22 Elegant co*cktail Dresses Perfect for All Bodies and Budgets (2024)

FAQs

What is elegant co*cktail attire dress code? ›

What is co*cktail attire? Ultimately, it aims to strike a balance between formal and casual, as well as elegant and comfortable. For an event with this dress code, such as a wedding, men typically wear a suit and tie while women wear a co*cktail dress.

When an event calls for a co*cktail dress code, that means you've got permission to look a little more polished and put together. The idea is to look dressed up without going full-blown black tie. This generally translates to wearing well-fitted slacks with a crisp button-up.

co*cktail dresses come in various lengths, but they're generally shorter than floor-length formal gowns. The most common length is just above or just below the knee. However, you can also find co*cktail dresses that are mid-thigh, tea-length (around the calf), or slightly longer.

What is not acceptable for co*cktail attire? Best to avoid anything too casual or too formal. Leave the jeans, T-shirts, and casual sandals at home, and save the full-length gowns for a black-tie affair. It's all about striking that perfect balance.

Elegant will require more flare, especially for women. You may want to bring out some of the finer jewelry, bolder makeup, and dare to show more skin. Men can don the smoother ties, cufflinks, and may want to wear a black and blue suit before over a gray or tan one.

There is no better way to narrow your torso than wearing vertical necklines! A V-neckline dress draws the eye up toward the face and away from the midsection. It also creates the illusion of a slimmer, longer body and equalizes your proportions. Black is always the best color for a slimming effect.

The co*cktail dress code gets its name from the co*cktail dress, typically a knee-length dress that hits just above or below the knee.

The co*cktail Pant

Are trousers acceptable co*cktail attire? Absolutely!

While the color black is almost always appropriate for any co*cktail attire, depending on the event, you might be able to have some fun with colors such as yellow, royal blue, gray, etc. For those of you who prefer to wear pants, that's always on option too!

What does co*cktail chic attire look like? ›

Think: mini and midi dresses (and even jumpsuits!) that are chic and polished, suiting that's a bit more tailored, and footwear that feels elevated (literally, if you're wearing heels).

As a rule of thumb, your co*cktail attire should always look dressy and refined, no matter the event. co*cktail dress codes can also mean different things depending on the event's time of day. For an evening affair, dark colors and more elegant designs are appropriate.

co*cktail event attire doesn't mean you have to sacrifice fun prints—in fact, you should lean into them when the dress code allows for it. This multicolored floral midi dress, for instance, is the perfect option for a variety of occasions.

For co*cktail attire, opt for a darker color palette and more substantial pieces like knee-length dresses or fancy jumpsuits with heels. Semi-formal wear, on the other hand, includes lighter fabrics like chiffon and linen in brighter colors along with dressy long-sleeve blouses and A-line skirts.

It's called a “co*cktail dress” for a reason. Length doesn't matter: a mini can be just as appropriate as something that skims the floor. The trick is to choose fabrics and or patterns that look refined — and more elegant than a basic cotton dress you run errands in.

It's kind of an in-between place. Think: mini and midi dresses (and even jumpsuits!) that are chic and polished, suiting that's a bit more tailored, and footwear that feels elevated (literally, if you're wearing heels). It's the perfect combination of elegant and comfortable.

co*cktail attire is, essentially, a suit and tie. It's elegant and elevated, but not stuffy. It's not as fancy as black tie, but it's fancier than business casual.

Cruise Elegant

Gentlemen: elegant dress pants, shirts, sports jackets as well as suits, ties and tuxedos. Ladies: co*cktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts, blouses and evening gowns. Please no shorts, t-shirts, flip-flops, bathing clothes, jeans, cut-off jeans, sportswear and baseball caps.