Chiara Boni's signature stretch fabric provides a flatter, subtly slimming fit—in this case, accented by a dynamic gathered ...

You would not, for example, wear the same look to a family member’s daytime beach wedding as your company’s holiday party, despite both having “cocktail attire” dress codes.

It’s peak wedding season and you’ve received your first (of probably many) invitations requesting formal wedding attire.

The 'cocktail' dress code originated in the 1920s, when women began enjoying more freedoms, and a dress code became necessary for the many soirées on the Roaring Twenties' agenda.

When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.

From the little black dress to tailored suits, shop expert and editors’ picks for the best cocktail attire to wear in 2025. ... “Less is more when the dress code calls for cocktail attire.

This guide decodes every dress code from black tie to beach casual so you can dress for any wedding with confidence and style. ... Cocktail attire means semi-formal yet celebratory.

Business formal is a dress code that can feel overwhelming. ... Paisley, plaid, and other wild patterns are best suited for the cocktail attire dress code. The tie.

Semi-Formal & Cocktail Wedding Dress Codes What it means: While “semi-formal dress is surprisingly less formal than cocktail attire,” per Sabatino, there isn’t too much of a difference.

I’ve been shopping for my friend’s upcoming black-tie ceremony, which means I’ve done all the research so you don’t have to.

Since that kind of situation is rare, it's safer to think of jeans as an overarching no for semi-formal dress codes. Can women wear slacks to a semi-formal event? Absolutely.

If the party starts at 6 p.m. (with a cocktail hour), a woman can wear a more formal cocktail dress. If after 8 p.m., a long dress is preferred. Black Tie Optional/Black Tie Preferred/Black Tie ...