If you’re planning a wedding, you might already have in your head the perfect vision of what you want your guests to wear. Or, you might be feeling a bit lost with all of the specific names for the different types of dress.
Similarly, if you’ve been invited to a wedding where the dress code is cocktail attire, you might be curious as to what exactly is being asked of you. Luckily, in this guide, we cover everything, from what cocktail attire is to how to wear it to a wedding, and we even give you some style tips for when you’re ready to start looking for your outfit.
What Is Cocktail Attire for a Wedding?
Before we discuss cocktail attire for a wedding, we first need to cover what cocktail attire actually is. Cocktail attire is a dress code that sits between casual and formal, meaning that an occasion that has a dress code of cocktail attire is not one that you can turn up to in a t-shirt and jeans, but likewise, there’s no expectation for you to go out.
The vibe of a wedding that asks for cocktail attire is most likely to be one where the expectation is that you arrive in something that looks nice but won’t be so extravagant that it restricts you from having a good time, especially on the dance floor!
Some of the typical clothing choices that you can expect to see at a wedding that calls for cocktail attire are mid-length dresses and suits that don’t necessarily need to be accompanied by a tie.
If you’re looking for some examples of cocktail attire for a wedding or are wanting to start shopping already, we recommend Sherri Hill’s selection of cocktail dresses, as they show that there’s a wide variety of dresses on the market that fit everyone’s style.
How to Style Cocktail Attire for a Wedding
Now that we have a better understanding of what cocktail attire is, we can break down some of the best ways to style for a cocktail attire wedding. Here’s a breakdown of some of the things that you should consider when dressing for cocktail attire:
What Shoes to Wear?
As cocktail attire is semi-formal, you do have some leniency in what shoes you can wear. If you’re choosing to wear heels, strappy heels can be a good choice, as wearing heels almost always helps to elevate a look into appearing more formal, but a strappy heel is a good casual choice.
You can also opt for a block heel shoe, especially if the wedding is taking place outdoors, for its added stability. If you aren’t looking for heels, leather loafers are a good choice for both cocktail-attire weddings and weddings with a more formal dress code.
Layering for the Season
Making sure that you have enough, or not too many, layers for a wedding is always important, especially if you’re going to an outdoor wedding. There are lots of ways that you can add a layer that’s still in line with the cocktail attire dress code, such as bringing a blazer along with you that matches the color of your dress or wearing a small shawl.
As long as your choice isn’t too casual, like a hoodie, you should be ok wearing a layer or two to a cocktail attire wedding.
Accessorising
If you want to make your look appear more cohesive, accessorizing is always a great choice. If you’re worried your outfit doesn’t appear as formal as you would like, you can accompany it with some more extravagant jewelry. Likewise, if jewelry isn’t your thing, there’s little pressure to wear any with a cocktail attire dress code.
Final Thoughts: So, What Is Cocktail Attire for a Wedding?
To summarise, cocktail attire is a dress code that calls for something that is fun and less elevated than other dress codes, but still expects a level of formality that rules out overly casual clothing choices.
The great thing about cocktail attire is that, because it’s so open, you can really find something that fits your personal style. Don’t be afraid to wear something that makes you feel best when you’re invited to a cocktail attire wedding!
