle of the knee. The dress code in this case does not allow an open back and deep neckline, as well as high slits. The outfit should be moderately strict and laconic, but not extravagant. A lot of decor is also undesirable.
If you are a fan of dark colors in clothes, this is the case when a black cocktail dress looks most successful. Expensive jewelry is not needed for a business event. But a wedding ring, modest earrings and a watch would be appropriate. Choose shoes with a closed toe and heel, and always with high heels, for example, classic stiletto pumps.
Coctail dress code for a social event
For an evening social event, visiting the theater and exhibitions, the length of a cocktail dress can be up to the middle of the knee or even much higher (moderately short). But even such freedom must be compensated by a strict top - no open back and deep neckline. Any decor, style and color of the outfit is allowed. You can pair the dress with long thin gloves and a boa.
Jewelry is preferred, but expensive jewelry is also acceptable. The shoes are again high heels.
Classic Coctail dress code
For any celebration that starts before eight o'clock in the evening, the invitation for which includes a dress code of Cocktail, it is better to wear a dress with a length of plus or minus 10 cm from the knee with bare shoulders. The outfit can be in any color, with or without decoration.
As for shoes, in the summer you can wear open-toed or open-toed shoes and even sandals. Having a heel, at least a low one, is a must. For decorations, you can choose both jewelry and high-quality costume jewelry. But it’s better to avoid too expensive jewelry.
Shoes that comply with the cocktail dress code
When choosing a cocktail look, be sure to carefully consider the choice of shoes.
For women
At a formal business event, women should wear classic closed shoes with thick heels. Acceptable heel height is 7 cm. Acceptable colors: black, white, beige, grey, brown, dark blue. Shoes can be glossy or matte, but no straps, stones or patterns are welcome.
IMPORTANT! Shoes must be worn over black or flesh-colored stockings or tights; bare legs are bad manners.
In the summer, at social events or formal, but not formal meetings, shoes can be replaced with open-toed sandals. They should match your handbag or dress.
For men
The most important thing for men is to have perfectly polished shoes.
You can pair your suit with black patent or matte oxfords or derbies with a neat toe. If the dress code allows, you can also wear brown shoes, but only to match them, for example, with a tie.
Worn, worn out, old shoes, and even more so sports-style shoes at cocktail events, are a fiasco.
How to choose a cocktail dress
Despite the fact that fashion stylists say that rules and seasonality are just conventions, believe me, you are unlikely to look appropriate in a translucent short dress and sandals. Only stars can dress like this for the red carpet. Also, if you don’t want to attract judgmental glances all evening, you shouldn’t show up to a dinner party in open shoes and a dress with a bright floral print, especially if it’s autumn outside. And, conversely, in the summer, fur decor and accessories are absolutely inappropriate.
An ideal option for the warm season is a cocktail dress in a light, muted or bright color. For the autumn-winter season, it is advisable to choose a dress of a darker color. By the way, this is exactly the case when a black or gray dress looks especially appropriate. As for print and decor, any patterns and details should correspond to seasonality and fashion trends.
Dress style for an event with a dress code. Cocktail is a separate topic. This can be an elegant sheath dress, A-line, wrap dress, suit dress or slip dress (of course, without lace or see-through lingerie). In any case, it should suit your body type. But too fluffy babydolls and tutus, as well as oversized styles, will not be appropriate.
Too deep neckline, transparent inserts and provocative cutouts - all this looks good if you are J. Lo and are going to pose for photographers. Otherwise, be careful with outfits that are too revealing, so that later you don’t have to cover open areas of your body with a glass or hold up a miniskirt that rides up.
In addition to dresses, at an event with a Cocktail dress code, suits, both with a skirt and trousers (especially at a business buffet), as well as a skirt with a blouse or a beautiful top, would be appropriate.
How to choose shoes and accessories
As for shoes, the Coctail dress code implies exclusively shoes with heels, preferably high and at least 7 cm with a closed heel and toe. Tights and stockings are a must! In rare cases, it is allowed to wear open shoes or sandals.
As for choosing a bag, no massive trunks or shapeless hobos. A social event is not at all the place where you will need a diary, a cosmetic bag and a dozen other little things that you are used to always carrying with you. Only a small handbag or clutch, which should be in harmony with the main outfit. Nothing except your phone, wallet and lipstick should be in your purse.
Sometimes cocktail events require a headdress, which will be indicated on the invitation. Otherwise, it is better to abandon such accessories.
What is allowed and prohibited in the Cocktail dress code
- High thin heel, starting from 7 cm, heel and toe are solid. In the summer, informal evening get-togethers require wearing sandals.
- A prerequisite is tights or stockings made of nylon, nude or black.
- You cannot wear very short minis or floor-length dresses.
- You can open your arms, but the neckline should be moderate .
- A small clutch and no tote bags .
- In the cold season, the cocktail set should be in darker colors than in the warm season.
Thus, despite the relaxation regarding clothing for cocktails, there are certain rules and they must be strictly followed. This applies to all components of the image, not just the dress.
How to behave at an event
How culturally you can behave in a social environment can be understood long before the event itself begins. Once you have received the invitation, you must confirm it. Any questions about the topic of the event, the number of expected guests can be asked to the organizers or the inviting person personally. If the invitation states the dress code is Cocktail, then it is indecent to ask about what to wear. If the invitation does not say anything about a companion, then it is better to come alone.
Etiquette rules include punctuality. Arriving early is considered impolite. “On time” means that you should show up 5-10 minutes later or stay no more than half an hour (if you really have a reason for this). A traffic jam is not an excuse. And you must inform the organizers about the delay.
How to say hello? By the hand, a “dry” kiss - depending on the situation on the spot. When meeting someone, always say both your first and last name.
As for drinking alcoholic beverages, it is better not to give them up. If you don't drink, then take a couple of sips. Firstly, offering a glass of champagne is a gesture of politeness and attention, and secondly, it is also a reason for making a new acquaintance and starting the topic of small talk. Always hold your glass by the stem. Knowing how to serve appetizers and order drinks is a separate topic, so familiarize yourself with it in advance.
Leave only after you have personally thanked the event organizers. If it is not possible to come at the time of departure, then you can send your gratitude to the house on a card with a bouquet within 24 hours.
Cocktail Party Principles
Such evenings of meetings with business partners are aimed at conducting small talk and making new connections. In our society they are most often informal, with all kinds of food and drink.
It is fundamentally important that all participants know in advance the start time of the party, the location and purpose of the visit.
How to behave at cocktail parties?
First, you need to provide the hosts with confirmation of receipt of the invitation. The next stage is to find out in advance all the unclear points by deciding on the stated dress code .
In order not to seem impolite, you need to be punctual, that is, come 5-10 minutes. later than the announced start of the evening, but no more than 20 minutes.
All those gathered should not only be properly dressed, but also in a positive mood.
Among the basic rules of behavior are:
- shake hands, a “dry” kiss is possible;
- a friendly smile;
- nice measured conversation with jokes and quiet laughter;
- compliance with food and drink culture;
- a couple of sips of champagne will help start a conversation; the glass must be held by the stem;
- dancing is allowed if this is in the plans of the organizers;
- When leaving, thank the owners (if this is not possible, then send them a bouquet with a postcard home within 24 hours).
What the Cocktail dress code allows and prohibits
- Shoes must have heels at least 7 cm high, preferably thin, with closed toes and heels. In the warm season, it is permissible to wear sandals to attend informal evening get-togethers.
- Thin tights or stockings in nude or black are required.
- The length of the dress depends on the format of the event, but it cannot be too short. At an event with a Cocktail dress code, maxi length is also not appropriate.
- Arms can be open, the neckline should not be too deep and revealing and is unacceptable for business events.
- No big bags. Only a clutch or a small decorative handbag.
- The general rule: in the fall and winter, the outfit and shoes should be darker than in the spring-summer season.
The mandatory dress code still causes a lot of negativity among many: those who disagree with the rules do not hesitate to come to the ballet in jeans, a short top and sandals. Despite the fact that cocktail events require a less formal appearance and do not imply such rigor, you should dress for such sessions in accordance with the rules of the dress code. And don’t forget, a beautiful dress is only one component of the image. Compliance with the remaining requirements has not been canceled.
Cocktail dress code for women and men: basic rules
These days, the concept of “Cocktail Dress Code” is becoming increasingly common. But what does it mean? What exactly does the “Cocktail” dress code look like for women, and what is it like for men, and what are its basic rules? Everything is very simple!
The very concept of a dress code appeared back in 1834. It was at this time that a list of wardrobe rules was published. Representatives of the nobility had to comply with them in order to come to the Court.
There are several types of dress code: for official receptions, cocktail parties, carnivals, office, business meeting or going to the cinema.
The concept of “Cocktail Dress Code” has become widespread in modern society. In fact, cocktail meetings are a very convenient way to have business conversations and meet the right people in a relaxed atmosphere. The cocktail party is semi-formal in nature, usually begins in the first half of the day and lasts no more than three hours. At these parties, a variety of cocktails and light snacks are served.
In order to correctly determine exactly how to dress for such a party, you should apply the rule of three factors: place, time, reason. This will definitely help you make the right choice.
If this event takes place at home or in the house of friends, on the occasion of a promotion or housewarming, then you can afford a more free style. But if the party will be held in a chic restaurant, on the occasion of the corporation’s anniversary, then the style should be strict and elegant.
There is one small feature that will help determine the degree of “officiality” - this is an invitation. If the invitation was made over the phone, then you can relax a little, but if you received a card, letter or postcard, then most likely the event will be held at a high level.
So, the Cocktail dress code for women, what are the basic principles?
Best of all, a dress is suitable for such a meeting. You can, of course, wear trousers, but for this you need to be at least a stylist in order to look appropriate. Therefore, the dress will be the most profitable option.
Length. You can definitely forget about the “mini”. The most ideal option is the length at knee level, slightly lower or higher. An ankle-length dress will look a little tricky, but if you choose between it and a miniskirt, the answer is obvious.
Color. In this matter, much depends on the time of year. Black remains an ever-popular color. But you can experiment a little. The most important thing is that the clothes look luxurious and stylish. It is better to avoid bright colors and catchy prints. A win-win option would be beige, gray, silver, gold, dark blue or white. It's very difficult to look perfect in pink, lime green, lemon or purple. This is completely inappropriate at such events.
Style. Of course, the sheath dress will remain the most popular and fashionable of all times. It is better to avoid curvaceous shapes and ambiguous lines. But no one canceled lace and appliqués. The main thing is that everything looks harmonious and interesting, and the elements of the image do not become its center.
Decorations. It is not customary to wear bulky expensive jewelry, diamonds and other precious stones to such events. It's better to hide these masterpieces for a formal evening reception. But you shouldn’t go to extremes either - cheap jewelry can ruin all your efforts.
Shoes. Events of this level do not involve dancing or wild fun, so high-heeled shoes are perfect for them. Of course, sandals, sneakers, sneakers and ballet shoes are out of the question.
Accessories. What is an integral part of any female image is, of course, a handbag. This detail of the toilet needs to be given special attention. The main rule is that the handbag should be small; a clutch is best. And despite all the fashion trends, the most relevant remains the connection of the color and material of the handbag to shoes and basic accessories. As for headwear, only small cocktail hats are allowed. But it’s better not to use a hat at all in the image.
Details. Of course, the image can be considered complete only after “every detail has been polished.” A lush, pretentious evening hairstyle with a “ton of hairspray” or a “flashy” manicure would seem to be in bad taste.”
The “Cocktail” dress code for men is much simpler - a classic dark suit, light shirt, tie. If the cocktail party is not too formal, then you can come without a jacket. But it's not worth the risk. After all, a jacket not only emphasizes a business image, but also helps you maintain your posture and feel at your best.
The main rule for men is the presence of expensive accessories (a genuine leather belt, a good watch, cufflinks, tie pins). But most of all, good expensive shoes, clean and tidy, make any man look good.
It should be remembered that clothes do not make a person. Correct behavior, refined manners and a positive attitude are important. Today, like hundreds of years ago, a sincere smile remains the best decoration.
