The "cocktail" prefix means show-offy, fun, possibly facetious and/or flirty. Cocktail party conversation is skewed towards banter rather than heart-to-heart. Cocktails are prettier than beer, and better at hitting fast-forward on an evening, so you quickly get to the juicy dancing and gossip bit. The perfect cocktail dress is something cute and fun that you wouldn't necessarily want to wear all night because you have to hold in your tummy. Cocktail rings are big bobby-dazzlers that come into their own at 9pm on a Friday, lending some Italian contessa bling to your newly expansive hand gestures.
Does the cocktail formula work on trousers? Well, yes. Patterned or colourful trousers used to be "fun" trousers, and have long been novelty fashion for people too aesthetically refined for slogan T-shirts; an "avoid me" flag in trouser form. But a new breed of fun trousers, which aspire to elegance of silhouette although kooky of pattern, are summer's surprise hit. They are the next frontier: a highlighter bright blouse, cardie or scarf no longer has the impact it did, but trousers will attract comment. And cocktail fashion is all about the conversation piece.
Choose your cocktail trousers according to the pattern (these have cats' faces on. I know) but pay attention to the shape. Too wide is a palazzo pant; too narrow and you're in leggings. Heels, obviously. Even so, I won't pretend this is the most flattering of garments: when you see the effect on your bottom, you may need a stiff drink. For which, handily, you are appropriately dressed.
• Jess wears top £19.99, by Gap.
Trousers £129, by Paul & Joe, from my-wardrobe.com.
Shoes £39.95, by Mango.
Photograph: David Newby. Hair and make-up: Nikki Palmer at Mandy Coakley.
