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Cocktail attire dress code: exactly what to wear (and what to avoid)
Mar 15, 2025
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Cocktail dress code isn’t one of the traditional old school dress codes, like black tie, morning dress (which is the official Ascot dress code) or smart casual but it is one of the most fun and the dress code that you can be most creative with.
Although that freedom can sometimes leave you confused. So if you have any questions about the cocktail dress code, read on for GLAMOUR’s definitive guide of what to wear (and what you should avoid…).
What is cocktail attire?
If you receive an invitation with cocktail attire noted as the dress code, don’t panic. It’s likely to be an evening event where you are expected to be extra and amp up the glamour from your usual daytime fits and workwear looks. Depending on the venue, it could mean something as casual as a blazer thrown over a top and trousers, or as formal as to actually require a cocktail dress (more on that below).
It’s not as formal as the black tie dress code, obviously, which usually implies the event will be a ball or in an extravagant venue and suitably serious. In contrast, cocktail parties are meant to be fun! Men might wear a tuxedo or suit, but equally a slick shirt and trouser combo is fine in a dressy fabric. Cocktail dresses are the no-brainer solution for this kind of event but don't limit yourself to just thinking of dresses…
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