Invite in hand, you’re scouring your mind for ideas on what to wear to a cocktail party. Can you wear a mini dress, or is that a fashion faux pas? Should you opt for something colourful or stick to neutral tones? There’s a lot to navigate when it comes to a cocktail dress code. Below, we look at the top four cocktail party silhouettes that will have you RSVP ready, no matter your style.
What to Wear to A Cocktail Party: On-trend and Up to Date
11 days ago
11 days ago
What Is Cocktail Attire?
Cocktail attire, which may also be referred to as semi-formal attire, is the dress code you’ll often come across for weddings, evening functions, and parties. When you’re deciding what to wear to a cocktail party, it’s important to remember a few things.
Firstly, think about the length. So, what length should cocktail dresses be? They’re generally mid-length, meaning they should not fall above the knee or below the ankle. Personally i would keep the floor-length gowns for more black-tie or formal dress codes. While it’s long been suggested that mini dresses are best left for more casual events, they can also be worn as cocktail dresses in some settings, which will be outlinted further in the article.
Secondly, keep necklines in mind. For cocktail events, you’ll want to avoid anything with a plunging neckline or too many cut-outs. It can be helpful to ask yourself: would I comfortably wear this in front of my boss or my grandparents? If the answer is no, then let's consier some other options.
Let's take a closer look at four cocktail party silhouettes and share the styling tips that will have you feeling as great as you look.
The Midi Dress
This is the fool-proof cocktail party silhouette dress.
If you’re off to a wedding or birthday party with a cocktail dress code, you could look to a midi dress with trending features such as cut-outs and side-split hems. Bright colours are best suited for weddings that start during the day, birthday parties in the evening or are dependent on the season in which the event takes place.
If your cocktail party is work-related, it’s best to stick to a more structured simple silhouette. A chic off-shoulder design will work well, as will styles that are slightly more fitted in the body. Opt for styles in neutral hues for a polished and sophisticated look.
For special cocktail events such as functions or fundraisers, you could look to a style with a statement feature such as an oversized bow or draped skirt. These unexpected features can help to keep your outfit feeling fun and fresh while remaining respectful of the dress code.
House of CB Marci Pleated Midi Corset Dress
The House of CB Marci Midi is a new arrival to Dress for a Night. The structured bones bodice is form fitting to the body and gives you a nice shape, however is not too tight to make you uncomfortable. The perfect midi length for a cocktail occcasion, paired with a pleated skirt makes a stunning option for your next cocktail event. Pair with a gorgeous statment earring to make the dress pop!
Leo Lin Annie Midi Dress
This gorgeous midi dress is the colour of the season! The Leo Lin Annie Midi is the perfect outfit for your next cocktail event. This beautiful terracotta dress is fitted with a structured bodice for a nice fit, the a line structure of the skirt is a classy and elegant touch that is appropriate for any cocktail attire! Match with a simple bag to complete your next look.
Aje Victoria Gown
The Aje Victoria Gown in Wild Hydrangea is a gorgeous tiered floral gown. This dress features an a-line silhouette with a simple sweetheart neckline, boned bodice and bright floral pattern. A stunning fun and flirty style that makes the cocktail outfit during the warmer seasons.
Rebecca Vallance Calla V-Wire Midi Dress
The Rebecca Vallance Calla V Wire Midi Dress is a sophisticated style made from a thick structured crepe. This cocktail midi dress has a fit and flare silhouette, v-wire neckline and thick supportive straps. A super elegant design that is comfortable and easy to wear which will have you feeling amazing for events such as date nights, a day at the races and cocktail parties. A versatile design that can be dressed up or down to suit the occasion.
Manning Cartell Double Time Pleat Dress
The Manning Cartell Double Time Pleat Dress in black and nougat is a stunning cocktail dress that effortlessly blends elegance with modern style. This dress features a refined corset-style bustier top, beautifully accentuated by a sweetheart neckline and sophisticated pleats that flow seamlessly into a maxi skirt. The luxurious fabric is complemented by a subtle side split, adding a touch of allure while ensuring ease of movement. Finished with gold hardware detailing, this dress is perfect for any formal occasion, from cocktail parties to black-tie events. Whether you're dancing the night away or mingling with guests, the Double Time Pleat Dress is sure to make an elegant statement.
Aje Soundscape Dress
The Aje Soundscape Dress is a breathtaking cocktail dress that epitomizes elegance and sophistication. Featuring a strapless neckline, this dress is designed with a fitted bodice that includes internal boning for structure and support. The standout feature is the horizontal organza frills that cascade down the voluminous skirt, adding a playful yet refined texture. A gorgeous choice in its Seabeeze Blue colour. Perfect for a cocktail party or evening gala, this maxi dress combines modern design with a timeless silhouette, making it a versatile choice for various formal occasions
House of CB Marcella Dress
The House of CB Marcella Dress is a stunning cocktail dress that exudes elegance and femininity. This pleated maxi dress, crafted from a luxurious georgette fabric, features intricate shell-shaped pleats that beautifully accentuate the décolletage and create a striking silhouette. The structured bodice is boned to cinch the waist, ensuring a flattering fit, while the flowing skirt adds a romantic touch as it moves with you
Perfect for a variety of occasions, from chic dinner parties to glamorous weddings, the Marcella Dress is designed to make a statement. Its versatility allows you to style it with delicate jewelry for an unforgettable look
Odd Muse Ultimate Muse High Waist Square Neck Midi Dress
The Odd Muse Ultimate Muse High Waist Square Neck Midi Dress is a captivating cocktail dress that blends timeless elegance with modern design. This stunning dress features a flattering square neckline and is tailored with built-in cups for added support and shaping, ensuring a sophisticated silhouette. Perfect for cocktail parties or special occasions, the Ultimate Muse dress boasts a high waist that accentuates the figure.
Aje Serendipity Reflection Midi Dress
The Aje Serendipity Reflection Midi Dress is a mid-length dress with a corset inspired waist, made from a glossy linen material. Made mostly from linen, it is extremely comfortable and in colours blush, champagne and navy. This style is perfect for those who want more coverage in a cocktail dress. This elegant dress can be dressed down with sandals for a more semi-formal look to your next garden party as a wedding guest, or with small heels to a cocktail party event.
Alemais Dana Midi Dress
The Alemais Dana Midi Dress in marigold is a classic midi dress that is crafted from a luxurious fabric with a sublte shine. This gorgeous dress features a tailored bodice and adjustable back tie. The voluminous skirt adds a timeless elegance. We think this style is perfect for cocktail events and will have you feeling comfortable for a long day at the races. Elevate your look with this stunning piece.
Rebecca Vallance Bon Ami Puff Sleeve Midi Dress
The Rebecca Vallance Bon Ami Puff Sleeve Midi Dress is a gorgeous mid-length cocktail dress in a dark navy blue. Made from a luxurious textured crepe, this dress is designed with an elegant puff sleeve and a flattering fitted bodice. The feminine silhouette is further enhanced with a flattering pencil midi skirt. Featuring a signature bow on the shoulder, this dress screams class and sophistication.
The Suit
If cocktail dresses aren’t your thing, or if you’re after a different take on formal styling, a blazer and pants combo is a great alternative. Not only are suits chic and sophisticated, they also provide a comfort factor that is — let’s face it — missing with cocktail dresses.
We love double-breasted blazers paired with either wide-leg pants or cropped trousers. Fitted suits generally deliver a more polished look, but you could also dress up an oversized suit with strappy heels, a low bun, and dangling earrings.
As for colour palettes, a vibrant colour should be styled back with black or nude heels and delicate jewellery. If you’re opting for a suit in a neutral tone, you can play around with colourful accessories. Think white suit paired with a tangerine coloured clutch and matching heels.
Rebecca Vallance Clara Pants suit
The Rebecca Vallance Clara Pants Suit is a striking blazer and pants suit, made for the cooler months. Featuring dreamy star buttons and shoulder pads, this suit will make a statement at your next cocktail event. This elegant suit will have you feeling sophisticated and confident which is all you want in an outfit.
The Mini Dress
As we mentioned earlier, mini dresses have traditionally been thought of as a no-go at cocktail events. However, we respectfully disagree - in some cases. If you’re heading to a work event, business function, or evening wedding, it’s best to stick to the ‘below the knee but above the ankle’ rule. However, if you’re off to a birthday party or daytime wedding, a mini dress can work perfectly.
We suggest looking at styles that hit anywhere from the mid-thigh to just above the knee. Styles that cut away at the upper thigh are best left for a girl’s night out. If you’re opting for a mini dress, avoid form-fitting designs. Instead, opt for floaty or ruffled hems for a more cocktail-appropriate look. For an on-trend finish, we love exaggerated puff sleeves and high necklines.
Mini dresses in dynamic prints and bright colours are best styled with understated makeup and accessories.
Odd Muse Ultimate Cap Sleeve Mini Dress
The Odd Muse Ultimate Cap Sleeve Mini Dress is a must-have for a cocktail party. This dress features a high neck, cinched waist and cap sleeve design. The most chic and versatile style that gives the ultimate silhouette. The perfect classic mini dress that can be styled in every which way. This cocktail mini dress will have all eyes on you, is super comfortable and easy to wear which is why we know you will fall in love with this style.
Eliya The Label Kayla Dress
The Eliya The Label Kayla Dress is a stunning white mini dress that is perfect for a cocktail party event. Featuring a well-defined and fitted corset bodice that cascades into a full mini skirt adorned with pearl embellishments in the seams, this dress exudes class and elegance. With removable sleeves, this dress makes a versatile style for a cocktail party and can be styled in many ways to suit the occasion. Stand out in this beautifully sophistcated style for a cocktail party, or anything bridal.
Odd Muse Ultimate Muse Pearl Dress
The Odd Muse Ultimate Muse Pearl Dress is a gorgeous long sleeve black mini dress. If elegance were a dress, she would be it. With a dramatic square neck line that features a pearl trim from front to back, a tight fitted bodice that flares into a full skirt, this dress gives a flattering silhouette. Guaranteed to make you feel amazing, this cocktail mini dress is the perfect style for those who love simple designs with a unique twist.
The Jumpsuit
For a contemporary look, slip into a jumpsuit. Jumpsuits usually offer full coverage, making most styles appropriate for a cocktail event. Jumpsuits provide a level of comfort, so you’ll be dancing the night away with ease.
A sleek sequinned style is ideal for birthday parties, weddings, and functions with friends, while a printed boilersuit is best suited to work or late-afternoon events. A jumpsuit will pair effortlessly with mules and a clutch. To elevate the look further, opt for a neat ponytail or slicked-back hairstyle and add a bold lip colour.
Nookie Fantasy Jumpsuit
The Nookie Fantasy Jumpsuit is the perfect outfit to make a statement. Crafted from a dazzling striped stretch sequin, this halter style jumpsuit will have all eyes on you. Featuring a wide leg, this 70's jumpsuit is perfect for a disco themed party, but we also love this jumpsuit as a wedding guest outfit. This jumpsuit is extremely comfortable and flattering which is all that you want in a cocktail outfit. If you are wanting to make a statement at your next event, this style is for you.
Nookie Treasure Jumpsuit
The Nookie Treasure Jumpsuit is a show-stopping one shoulder black jumpsuit that features a flattering shoulder pad detail and wide leg for an edgy look. This gorgeous evening jumpsuit exudes elegance as it is crafted from a stretch sequin designed to hug your body and provide the most flattering silhouette. This jumpsuit is perfect for parties, birthdays and black tie events as it can be accessorised anyway to be dressed up or down.
Looking for Accessories?
If you are looking to spice up your outfit you have come to the right place! Dress for a Night now sells gorgeous 18k gold plated Jewellery with a great price tag. As shown above we have also started hiring out designer bags aswell! With a large collection of bags available you are sure to find your perfect fit for your next event!
Finding Your Fit
Whether you’re heading to a wedding or work function, it’s important that you feel good in your outfit. The tricky thing about cocktail dresses? They can carry a hefty price tag, and, let’s be honest, are more often than not worn once before being shoved to the back of the wardrobe. Why not save your dollars and maximise wardrobe space by hiring an outfit? If you choose to hire instead of buy, you’re also shopping in a way that’s better for the environment. So, the benefits are threefold.
Now that you know what you’re looking for, it’s time to start shopping. You can explore our beautiful cocktail items available for hire here, or discover our full range of dresses and formalwear here.
DFAN Tip: We have just added a personal styling appointment at our North Sydney Boutique, for $84.99 we will reserve two items of your choice for you to try during your appointment You'll receive a gift bag valued at $119 and a $20 cashback. If you thought it couldn’t get any better. It can. Further inclusions are;
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Boob tape
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Fashion tape
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One piece of 18k Gold Jewellery (your choice)
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Tim Tam treat
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