If you are searching for what to wear to a semi-formal function or any event which mentions a co*cktail dress code, you, as a woman, would not have any difficulty as the market today is flooded with suitable dresses, which are called co*cktail dresses. But what makes a co*cktail attire special and different from all the other types of dresses available, and what makes a co*cktail dresscode different from all other dresscodes?
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What events are considered for co*cktail dresscode and attire?
The co*cktail dresscode is usually asked for occasions that call for a polished and refined appearance. Most of these functions are held in the evenings.
co*cktail parties: These are social gatherings with food and drinks.
Wedding ceremonies or receptions: A lot of wedding celebrations have a co*cktail dress code, particularly if they are held in the late afternoon or early evening.
Gala dinners: These include Charity events, fundraising galas, or formal dinners
Art gallery openings: For premier art events, clothing has to match the artistic and sophisticated ambiance.
Business receptions: Networking events, corporate parties, or professional gatherings.
Cruise parties: Evening events on cruises, such as co*cktail parties or formal dinners
What is a co*cktail dresscode?
A co*cktail dress code demands a dress that is not too formal but, yet, not too casual. It is not as sober as a formal dress code, but not casual for jeans and a t-shirt. So the co*cktail dress is just that – a semi-formal dress. A co*cktail dress needn’t be limited to a dress, though.
The co*cktail attire can include a nice suit set, or dressy and coordinated skirt and top, or a nice, elegant, knee-length dress made in a good quality luxurious fabric.
Dos and Don’ts in a co*cktail dress codes for females
Do choose a sober style for your co*cktail attire. A co*cktail dress can be in any style and may even be heavily embellished with beadwork, sequins, etc, or be as simple as a Little black dress with no other decoration than accessories. But it is better not to be too frivolous.
Do choose a dress in a midi length or knee length. Optimally, the length of the co*cktail dress should be kept at knee-length or a bit longer. This is an appropriate length for a lot of occasions, so a safe bet. For a more formal occasion, you can go in for a longer style.
co*cktail Attire
Midi length
A co*cktail attire for women should be longer than knee length.
Sober colors
It is better for co*cktail dresses to be of a sophisticated color like Navy blue or ivory or champaigne.
Need not be a dress
You can wear Dresses or nice colored suits, or well co-ordinated seperates in nice colors.
Choose black if you are in doubt
Black suits a lot of people. It is a classic and versatile color.
Do choose a dark and subtle color like navy, black and maroon or neutral colors like grey. But this is not a hard code. You can make it interesting using a bright color too.
BEST COlORS FOR YOUR co*ckTAIL DRESS CODE
Black
Navy
Maroon, Garnet, Burgundy
Emerald green
Champagne
Grey
Teal
Do accessorise with a stylish bag, and jewelry. Wearing a statement piece with a simple dress can make it look classy and elegant enough for a co*cktail dress code. Dressy sandals or heels will complete your co*cktail attire.
Do consider the kind of function you are attending before zeroing in on your co*cktail attire. The kind of co*cktail you can wear for your friend’s wedding or a cruise party or your office’s social dinner can vary slightly. For a formal office party with the co*cktail dress code you can go with a long gown. If you are unsure of the level of formality of the event, it is always best to err on the side of caution and choose a more formal dress.
Do consider the silhouette of your dress that suits your bodyshape rather than follow the trend of the moment. It is all about your confidence in a dress that carries you through a function and make you shine, than the dress itself.
Don’t wear mini skirts, ripped jeans (or any jeans for that matter), tube dresses, sweatpants (even if it is a designer one), if the dresscode is co*cktail attire.
A co*cktail event is a little less casual than a formal wear occasion like a black tie one. But if your co*cktail event is a little formal than the normal, a good suit jacket over a sleeveless dress can be appropriate.
How is a co*cktail dress code for wedding different from that of other functions?
Wedding functions usually have a co*cktail dress code and this dress code stipulates the attire to be more on the side of formal than semi-formal. One important thing to note is not to choose white or be more dazzling than the dress of the bride. Your aim is not to upstage the bride on the most important day of her life.
If you are a fashion designer, you might be interested in the evolution of co*cktail attire and co*cktail dresses.
History of co*cktail Dress
The origin of co*cktail dresses can be traced back to the early 20th century.
Women started to work; they started attending social events, especially the so-called co*cktail parties, organized by the companies to encourage the intermingling of their staff. These after-working-hours parties called for comfortable wear in which she could move around freely and the formal ankle-length evening gowns were not at all suitable. This called for a new style of dress which saw the birth of the co*cktail dress.
Another event that triggered the popularity of co*cktail dresses was the prohibition in America. There were many private parties and these events were attended by the modern women of the times in their dresses. You can read about how this change and how it affected women’s fashion here.
1920s co*cktail dresses were often fashioned after the Little Black Dress designed by Coco Chanel. They were short and simple, most often calf length, and made from luxury fabrics like silk or satin. The French made these popular when they traveled the world to spend their holidays in wealthy resorts. Soon designers across the world started fashioning their own styles of co*cktail dresses. They were often worn with matching hats, shoes, and gloves.
The 1930s saw longer co*cktail dresses and they were worn with costume jewelry or fashion jewelry which were inexpensive. Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, or brooches were often worn with co*cktail dresses.
The 1940s saw the hemline of co*cktail dresses rising up to knee length. The social etiquette of the time demanded these dresses to be worn with a hat and a pair of gloves.
It was in the 1940s that Christian Dior came up with the name ‘co*cktail dresses’ for his collection of dresses with a cinched waist and full skirt. This terminology attracted the co*cktail-loving Americans and the co*cktail party attendees.
The 1950s saw the height of co*cktail dresses. They had modest necklines and sleeves compared to their predecessors and came in a wide range of styles and colors. Early evening co*cktail parties had become a part of the societal culture and women played the roles of housewives, matrons and hostesses in these events. Thus a co*cktail dress became an essential part of any woman’s wardrobe.
The 1960s followed suit of 1950s and co*cktail hours were celebrated by all irrespective of social strata or income. There were etiquette’s to be followed by the hostess and the guests which kept changing with time and social groups. But one thing that never changed was the requirement of a co*cktail dress.
The popularity of co*cktail events and dresses saw a decline after the 1960s. Women took to the liberated fashions of palazzo pants and jumpsuits and these liberated clothes replaced the co*cktail dresses in social circles. But they still continue to exist even today.
The 21st-century co*cktail dresses are an ideal choice when you want to look formal yet casual and elegant yet comfortable. It fits any occasion which wants you to dress up but does not require an elaborate evening gown.
The styles of co*cktail dresses have changed and evolved with the times. One moment they may be form-fitting with a raised hemline and in the blink of an eye, the fashion may favor more flared styles with a cinched waist. But whatever the style, a well-made co*cktail dress, paired with high heels, and other appropriate accessories is sure to steal the show at any co*cktail party.
Related post : History of the Little black dress; Kinds of clothing; Different types of dresses ; What are the different dresscodes
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