Cocktail Attire Explained: 70 + Ideas For Looking Your Best at Weddings and Parties

Interiors 19-11-2018 Archzine 4768

Attending weddings and other special events is always loads of fun, but figuring what to wear can be a real hassle. Although most invitations come with dress code preferences, it’s often difficult to desipher their meaning. For example, you may be left wondering how “black tie optional” is different from “cocktail attire,” whether business casual is the same as smart casual, or if showing up to a wedding wearing jeans and sneakers is ever acceptible. So, in order to clear away the stress surrounding special ocassion apparel, we have devoted today’s article on answering these questions. In doing so, we will focus on one of the most popular styles, the cocktail attire.

Cocktail attire is smarter than casual clothes, but more relaxed than formal apparel. This creates comfort, while ensuring you still look your best

cocktail attire, two laughing women, one dressed in a dark grey, metallic one-shoulder dress, and the other wearing a black lace dress

First of all, let’s look at the main types of formal and semi-formal apparel. We will begin with the fanciest options and move down to the less solemn ones:

White Tie (formal)

The most formal of all clothes options, the white tie apparel is reserved for very special events, such as balls or state dinners. It is very rarely seen at weddings or other celebrations. For men, the white tie dress code consists of a black tailcoat, a white shirt, black high-waisted trousers with one or two black satin stripes, a white waistcoat, black patent leather shoes, and, of course, a white bow tie. Accessories may include smart white ot grey gloves and understadet but classy cuff links. For women, it includes a full-length ball gown, often worn with long evening gloves, a purse, and smart jewelry.

Black Tie (formal)

Black tie is a common dress code for smart occassions, such as large corporate events or award ceremonies. It is characterized by a tuxedo jacket, combined with black trousers, a white shirt and a black bow tie for men, and a ball gown or a particularly fancy cocktail dress for women. If the event in question takes place during the summer or at a tropical location, it is acceptible to replace the black tuxedo jacket with a white dinner jacket.

When it comes to smart apparel, blue is always an excellent choice!

Black Tie Optional (semi-formal)

Probably the most widely used dress code today, the black tie optional is quite smart in appearance, but nevertheless allows some room for creativity. The stars you see on the red carpet of the Academy Awards are usually dressed in this very style. While a tuxedo is technically acceptible, most men prefer wearing suits in classic colors such as black, navy blue or dark grey. These are acompanied by a white shirt, a smart conservative tie, dark socks and dark leather shoes. Women can choose between a full-length ball gown or a smart cocktail dress. Classy little black dresses are also acceptible, provided they are not too short.

Cocktail Attire (semi-formal)

Cocktail attire is the preferred choice for weddings, jubilees or formal birthday parties. Here things start getting fun – men can choose a suit in a smart shade, acompanied by a dress shirt in a pale color of their choice (checkered and pin-stripe styles are also accepted). Bow/neck ties are optional, as are accessories such as pocket handkerchiefs or boutonnieres. For women, the options include a short but classy cocktail dress, a little black dress, a fancy skirt and top combination, or even a dressy jumpsuit.

The cocktail attire for men, explained:

Wedding guest outfits come in many colors and styles!

Reiss’ advice for styling a coctail poutfit for women

Smart/business casual (semi-formal/casual)

Like its name suggests, this dress code is usually reserved for work-related events such as business meetings. However, in recent years it has become a fashion staple for men and women alike. The smart or business casual style for men consists of a suit worn with a dressy shirt, or a smart blazer, paired up with classy trousers and a shirt. As for acceptible footwear – patent oxford shoes, brogues or suede loafers (in summer) – are all acceptible options. Some gents choose to add a playful note to their outfit, by pairing smart apparel with a pair of pristine converse sneakers, or sporty lace up shoes.

For women, the business casual offers a lot of options – a pencil skirt worn with a dressy top, a blazer worn with a shirt and a pair of smart trousers, a fancy day dress, accessorized with a chic cardigan, and many more.

Be classy and stylish!

We have gone through the most important smart and semi-smart dress codes, but this doesn’t mean that pur job is done! Before we let you enjoy our inspirational outfit gallery, we would like to share a few key do-s and don’t-s, which will save you a lot of stress (and possibly even emberassment) in the future!

Jeans are never ever acceptible for a formal event. It might sound obvious but you’d be surprised how many people ignore this simple rule of thumb! Showing up in denim is a big no-no unless specifically stated otherwise by the invitation or host.
Ideally, men should avoid apparel in garrish colors and/or featuring unusual patterns.
Feeling sexy is important, but women shouldn’t confuse formal attire with clubbing outfits! If you are going to a smart event – ditch the micro skirts and sheer fabrics. There is a time and place for everything.
Don’t upstage the host – this goes for men as well as women. Make sure you know what the host will be wearing so you don’t show up dressed fancier then them! There is no shame in asking them in advance – rest assured they’d be happy to let you know.
If you are ever in doubt remember – it is always better to be overdressed than undrdressed for a formal do!

Black tie optional – an irrisistable look

We hope you found our article useful! Now we invite you to enjoy our gallery – we have selected 70 + inspirational outfit cocktail attire ideas for women and men. Don’t forget to check out our website for more tips on wedding apparel.

A smart outfit, suitable for almost any occasion: