Source: iStock.com/LightFieldStudios
If your idea of "cocktail attire" involves an actual cocktail, you're almost there. This popular dress code is a popular choice for women attending formal-ish weddings—many of which likely include fancy drinks!
When receiving a wedding invite with a cocktail attire dress code, the key to nailing it is thinking elegant but comfortable (and browsing ThredUp). Read on to learn more about perfecting this dress code.
Cocktail attire hits the sweet spot between fancy and relaxed. This dress code is a go-to for late afternoon and evening occasions that require a special outfit without being over the top. When you receive an invite with this specification, you can have some fun as long as you keep it classy—a knee-length party dress often meets the assignment.
Conversely, if the invite states "formal," that's your cue to dress up a bit more. This guideline leans more toward structured outfits, with less of the playfulness seen in cocktail attire. A tailored jumpsuit with heels is an excellent formal outfit.
Unlike the ultra-formal nature of black-tie weddings, where gowns, bow ties, pocket squares, and tuxedos are required, cocktail attire events are flexible. From midi skirts to slip dresses to tailored separates, the goal is to look and feel chic without being too formal. And you can wear a cocktail dress—typically black and hitting around the knee—but it’s not necessary.
A cocktail attire wedding dress code offers you the chance to play with fun, semi-formal looks that still suit the occasion. Here are 12 dos and don’ts so you nail the look.
Cocktail attire at a wedding is fun without being too formal. Skip the floor-length gowns—better suited for black-tie events—and wear a midi dress instead, which looks polished without being too uptight. Choose one in your favorite color or in basic black (yes, you can wear black to weddings).
This dress length keeps you comfortable while eating, socializing, and dancing. Add something special to your look with a fitted waist or ruffled hem.
Cocktail wedding attire means jeans and casual pants are a no-go. A wedding calls for something more refined, so wear sleek trousers instead and stay comfortable all night.
We recommend choosing a fitted style in a fabric like satin. It’s just dressy enough, especially when paired with a statement top or a fitted dress shirt and low heels.
Less is more when it comes to accessories. While wearing several of your favorite bracelets, rings, and necklaces can be tempting to dress up a more toned down outfit, choose one statement piece of jewelry for a classier look. This might be a metallic clutch, dangly earrings, or a chunky necklace—whatever you choose, let your accessories enhance your clothing instead of drawing attention from it.
While cocktail attire is typically an invitation to play with color and styles, avoid overly loud prints at weddings. Loud prints can be distracting—the last thing you want to do is steal the bride's thunder.
If you want to wear a bold color, try a classic shade like navy, emerald, or burgundy. And if a print is more your style, subtle florals or polka dots will go over well. This keeps your look elegant while still showcasing your personal style.
The classic short, tight black cocktail dress might be too casual for a wedding—but you can still show more skin than at a formal dress code event. Find a good balance, perhaps wearing a low neckline with a longer hem or a higher, Hepburn-style neckline with a shorter skirt.
Nothing ruins a stunning outfit faster than wrinkles. Avoid this by using an iron (or a steamer, which reduces the risk of ruining your clothes) to ensure your dress, jacket, or jumpsuit looks its best. Wrinkle-free clothing goes a long way toward looking put-together for a cocktail attire wedding.
Oversized bags might weigh down the sleekness of a cocktail-attire look. While a large tote is appropriate for the office or weekend brunch, it's too casual for weddings.
Still, you should wear a small purse filled with necessities like chapstick, deodorant, and hair pins—you never know how rowdy the dance floor might be!
You might think casual shoes are your best bet at nailing a semi-formal dress code, but weddings are never the place for sneakers or flip-flops. Pair your cocktail attire with fancier choices like strappy heels, heeled mules, and embellished sandals. And if you wear something menswear-inspired, like a pantsuit, dress shoes like loafers pair perfectly.
The cocktail attire dress code might mean there are more mix-and-match outfits versus a classic formal gown. But keep your fabrics consistent so the overall look is sleek and cohesive. For instance, instead of wearing satin, velvet, and leather in one outfit—which might look disharmonious—wear silk pants with a lace top because these fabrics complement one another.
It’s also best practice to lean toward more formal fabrics for weddings, even if the dress code is semi-formal. Consider reaching for silk, satin, and linen for a richer finished look.
The term “cocktail attire” is often associated with going out for drinks—but keep the wedding venue in mind when choosing your clothing. For example, a sleek dress or elegant pantsuit is appropriate if the wedding is at an urban rooftop restaurant. And if the nuptials are outside in a garden, a flowy midi dress in a light fabric works well. But no matter the venue, avoid maxi dresses, as this cut is too long to suit a cocktail attire event.
Like you’re matching the venue, you also need to consider the season—wearing a velvet or suede dress in a moody color might look out of place if you're going to a summer wedding. Similarly, a lightweight chiffon or linen skirt might not suit the vibe if you're heading to a winter event.
And it’s not just about matching the vibe—you want to be comfortable, too. Wear heavier, warmer fabrics in the cooler seasons and lightweight, breathable ones in summer.
For cocktail attire weddings, you don’t need to go all out with your hair and makeup—now’s a great time to create a look that’s more casual and comfortable (so no need to get professional help). Still, polish yourself up with a nice blowout or messy bun and a classy makeup look, and you can even be more creative with winged eyeliner or bold red lipstick—something you might leave off if going to a highly formal event.
Cocktail attire is a great choice for weddings—you get to show off your personal style while staying comfortable and classy. No matter the outfit you want to put together, you can find what you need on ThredUp.
ThredUp is the perfect place to thrift designer outfits for an upcoming wedding. Make room for your new ’fits by selling preloved clothes on our website, then enjoy thrifting from an extensive selection of secondhand options. We have a wide range of brands, styles, and sizes at price points that suit every budget—so you can dress to impress without breaking the bank.
ThredUp's Improved Search and Style Chat features make it easy to narrow down your options. Visualize your complete outfit, and get personalized recommendations before the big event.
