Cocktail parties

Last weekend, my boyfriend had thrown a cocktail party to celebrate his recent promotion. He invited our closest family members and friends to the cocktail party. And guess what, most of our friends called up asking 'what is cocktail attire?'. Many of my female friends had no idea about appropriate attire for a cocktail party.
Many asked me if the 'little black dress' suited the cocktail attire etiquette or would 'anything' more formal be alright? Well, the question 'what is cocktail attire' inspired me to write this article on cocktail attire for women.
I consulted my fashion designer friend, who gave me a very simple answer to this very confusing question of cocktail attire dress code.
Cocktail parties have become a major social event now-a-days. Corporates throw cocktail parties for their employees and their clients, the aristocratic and the big shots throw cocktail parties as socializing events and couples or their families give cocktail parties before or after their weddings.
The popular American cocktail parties are basically meant for festive occasions or business houses to strengthen the bonds between them and their clients.
Cocktails and dance, lighten up the mood of each and everyone present. The guest are served with various cocktails made of flavored ice drinks and liquor combination. These parties are hosted in afternoons or early evenings. This is one event where libation served encourages conversation and not inebriation.
It has become an unwritten law of attending these cocktail parties to be known as a part of the community and social circle. But this social call always sends your wardrobe into a tizzy.
The cocktail attire for men is basically a dark suit, with or without a tie. But it becomes a Herculean task for women to decide the appropriate attire for a cocktail party.
For women, cocktail parties mean more of a fund raising event, birthday party and even a business event. When you are asked to be present in a cocktail attire dress code, it is very important to strike a balance between a slightly formal yet more of informal look. Let us get into a little more detail about cocktail attire for women. Know more on men's clothing.
Cocktail Attire Dress Code
The cocktail attire definition for women are cocktail dresses that are usually short. A lovely short dress that is teamed up with high heels and glamorous accessories and jewelry is a suitable choice for cocktail attire etiquette. You can wear a black, navy blue, or vivid purple dress and match some gold jewelry or silver jewelry pieces.
The cocktail attire dress code that is out-of-fashion, is wearing knee length or longer dress and plunging necklines. Ladies today are not shy of wearing short, strapless dresses that ooze confidence and style.
You can wear a cocktail dress of solid color that is coordinated with a sparkling diamonds necklace or gemstone earrings. Add some spice to your appropriate cocktail dress with bracelets and beaded hair accessories.
Cocktail Attire Etiquette According to Season
It is very important to choose an appropriate attire for cocktail party that is in tandem with the current season. You don't want to end up shivering the whole evening or sweating the whole time by wearing a wrong cocktail party attire.
Choose wool and wool blends for fall and winter. You can wear satin, silk, rayon and fine-gauge knits for cocktail parties hosted in spring or summer. You can dress up the warm colored winter fabrics with appropriate jewelry, handbags, shoes, wraps and hairstyles and tone down the accessories when wearing lively and bright summer dresses.
Cocktail attire for women is basically wearing a short dress dark in color that is above, at or below the knee length. Appropriate attire for cocktail party also translates into wearing slacks and a blouse. You can wear a pair of trousers teamed up with a silk or satin blouse. Add some extra pizazz to this cocktail attire dress code by wearing a fitted blazer and pearl jewelry.
Appropriate attire for cocktail party that is more of an after-work party, asks for women to dress up in a black wool dress with stockings and pumps during fall or winter. During the summer or spring months, the cocktail party attire calls for strapless or spaghetti-strap dress along with a embroidered cardigan and sling back pumps. You can even try strappy sandals to enhance your summer look.
In case you need to attend a more casual after-work gathering, the cocktail attire dress code for the evening should be a wool skirt with a fitted turtle neck and leather flats during the winter months. A fine-knit twin-set, slim satin pants and low-heeled mules are perfect summer cocktail attire dress code.
When attending a weekend cocktail party, its time to let your hair loose and choose a flirty cocktail party attire. You can wear an A-line sun dress on a weekend afternoon cocktail party or an elegant ensemble to a weekend evening cocktail party. You can even try a satin or silk empire waist dress that has a velvet to silk shoulder strap.
This is all about the cocktail attire for women. Do not overdo or under-do your look for the evening. If you are going to the party with a date, boyfriend or husband, make sure you coordinate your dress with his cocktail attire for the event. Wear subtle make-up and an appropriate hairstyle. Look confident in whatever you wear and have a great time in the cocktail party.