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Wedding season is in full swing, and it truly seems busier with each passing year. Once you officially send out your RSVPs, it's time to tackle the biggest challenge: figuring out what to wear to a wedding. With all the different dress codes out there, figuring out what exactly "coastal chic" and "formal garden party" means can feel like, well, deciphering a literal code. Luckily, cocktail attire for a wedding tends to be the most straightforward out of the bunch!
That doesn’t mean you don't have questions (unless you’re fancy and go to cocktail parties all the time, in which case, slay). Basically, think nice attire for a formal occasion, but no need to wear a long gown. And while it's better to be overdressed than under, there is such thing as being too dressy—so keep reading for everything you need to know to look second best to the bride while feeling comfortable enough to dance 'til the party shuts down, along with dos and don’ts of cocktail attire.
Psst: We also have more seasonal inspo for spring, winter, and fall weddings, too!
What does cocktail attire mean on an invitation?
Think of this dress code as a happy medium between semi-formal (slightly dressier than office attire) and formal (gowns). It’s more elevated than semi, but less fancy than formal. Make sense?
In terms of outfits, you can opt for a mini, knee-length, or midi dress and definitely let the venue guide your outfit choice. If it’s in Cape Cod, for instance, you can lean beachy while still looking dressed up or if it’s in a botanical garden, you can opt for a midi sundress in bright hues to channel the surrounding flowers. You can be creative while meeting a dress code, trust me. That’s what makes outfit planning fun!
Are cocktail attire dresses long or short?
Cocktail attire dresses usually lean shorter, but that’s not to say you can’t wear a maxi dress. Full-length gowns tend to be reserved for black-tie affairs, but if you find a longer dress that feels like it’s one step below a gown, you also don’t have to rule it out. One that has a midi or high-low hemline is a good in-between! It goes back to the invite where you need to take the venue, time of day, and theme of the wedding all into consideration.
If you’re truly on the fence, you can always reach out to the bride or someone in the bridal party to confirm if your look will fit. There’s nothing wrong with open communication, people!
Do I have to wear a dress?
Just because the invite says cocktail, doesn’t mean you actually have to wear a cocktail dress. You can also go with a chic jumpsuit, a suit and blazer, or a dressy skirt and a top if you don’t want to wear a dress. There are plenty of options as long as your outfit fits the level of fanciness required for the event.
If you go down any of these alternate routes, play with more luxe fabrics and textures like silk, velvet, sequins, or pleats to avoid any chance that your look leans too casual!
Can I wear flats?
Yes, you can totally wear flats. Just make sure the flats you’re thinking of aren’t, like, casual beach slides. Closed-toe or peep-toe flats would be a great fit for a cocktail wedding if they look elevated enough. A simple patent leather pair in a solid color will keep the spotlight on your dress, or you can opt for ones with embellishments or rhinestones to jazz things up a bit.
Even if you really want to show off that pedicure, try to veer away from flat sandals. That silhouette would be more suited for a semi-formal or garden casual kind of wedding.
What is not acceptable for cocktail attire?
Hate to say it, but anything that your mother might disapprove of is a good indicator of what not to wear, like super distressed fabrics, rips, or holes. Jeans, shorts, flip-flops, athletic attire, and anything super risqué would be best left at home, too, especially if the wedding is taking place in a place of worship. Oh, and no white!
Does cocktail wedding attire change based on the season?
Cocktail wedding attire can change depending on the season, and even the time of day! As a general tip, daytime weddings tend to veer more casual on the cocktail attire spectrum than evening ones, so do with that information what you will.
For spring and summer think floral prints and bold hues, whereas for fall and winter, you can opt for velvet, metallics, sparkles, and rich jewel tones. And when in doubt, a classic LBD will never do you wrong, no matter what time of year!
What accessories should I wear to a cocktail attire wedding?
The right accessories can elevate your outfit to a whole new level. Evening clutches are a great starting point for bags. Many are on the smaller side, but if you just carry around your phone, wallet, keys, and maybe a lipstick for touch-ups, you don’t need too much space anyways.
Crossbody bags are also welcome, but leave the casual satchels and slings behind. Something with a chain strap or thin strap and structured shape will match the dress code nicely. Feel free to add some sparkle with statement earrings, necklaces, bracelets, or rings, too!
I'm Cosmopolitan's Associate Fashion Editor and write about any and all trends, major celeb fashion moments, and why wide-leg jeans are basically the best. I originally moved to New York City to audition for RENT, only to find out that the play closed 10 years ago.
