Cocktail dress code isn’t one of the traditional old school dress codes, like black tie, morning dress (which is the official Ascot dress code) or smart casual but it is one of the most fun and the dress code that you can be most creative with.
Although that freedom can sometimes leave you confused. So if you have any questions about the cocktail dress code, read on for GLAMOUR’s definitive guide of what to wear (and what you should avoid…).
All the rules to follow and those to ignore…
What is cocktail attire?
If you receive an invitation with cocktail attire noted as the dress code, don’t panic. It’s likely to be an evening event where you are expected to be extra and amp up the glamour from your usual daytime fits and workwear looks. Depending on the venue, it could mean something as casual as a blazer thrown over a top and trousers, or as formal as to actually require a cocktail dress (more on that below).
It’s not as formal as the black tie dress code, obviously, which usually implies the event will be a ball or in an extravagant venue and suitably serious. In contrast, cocktail parties are meant to be fun! Men might wear a tuxedo or suit, but equally a slick shirt and trouser combo is fine in a dressy fabric. Cocktail dresses are the no-brainer solution for this kind of event but don't limit yourself to just thinking of dresses…
What's the best way to approach cocktail dress code?
Always think about the venue before you plan your outfit… Will it be outside with a chance of chilly - or even rainy - weather? Are you going to be standing on grass (not kind to stilettos) or will there be gravel pathways to negotiate, which could scuff satin shoes? What is the event for and who will be attending? Are you celebrating at an engagement party for your best mates from uni, or is it a fundraiser for a charity (with many generations in attendance) which might see you planning to dress with a little more formality.
And ultimately, for the sake of the planet, you want a dress that's versatile enough for your to wear again (and again). That usually also means going with styles that are true to your personal style so that you know you'll reach for it again and not just take a pic for the 'gram.
Message your host to see what their expectations are around the dress code and get the intel on what they will be wearing. If you know the host well, you could also check in with them once you have found a potential lewk to see if anyone else is planning to wear the same thing - or even something similar.
What are the best little black dresses for cocktail dress code?
A little black dress is the ultimate solution for the cocktail dress code and it can form the basis for so many different looks. Black is anonymous, so you’ll be able to wear it again and again which makes it a more sustainable purchase than something you wear once then leave to gather dust. It's also a classic choice that will never go out of style so you can bet that it'd still be relevant in 10 years or more.
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Can you wear colour?
Of course you can choose a colourful outfit for the cocktail dress code! It doesn’t have to be plain either, unlike the black tie dress code (which lends itself to dark shades and block colours over prints) you can go wild with cocktail-wear and choose pattern and a rainbow of tones that suit your skin tone and style. If you’re wary, mix a brighter shade with a neutral - black would be a perpetually chic choice but oatmeal, buff and barely-there pink will dilute a super-bright shade if you’re nervous to wearing too much colour. And butter yellow or Barbie pink are basically neutrals at this point.
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What if I don’t like dresses?
Cocktail dress code is one of the most versatile, so while a dress is a clever one-and-done solution, you can go for any other combo you like. A statement skirt and silky blouse… sequinned trousers and a white shirt… wide leg tuxedo trousers and a silky camisole or one-shoulder top… a trouser suit in brocade, silk or sequins… a jumpsuit… it’s up to you how far you want to experiment with your personal style but choosing separates will always be a versatile option as you can style them up in other ways, for other occasions.
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What not to wear for cocktail dress code
Jeans and a nice top is our go to for so many occasions, but with a cocktail dress code you’d be best to leave your denim at home, unless there is a rustic, rural, or Western theme to the party. So pair that top with sleek trousers or a skirt…
Likewise linen, our summer go-to, will look too casual for cocktails. Corduroy or canvas twill will also be too daytime for after-dark events so choose satin, silk or chiffon - or anything trimmed with sequins, beading or ruffles. Summer cocktail dress code will be lighter than the winter cocktail code where velvet should definitely be on your radar, too.
But rather than discounting an item, see if you can find it in a fancy fabric instead. So shorts don’t need to be consigned to the ‘no’ pile for cocktail wear. Instead, choose a tailored pair in silk or satin - rather than the ones you drag out for the weekend gym-coffee-sofa workout. A pair of silk cargo pants or fitted tracksuit bottoms could look flames and totally unexpected in satin, too. If you can accessorise your cocktail outfit with a smaller bag, that would be the finishing touch. Even if you’ve come straight from work, nothing dampens your mood more than carting an oversized tote bag (complete with laptop) to a cocktail party. In the morning, pop a smaller bag into your tote, then check your daytime bag into the cloakroom when you arrive.
Guaranteed to go with everything.
What shoes to wear for cocktail dress code?
It all depends on your outfit and your personal style but you could go for anything from towering platforms or complete flats. As opposed to a black-tie event, cocktail events are usually only serve drinks and canapés which means there'll be a lot of standing. A comfortable shoe is highly advised. We'd also suggest avoiding anything too day-time or casual so beaten up Doc Martens, Crocs, Birkenstocks or trainers (even this summer’s cult Adidas Samba) should stay at home. Instead a fancy flat, covered with diamanté, a jewelled buckle or super-bright colour would look luscious. If heels are your thing, again, think fancy and perhaps look for brocade fabric, printed designs or a sculptural heel. Metallic shoes always look right for a cocktail dress code, as does a metallic bag (for a cool styling trick, alternate your metals so maybe wear silver shoes and carry a gold bag, or vice versa…)
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Where to buy an outfit for a cocktail dress code
The high street will be brimming with fun, fancy dresses (and skirts, tops and trousers) that tick the cocktail dress code but if you have a designer budget, Net-A-Porter is a one-stop shop for all things cocktail. If you are even vaguely considering dressing yourself more sustainably, instead of buying something to wear once, look at rental options from My Wardrobe, Hurr, Cloan and By Rotation first. And if you do end up buying something new, definitely consider renting it out afterwards, so someone else gets to enjoy your impeccable take on the cocktail dress code.
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