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Dress code

Cocktail attire: what to wear

Dressier than business, less formal than black tie: a suit and tie, or a knee-to-midi dress or elegant separates.

When you'll see it: Evening parties, many weddings, receptions and launches. Semi-formal means the same in practice.

Decoded

What to wear, and what not to

Wear

  • ✓A knee-to-midi dress: slip, wrap or tailored
  • ✓Or dressy separates: silk top with tailored trousers or a midi skirt
  • ✓Heels, dressy flats or elegant sandals
  • ✓A small bag and one statement piece

Avoid

  • ✕Floor-length gowns (too formal)
  • ✕Casual day dresses
  • ✕Very casual shoes

Outfits

Cocktail attire outfits

Outfits at cocktail attire level of formality.

Tap a colour dot on a card to swap that piece; only colours that still work are offered.

Business · Tonal

Black with black is a classic, unbroken line; vary textures (leather, knit, satin) so it doesn't flatten.

Business · Tonal

  • black slip dressShop
  • black ankle bootsShop

Black with black is a classic, unbroken line; vary textures (leather, knit, satin) so it doesn't flatten.

Business · Tonal

Black with black is a classic, unbroken line; vary textures (leather, knit, satin) so it doesn't flatten.

Business · Layered

  • black blazerShop
  • black blouseShop
  • black pleated trousersShop
  • black ballet flatsShop

Black with black is a classic, unbroken line; vary textures (leather, knit, satin) so it doesn't flatten.

Business · All-neutral

  • cream slip dressShop
  • black ankle bootsShop

Two neutrals with clear contrast: cream and black always sit well together.

Business · All-neutral

  • cream slip dressShop
  • brown chelsea bootsShop

Two neutrals with clear contrast: cream and brown always sit well together.

Questions

Quick answers

Is semi-formal the same as cocktail?

In practice, yes: a suit and tie, or a knee-to-midi dress or dressy separates.

Can I wear trousers to a cocktail party?

Yes: tailored trousers with a silk top or a smart jacket are cocktail attire.

Do men need a tie for cocktail attire?

Usually yes. Some relaxed cocktail events allow an open collar with a suit, but a tie is the safe choice.

Keep going

Other dress codes

Verdicts and outfits come from published colour and dress-code rules, not paid placement; garment images are AI-generated illustrations of generic pieces. How we decide