What Is Cocktail Attire
Cocktail attire is a balance between formal and casual and elegant and comfortable. To an event with this dress code, such as a wedding, men typically wear a suit and tie while women wear a cocktail dress.
Cocktail attire is meant to bridge the gap between day and night, explains bridal consultant LauraLee Baird. It is still an occasion to dress up, but a full-length gown is not necessary. This merges the silhouette of a garden party dress with the fabric and embellishments of a formal gown. Think somewhere between a sophisticated formal occasion and office or party wear, adds Alena Kate Pettitt, author of English Etiquette: The Motivation Behind the Manners.
Still, with so much ambiguity, cocktail attire could mean different things depending on the venue, the time of day, and the season. Read on to learn more about deciphering this common wedding dress code.
Best For Petites: Bronx & Banco Megan Mini Dress
Courtesy of Revolve
The perfect dress for a spring or summer wedding, this ultra-feminine mini style is complete with a pretty floral print, flounced hemline, and tunic silhouette. It’s an excellent option for petite sizes, too. Overall, you can’t go wrong with such a whimsical style that hits above the knee for any cocktail event.
Best Puff Sleeve: Agua By Agua Bendita Palmera Floral Cotton Midi Dress
Courtesy of Moda Operandi
Size range: XS-XL | Length: Midi | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Free returns accepted for full price items within 28 days of delivery
It’s easy to instantly fall in love with this stunning midi dress by Agua by Agua Bendita. If you’re attending a wedding in the spring or summer, this frock is a particularly fitting choice that’s sure to land you tons of compliments.
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Best Floral Lbd: Astr Floral Dress
Courtesy of Revolve
Size range: XS-XL | Length: Midi | Shipping: Free shipping | Return policy: Free returns accepted
If bright and bold floral patterns aren’t for you, opt for this LBD featuring a sophisticated print and an eye-catching open back. Pair with matching black accessories for a perfectly polished look.
Great Cocktail Dresses For Women Over 50
Have a party, a wedding, a formal or semi-formal event to attend? A cocktail dress is probably what you need. Cocktail dresses are dresses that are dressy yet not too extravagant. They are also sometimes called tea dresses or party dresses. Typically, a cocktail dress will be knee-length or mid-calf.
Owning a cocktail dress that makes you feel great is a must at any age and should be a staple in your wardrobe beyond your 50s always be ready for those party invites. Yet finding the perfect cocktail dress for your body shape can be a little challenging because of all the choices out there.
Here is our list of the best cocktail dresses for women over 50:
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Mac Duggal Ruched Off
This dressy green cocktail dress definitely deserves attention. We absolutely love the one-shoulder neckline, ruched bodice and sleek slit. On top of all that, the rich emerald color is such an elegant shade for a formal cocktail event. Add bold earrings and black or nude stilettos to heighten the look.
For A Winter Wedding: Fame And Partners The Shay
Courtesy of Fame and Partners
The great thing about Fame and Partners is that you can customize their dresses, from the color to the length. We love this sophisticated look for the draping detail, tulip skirt, and blouson sleeves. The rich jewel tone makes it ideal for a late fall or winter wedding.
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Best Cocktail Dresses For Weddings In Every Style
After all the love weve given our WFH clothes lately, we seriously cant wait to dress up for the many celebrations on our calendars this year and cocktail dresses for weddings are at the center of our fashion dream boards.
With glamour as the go-to theme for recent weddings, many couples are opting for glitzy cocktail attire as their dress code. And we can see why! From the ceremony to the reception to, ahem, cocktail hour, a fabulous cocktail dress always brings the party vibes.
Cocktail dresses for weddings are a classic for a reason but that doesnt mean that they cant be modern, too! Whether you want to channel the opulence of decades past or switch it up with a funky new silhouette, theres a cocktail dress for every style .
To help you prepare for your next wedding toast, weve rounded up the cocktail dresses for weddings that we cant stop gushing over. From breezy summer slip dresses to elevated LBDs, these picks are guaranteed to make a fashion statement at your next event.
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Cocktail Dresses For Weddings For A Beach Wedding And Summer Cocktail Dresses For Weddings:
Beach weddings are among the top destinations for many couples, and it’s easy to see why. This romantic and pretty location makes for a breath-taking and relaxing backdrop. Wedding guests attending a beach wedding may want to consider the outfit they choose carefully. If the ceremony will take place on the sand, make sure to come wearing flat sandals or shoes you can walk in. A short dress is ideal for beach weddings. If there is a tropical theme, make sure to select a brightly colored or printed dress to suit the stunning beach location.Beach wedding dress codes can vary, as some brides choose low-key events, while others have a location overlooking the beach with a more formal tone. If the event is semi-formal, you can opt for a boho-inspired look with trendy details such as cut-outs, fringe, floral prints, or a sexy backless dress with a flowy look. A short lace dress with a nude underlay for a more formal beach wedding will look modern and fit the tone. Short sleeve cocktail dresses are perfect for summer weddings where guests will be spending most of their time outdoors or at an outdoor reception.
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Best Bright Color: Hutch Bow Tie Dress
Courtesy of Anthropologie
Bold and effortlessly chic, this bright, color-blocked dress will stand out in all of your photos. We love the large bow detail at the strapless neckline, and the maxi silhouette makes it ideal for formal and casual events. As a bonus, this dress even has pockets so you could skip a clutch if you travel light. Made of cotton, polyester, and spandex, this dress is stretchy and comfortable. Style yours with sandals and colorful jewelry for a playful look.
Best For Dancing: Zimmermann Silk
Courtesy of Revolve
For a late spring or early fall wedding, we love this copper-colored mini dress with a flouncy hemline. The color of the dress is practically made for transition seasons, and youre guaranteed to make an impression in this on the dance floor. The shorter length and draping details make it a perfect cocktail dress.
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Long Sleeve Cocktail Dress
For weddings that take place outside or in colder months, these long-sleeve cocktail dresses combine practicality and style. Whether youre looking for a modest silhouette or want to show a little skin, weve gathered something for everyone. Having sleeves that hit the wrist gives you the freedom to explore different dress lengths a shorter style is great for an occasion in the evening, whereas something longer is best suited for a daytime event. Keeping the outfit balanced is key here if you are wearing a shorter skirt, try not to show off too much skin at the top. In contrast, if it hits the calf or ankles, you can experiment with cut-outs and more risqué necklines.
Summer Wedding Guest Cocktail Dresses
It’s important to consider the wedding location and venue when choosing your summer cocktail dress. For example, if you’re looking for a cocktail dress for a beach wedding, a lightweight fabric or something sleeveless might make sense. Keep scrolling to find the best formal and semi-formal cocktail dresses for every summer wedding style.
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Best For A Casual Wedding: Eloquii Off The Shoulder Dress With Puff Sleeves
Courtesy of Eloquii
If you’re invited to a casual wedding, you can’t go wrong with this alluring off-the-shoulder dress in a fresh green hue. It has a flattering fitted bodice and a-line skirt, and the midi length makes it ideal for warm-weather weddings. It’s made of cotton and spandex for a stretchy and lightweight fit. Pair it with a pair of nude heels and simple jewelry for a polished look.
Best Modest Neckline: Lulus Floral Dressed Up Dark Green Floral Print Midi Dress
Courtesy of Lulus
Size range: XXS-3XL | Length: Midi | Shipping: Free shipping on orders exceeding $50 | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 30 days of delivery
With an array of color options to choose from, this Lulus dress is versatile and comfortable. Its modest neckline and free-flowing silhouette make it beyond effortless to wear all day long.
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Cocktail Dress For Beach Wedding
Beach weddings are a beautiful place to make memories so youll want to look your best at the event. The perfect outfit for an occasion such as this is something that allows motion- ideas include a midi dress with a leg slit or something that flows for freedom of movement. The best colors for these nuptials include green, pink, or cream bold shades are the perfect contrast against the soft sand and sea. Alternatively, try a hue that complements the landscape youll look perfect at every angle.
Plus Size Cocktail Dresses
There are countless ways to dress for a curvy figure any dress that shows off your curves will inspire many amazing photos! These designs are flattering and stylish a satin bias cut slip dress is a modern option for a fall or garden wedding when the temperatures are higher. If its cold outside, you cant go wrong with a long sleeve silhouette opt for something that falls at mid-calf for a sleek and streamlined look. If the wedding takes place at night, stand out with sparkles theres nothing quite like a show-stopping sequin number! Finish the look with a pair of high heels and behold jewelry for an unforgettable ensemble.
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Best Corset Bodice: Reformation Tagliatelle Linen Dress
Courtesy of Reformation
Size range: 0-12 | Length: Midi | Shipping: Free shipping | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 30 days of delivery
Soft and sweet, the corset bodice of this linen number adds an edgy little twist. The striking cut of the neckline also makes for a unique detail that perfectly frames the décolletage.
Summer Cocktail Dresses For Weddings
We love summer weddings for SO many reasons gorgeous outdoor ceremonies, dancing under the stars, and wildflower season, to name a few. But one of the best parts of a summer wedding has to be the fashion opportunities.
When choosing summer cocktail dresses for weddings, there are endless fashion-forward options that will help you stay cool all day and look good all night. Keep scrolling to see a few of our top picks!
Have more than one summer wedding on your calendar? Weve got you covered with the trendiest wedding guest gowns for those hot summer nights!
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Best For A Backyard Wedding: Reformation Meadow Dress Es
Courtesy of Reformation
For an utterly romantic outdoor wedding set in a luscious garden or an intimate backyard setting, this floral gown is a stylish and practical choice. Its smocked bodice is super comfortable and flattering, while the midi-length skirt is ideal for walking across grass-covered venues. We also love the square neckline, puff sleeves, and flounced hemline for a dreamy spring look. Pair it with block heels and a woven clutch for a laid-back look.
From Formal Cocktail Dresses For Weddings To Sexy Cocktail Minis For Wild Parties
The cocktail dress code is a semi-formal style for women and men, designed for late-afternoon to early-evening events, social gatherings, and similar occasions.
First introduced in the 1940s, cocktail dresses evolved in terms of style and function to match peoples current needs and the changing fashion trends.
With new cuts, hemlines, waistlines, and fabrics, cocktail dresses have undergone several changes in style, aesthetic, and functionality over the last century.
Whereas in the past, cocktail dresses were reserved for swanky late-afternoon drinking, nowadays, this dress code is required at most semi-formal social events.
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Plus Size Cocktail Dresses For Weddings:
Cocktail dresses for weddings with sleeves
Long cocktail dresses are an elegant choice for wedding guests, especially if you’re attending a formal or semi-formal event. Choose an Elegant cocktail dress suitable for most ceremonies and receptions, including winter weddings that happen during the holiday season. A long sleeve dress is usually chosen by guests who want to cover up, especially in church settings. This type of dress often falls to the ankles and has a timeless appeal suitable for cocktail receptions.For autumn weddings or winter ceremonies during December, select dresses with sleeves or faux fur coats. For a more formal event, you can wear one of our classy fur coats, while for an intimate ceremony, go in style on dress without it at. Vintage cocktail looks will suit most formal events where guests need to dress up. A cocktail dress with lace, pearls, and sequins is also a popular choice for older women who want to look both classy and stylish on the big day.
The Little Black Dress
Every woman should own a classic little black dress. Its a staple in all wardrobes and can be a last-minute lifesaver. Black dresses are elegant and tend to ooze finesse and class.
The little black dress comes in a variety of shapes from A-line to body fitting. Paired with the perfect shoes and accessories, a little black dress will look good on any body type.
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Most Sexy: Lulus Forever Your Girl Black Bodycon Dress
Courtesy of Lulus
With a v-neckline, princess-seamed bodice, and wrap skirt with a bodycon fit, this mini dress from Lulus exudes sexy. Like any classic LBD, this is the best transition piece to take you from the aisle to the afterparty. Made from polyester, rayon, and spandex, it has a stretchy and comfortable fit. While we’re partial to the black shade, it does come in more lively colors, like bright pink and royal blue, if you’re shopping for a spring or summer event.
Cocktail Dress For Wedding Party:
Cocktail dresses for wedding guests are stylish and celebratory, often in bright or attractive colors such as royal blue, hunter green, purple and pink. Many styles of cocktail dresses are suitable for most weddings, including sexy fitted designs and simple fit and flare dresses. If you prefer, you could also choose a longer, midi-length cocktail dress. Floaty chiffon is a great fabric choice for a wedding. As well as being flattering, it is also romantic and suits the tone of a wedding.
Pleated short dresses and floral cocktail designs are two other pretty options perfect for attending a wedding. You can choose strapless or halter neckpieces with embellishment or lace to make a stylish entrance for summer events. Often, it may make sense to wear a longer dress or a design with long sleeves for winter weddings. To keep you warmer during the ceremony and reception, these can also be composed of heavier fabrics, such as on-trend velvet.
Cocktail Dresses for Mature Women
Short Dresses for a Wedding Reception
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For A Winter Wedding: Make A Move Black Satin Floral Jacquard Strapless Midi Dress
Courtesy of Lulus
Size range: XS-XL | Length: Midi | Shipping: Free shipping on orders exceeding $50 | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 30 days of delivery
Moody and sophisticated, there’s nothing not to love about this black floral little midi. Featuring a fresh palette of bright colors, this beauty is sure to be remembered.
Leota Curve Perfect Wrap Dress In Orchid Meadow
This floral frock is a summer cocktail dress you’ll seriously want to consider. The jersey fabric is soft, breathable and resists wrinkles, so you’ll feel comfortable and ready to celebrate. Whether you’re sipping bubbly on the beach or enjoying the air-conditioned indoors, you’ll be grateful you chose this piece.
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