It's the most wonderful time of the year, and you know what that means — holiday parties! The company memo says that it's time for you to get all gussied up in your best cocktail attire. But what is cocktail attire? After a few years of working remotely in sweatpants, some of us could use a refresher on what to wear to a swanky party.
What does "cocktail attire" really mean?
Above all else, fashion is subjective. What looks good to one person may not be in your taste. Fortunately, proper cocktail attire follows a few guidelines while still leaving plenty of room to express yourself. "Cocktail attire" usually means dressy but fun — it's what you'd wear for a night out on the town or an evening date.
Festive cocktail attire
'Tis the season for office holiday parties, which require more festive cocktail attire. End-of-year holidays evoke jewel-toned colors like red, green, deep blue, and purple, or bright white, silver, and gold. It's also an occasion for luxurious or shimmering fabrics like velvet, sequins, or cashmere.
Festive cocktail attire also presents a great opportunity to show a sense of humor and whimsy with your look. Maybe try a clever tie or an "ugly Christmas sweater".
Summer cocktail attire
When the summer of 2023 saw record-high temperatures all across the world, we learned one thing: Breathable fabrics are your friend. Summer cocktail attire is just like regular cocktail attire, but the colors and the fabrics are lighter.
A wide-brimmed hat for outdoor gatherings is a great way to keep the sun off of your shoulders. Meanwhile, fabrics like cotton and linen will help your skin breathe and keep you from getting too visibly sweaty.
Country cocktail attire
Will this party include some boot-scootin'? If so, country cocktail attire is the way to go. Think of it as cocktail attire with a country-western flair. Cowboy boots are a must, and a cowboy hat is great, too.
Country cocktail attire is pretty versatile when it comes to style and comfort, from a glitzy Nashville-inspired look to a more rural, cottage-like aesthetic.
But we're serious about the boots — you should definitely wear something you don't mind two-stepping in.
@saruhnichole I call this look country cocktail attire #IntuitTouchdownDance #AEHolidayCard #cleanupnice #alcalasboots #amazonfashion
♬ Man! I Feel Like A Woman! - Shania Twain
Casual cocktail attire
Do you like cocktail attire, but you want to be even more comfortable? Casual cocktail attire is a very fashionable requirement these days. Like a lot of these subjective fashion terms, hosts are counting on you to use your discretion when toeing the line of casual.
This is still not a flip-flops gig. But you can get away with a very nice pair of jeans and a blazer.
Cocktail attire for a wedding
On the other end of the fancy spectrum, cocktail attire is a frequent requirement for weddings. Weddings are a little different from culture to culture, but there are a few rules it's good to keep in mind.
Wedding cocktail attire doesn't require a tuxedo or a floor-length gown. Suits and ties, however, are a must. Dresses or skirts are often above the knee and made of lighter, airier fabric than at a black-tie event. Unless the invitation or host specifically states otherwise, all or mostly white and all-black are not appropriate cocktail attire for a wedding.
Unsure of what color to wear? When in doubt, look to the event invitation — this often features the color palette chosen by the hosts.
When to wear cocktail attire: weddings, parties, and more
| The dress code | How formal is it? | Where to wear it |
|---|---|---|
White tie |
The most formal |
Formal balls, state dinners, royal occassions |
Black tie |
Still pretty dang formal |
Formal weddings, formal dinners, balls, galas |
Black tie optional |
Loosely formal |
Weddings, religious events, galas |
Cocktail attire |
Formal, but fun |
Parties, wedding receptions, anniversaries, reunions, nice dates |
Business casual |
Informal but professional |
Workplace, interviews, casual gatherings |
Is there a difference between formal and cocktail attire?
Dress codes aren't a rigid set of rules, they're more like a scale from very casual to very formal. Cocktail attire falls somewhere in the middle, but it can still vary depending on the occasion.
Formal cocktail attire is a mix of the two and is sometimes referred to as "black tie optional". Religious events, weddings, or anniversary dates might require a mix of formal and cocktail attire.
What is cocktail attire for men and masculine-presenting folks?
What would you wear if you were going on a date to a hip new bar or restaurant? Cocktail attire for men (or anyone, really) is about looking sleek but comfortable.
@emmanuel.dugard1 Cocktail Attire GRWM 🍸 Congrats to my friend @Prince Fridler 🎉 Like & Follow For More #mensfashion #menswear #style #grwm
♬ I cant stand the rain - ROGER DAME
Shirts
First things first — you'll need a shirt. Button-up dress shirts are the way to go. Choosing a solid-colored shirt like white, blue, or gray means you can mix and match the shirt for multiple occasions. A well-chosen print, however, can make a big impression.
A good-quality t-shirt, when paired with a blazer or suit jacket, is another option for casual cocktail attire for men. Once again, a creative, stylish pattern or print can be a great conversation starter at social events.
Blazers, jackets, and suits
Nothing levels up a look like outerwear — plus, you know, there might be weather where you're going. If you're dealing with patio seating, a nice jacket is acceptable. Otherwise, a blazer is best.
Similarly, a suit jacket isn't ideal, but will work in a pinch. Having a couple of blazers on hand, however, could come in handy more than you'd think.
Sweaters
During the cold and cozy months, a sweater is a great alternative to a blazer. Whether worn over a button-up or a t-shirt, a soft sweater can be fun and festive cocktail attire.
Nice pants or slacks
A pair of nice pants is a closet essential. Well-fitting slacks are handy for any number of occasions, celebrations, and social activities. Be sure the pants are the proper size and length — if you're concerned, consulting your local tailor is well worth it.
Shoes
To pull the look together, you need the perfect pair of shoes. A nicer pair of dress shoes will fit the occasion: Derbies, Oxfords, Monkstraps, or Penny loafers.
Generally speaking, running shoes aren't really the vibe for a cocktail hour or wedding. However, clean fashion sneakers like Vans or Converse All-Stars can sometimes be acceptable casual cocktail attire.
Accessories
You'll likely want a belt to help hold up those nice pants — and you can't go wrong with a good-quality leather (or vegan leather) belt. If you're unsure which color to choose, matching your belt with your shoes is an easy trick.
Cocktail attire also presents an opportunity to wear stylish jewelry, hats, or other accessories. If you need a place to start, consider adding a tie clip or a watch to your look — if you think you can pull it off, why not bring back the suspenders?
Grooming
Preparing for a cocktail party or wedding isn't just about filling your closet, it's also about giving yourself a good spit shine. Maybe that means heading to the barber for a fresh shave and a trim off the top. It could also mean a fresh manicure and a trip to the stylist.
However you spruce up, there's nothing like the fresh feeling of leaving the barber shop or salon.
TheStreet/Shutterstock
Does cocktail attire for men mean wearing a tie?
You don't have to wear a tie when donning your cocktail attire. In fact, a couple of loose buttons might be your best look. However a tie won't look out of place at a cocktail event, and it's a great opportunity for flair.
You can instantly elevate a look with an interesting knot. With a few minutes online and a little bit of practice, you'll be the smoothest operator at the function when everyone is complimenting your Merovingian Knot.
@jonathan_farley The Merovingian Knot (or Ediety knot). Easy to learn but would you ever wear it? #merovingian #thematrix #tietok #howtotieatie #windsorknot #styleguide #styleadvice #gentsstyle
♬ original sound - Jonathan Farley
Related: What is business casual attire?
What is cocktail attire for women and feminine-presenting people?
If you're looking for something a little more swishy than suit-y, you may be more interested in cocktail attire like blouses, skirts, and dresses. Cocktail parties, a date over drinks, or a friend's wedding are all excellent excuses to observe a stunning fashion moment. You go, Glenn Coco.
When it comes to wearing "revealing" clothing, you'll have to use your best discretion. For example, a low-cut blouse or a slitted short skirt will likely be a winning look for an anticipated date — but it might not go over well at your cousin's Bat Mitzvah.
@marcelapazminoofficial Cocktail attire dress code #fashiontips #fashiontiktok #styletip #dresscodes
♬ original sound - ✨Marcela Pazmino
Skirts, dresses, and jumpsuits
Typically, cocktail attire for women (or anyone, really) varies from formal wear in a few key ways. Dresses and skirts are made of lighter fabric, and they're often shorter, falling above the knee or higher.
For those who want to cover their legs, a pair of nice, non-athletic leggings or tights will keep those gams warm. Long skirts are dresses of a lighter, airier fabric or casual print are appropriate.
Blouses
A nice blouse with a pair of slacks or a skirt is another way to dress for a cocktail event. Unlike some business environments, sleeveless or shoulder-bearing tops are appropriate cocktail attire for women et al.
Blazers, jackets, and suits
For events that require a jacket, the right jacket or coat can add a sleek finish to your cocktail attire. Blazers and suit jackets, while a smart addition to your look, aren't necessary with a dress or a nice blouse.
Sweaters
For festive cocktail attire, a soft sweater can be a cozy addition to a dress or blouse.
Nice pants or slacks
If you're going the blouse route, nice pants or slacks are also a great option and a handy resource in anyone's closet. Well-fitting pants should be long enough to accommodate whatever heel height you plan to wear with them.
Shoes
Cocktail events are a great chance to elevate the look with a pair of pumps, kitten heels, dress flats, or ankle boots. For casual or summer cocktail attire, mules, sandals, or ballerina flats are also appropriate.
Accessories
Smaller bags are ideal for cocktail parties — a clutch will tuck nicely under your arm when you need to shake hands, hold your drink, or dance with someone.
Outdoor events may make a hat an appropriate accessory. If so, costume hats and baseball caps should be avoided.
Grooming
Swanky events like cocktail parties and weddings are a chance to show off your style, and few elements of a look do that better than a fresh haircut. As for style, if you have long hair, skip the scrunchie and bust out the styling gel or curling iron.
When it comes to your grooming, consider what you'll be wearing. For example, choosing open-toed shoes means you might want to get a pedicure before your event. The more you plan ahead, the more you can pamper yourself.
TheStreet/Shutterstock
What not to wear to a cocktail party
Sure, there are lots of great things to wear to a cocktail party — but to prevent any faux pas, let's make sure we've covered everything.
Are jeans appropriate cocktail attire?
Demin is a fashion gray area. In some casual cocktail environments, a pair of dark-wash denim can look dressy with a nice blazer, shirt, or blouse. But when in doubt, skip the denim and opt for slacks instead.
Cocktail attire cheat sheet: What’s okay to wear?
| Yes | Depends on the event | No |
|---|---|---|
Collared shirts and blouses |
Short-sleeve button-downs, tank tops and sleeveless blouses |
Polo shirts |
Blazers, sweaters, and sweater vests |
Flannels, casual sport coats |
Shorts, faded or torn jeans, khakis, or Chinos |
Above-the-knee dresses and skirts |
Leggings or jeans |
Long dresses or skirts |
Dress shoes or flats |
Clean sneakers or tall boots |
Leisure wear |
Pumps, kitten heels, or ankle boots |
Loud patterns, colors, and accessories |
Flip-flops, sandals, laceless shoes, or work boots |
How to dress in cocktail attire
The best thing you can do for a cocktail event is to plan ahead and shop with guidelines in mind. It’s also worth considering any similar events you may have in the future. Perhaps your anniversary is coming up or you have a wedding to attend in the spring. It may be worthwhile to choose cocktail attire you’ll be able to wear again.
Choosing cocktail attire is a great opportunity to show off your personal style. Still, the key is to remember the main dos and don'ts that are almost always a part of a cocktail attire dress code.
TheStreet
Cocktail attire dos and don’ts
- Do: Dress to impress — make sure your body and your clothes are clean and well-kept.
- Don’t: Wear casual clothing like shorts, leisure wear, or open-toed shoes.
- Do: Find opportunities to express your style with jewelry, accessories, or other fashionable items.
- Don’t: Overdress in a tuxedo or a gown meant for a black-tie event.
Where can you buy cocktail attire for cheap?
Finding cocktail attire is as easy as heading to your local mall. Department stores like Macy's and Nordstrom's or Nordstrom Rack will carry cocktail attire from some of the best-known designer brands around.
For those on a budget, Target has its selection of sparkly, dressy clothing options. Cocktail attire also tends to be donated or available for secondhand purchase pretty frequently. Resale sites like Poshmark are great places to find stylish, vintage cocktail attire that will surely start a conversation at your next event.
