Cocktail parties are usually scheduled for 16-17 hours. Such events are held in a less formal format than, for example, social receptions. Therefore, the appearance of guests can be more free and relaxed.
Most often, presentations, exhibitions, and openings of cultural institutions are held in the cocktail format. Invitations to such events usually indicate the dress code – “cocktail”. Some prefer to write it in Latin: Coctail or Coctail Attire.
Historical reference
The concept of “dress code” originated in Great Britain. The word dress-code literally translates as “clothing code.” The British have always highly respected traditions; for them, the appearance of event guests is very important.
But the concept of a “cocktail” dress code appeared in the States. During the heyday of Prohibition, non-alcoholic private parties became popular. Guests often stayed at the holiday until dawn. And so that the girls would not have problems with the police, it was decided to dress in elegant, but short dresses. An outfit like this could easily be hidden under a cloak or coat.
The history of the cocktail dress itself began in the 20s of the twentieth century. This was due to the growing popularity of the twist dance, during which a lady could become entangled in the fluttering hem of her dress. It was much more convenient to dance in clothes with a shortened hem. The bodice remained the same.
The most iconic and popular type of women's cocktail attire, both in those days and today, is considered the little black dress.
At first, the rules of the cocktail dress code were quite strict. It was believed that the outfit must certainly be plain and have a closed top. For men, only formal business suits, black and brown, were allowed.
Today's designers have moved a little away from classical dogmas. Quite a wide scope opens up for modern fashionistas.
Dress code. What to wear to fit in
author of the article: Alexey Babushkin, networking expert, business coach
The dress code for events, indicated in the invitation or on the organizer’s website, drives many into a stupor. The eternal female question “What to wear” begins to excite even the male brain. Of course, some come to listen to the opera in jeans, and wear a smart dress to a business meeting and feel quite comfortable. They don't care about the opinions of others. Free morals, the absence of complexes and stereotypes of behavior are frequent justifications for such actions. To avoid embarrassment for guests, some organizers do not specifically specify a dress code or indicate it with reservations, softening the rules. Nevertheless, we will understand the intricacies of the dress code, if, suddenly, you are to receive an invitation issued in accordance with all the rules of business etiquette. What to wear if it says Black Tie, White Tie or A5C?
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What happens at such events?
A cocktail dress code is required for various occasions. Most often, it is appropriate for formal events, when an expensive business suit may look strange, and a tuxedo may be too pretentious. For example, an invitation marked Coctail Attire can be received for the following events:
- festive corporate banquet (including in Swedish format);
- family celebration with a large number of guests;
- dinner party;
- book presentation;
- opening of an exhibition, gallery, new restaurant;
- celebration of the conclusion of a contract, professional holiday, important event in the life of the company.
In most cases, cocktail parties are held indoors. But in the warm season, for example, the outdoor terrace of a restaurant can be chosen as a celebration place.
There are three formats of cocktail parties, and the dress code for them varies slightly. Let's look at it in detail.
Business party
This category includes corporate parties or business negotiations with counterparties in a restaurant.
In such cases, there is a rather strict “cocktail” dress code. Ladies are advised to choose a simple, simple cut dress without a neckline. Excessive decor such as puffy coattails on the sleeves, frills and lace inserts is not suitable for such cases. But the basque that is relevant today is quite acceptable.
Massive jewelry is also not welcome; it is better to choose simple earrings or a brooch. Shoes should be formal; classic pumps are the best choice.
It is better for a man to dress in a strict black, brown or dark blue suit, classic shoes and a plain light shirt. A tie is a must.
Classics of the genre
This category includes any cocktail event starting before 9 pm. We apply a relaxed dress code. You can wear a bright dress with bare shoulders and open arms. It is advisable that the skirt be 10 cm below or above the knees. You can wear open-toe sandals or unusual heels.
As for the choice of jewelry, you should give preference to expensive jewelry or not too massive jewelry with natural stones. But it’s better to save jewelry with diamonds or massive gold elements for another occasion.
For a man, cufflinks and expensive watches are acceptable and even desirable. But you don’t have to wear a tie.
"Cocktail" rules
This dress code includes certain requirements that must be observed by both men and women. If we take men into account, they are recommended to wear classic suits in exclusively dark shades.
The most popular suits are blue and black. You can wear ties in bright colors. Women should wear special cocktail dresses to such events.
Recommendations for ladies
Stylists' advice will help anyone who has received an invitation to an event marked “cocktail dress code.”
Photos of women dressed in cocktail party style help to once again see how wide the choice of outfit is.
When making a decision, consider your body shape. Today, light retro is in fashion, reminiscent of the 20-30s of the last century. Lace and guipure inserts look very elegant, but there should be a lining underneath them.
If you are lost and cannot decide, make a win-win move - give preference to a little black dress. This advice will probably remain relevant many decades from now. The handbag is very important. A theatrical model with a thin strap or a clutch will do. The bag can be richly decorated with embroidery, beads, and rhinestones. Bulky models are completely unsuitable for cocktail looks.
How to behave at a cocktail party?
It must be remembered that it is not clothes that make a person. The main principle is the correct holding of the event in compliance with all the rules, as well as the positive attitude of those present. Nowadays, as in past years, the true and sincere adornment of any person is a smile.
What is possible: talk in halftones, joke, laugh quietly, enjoy drinks and snacks in a civilized manner, dance, if this is planned by the owners.
What is not allowed: shouting, swearing, laughing loudly, bringing up political, religious or racial issues in conversation.
What not to do
The cocktail dress code for women does not allow a combination of a white blouse with a black skirt. In this outfit, the guest will look more like a waitress.
A skirt that is too short and a revealing neckline cheapens the look. Ladies over forty should avoid dresses above the knee. Particular care should be taken with floor-length skirts, especially full ones.
If the dress has open shoulders, there should not be deep necklines or mini lengths. Lingerie-style outfits are popular again, but at a cocktail party that takes place in the cold season, they have no place, as well as overly sparkling clothes.
There should be no more than three decorations. A bracelet, a small pendant on a thin chain and simple earrings are a great option. If you prefer a statement necklace, you should avoid other accessories (the only exception is a wedding ring). There is another unusual option - the so-called cocktail ring with a large stone. No additions are needed to it.
Cocktail dress code for men
What should a gentleman wear? Today, in cocktail fashion, along with classic plain ones, pinstripe suits are acceptable. In this case, the shirt should be plain. But if we are talking about a reception in high society, such freedom is unacceptable.
The choice of accessories is also regulated by the rules of the “cocktail” dress code for men. The photographs of elegant gentlemen in the illustrations show that although the choice is not too wide, it is the details that make the image. The main requirement is that they must be of very high quality.
In order not to experience difficulties, you can pay attention to ready-made solutions. Today, many brands offer sets of cufflinks, watches and tie pins that perfectly match each other.
Some stylists recommend hats. The cocktail dress code is loyal to this accessory, but it must fit perfectly with the image.
Receptions "Cocktail" and "A la buffet"
"Cocktail" starts between 17:00 and 18:00. The appointment lasts about two hours and takes place while standing. The invitation indicates the start and end time of the reception (17.00-19.00, 18.00-20.00). Guests can come and go at any hour of the specified time. It is considered normal to stay at the “Cocktail” for up to 1.5 hours.
Arriving at a reception at the beginning and leaving at the end is considered to be an expression of special respect for the hosts. Late arrival and early departure (without valid reasons) are considered as the guest’s desire to emphasize strained relations with the organizers of the reception.
The host and hostess at these receptions stand at the entrance the entire time, greeting and seeing off guests. The hostess introduces the new arrivals to those guests with whom they are not familiar. If the hostess is not present, the newcomer must find her and greet her before making contact with the guests.
If the reception is arranged for a limited circle of guests, then at these receptions the hostess and the host are less connected, they not only meet and see off the guests, but can spend most of the time talking with the guests.
Cocktails are served poured into glasses and served by waiters. Sometimes there is a buffet bar with alcoholic drinks.
The “cocktail” table is different in that there are no plates or forks on it, there are only wooden or plastic sticks. After one use they are removed. There may also be mini-forks with which you can take small snack sandwiches - canapés and fruit from a cocktail.
As a snack, canapés are served with various salted butters, creams, pates, fish, meat; salty mini-cakes, cookies. During the “Cocktail”, stuffed eggs, salted and sweet almonds, nuts, and fruits can also be served in various variations.
The "A la buffet" reception is held at the same hours as the "Cocktail" (17.00-19.00 or 18.00-20.00). Its formal difference is that at a Cocktail reception, more drinks and fewer appetizers are usually served, while at a buffet reception, no less drinks are served, but significantly more appetizers are offered.
The table is covered with a tablecloth almost to the floor (5-10 cm from the floor). The table should be slightly higher than usual so that you can eat while standing. Shot glasses and glasses for soft and alcoholic drinks are placed in rows or triangles. Then the corresponding bottle is placed in the middle of the triangle. The plates are placed one on top of the other at the ends of the table. The cold appetizer is placed in the middle of the table, away from the edges, which are left free so that guests can place their plates there.
After cold appetizers, baked food (julienne) is served. You can also serve hot sausages and small cutlets. After a hot appetizer, guests are treated to dessert - cheese with fruit, jelly, ice cream. Coffee is served at the end of the reception. Guests serve themselves. The waiters standing at the table only change plates, replenish empty dishes, pour drinks and serve ice cream.
When coming to this kind of reception, you must first of all find the host and hostess in order to greet them. You are allowed to leave without saying goodbye.
Clothes for Cocktail and Buffet receptions
It is customary for ladies to appear at receptions of this kind in a dress-suit or a suit, or in a “cocktail dress.”
A “cocktail dress” (or “afternoon tea dress”) can range from a short black dress that embodies elegant simplicity to a semi-long (mid-calf) dress with no open back or plunging neckline. The color range is from light to black, depending on the time of year.
At “Cocktail” and “A la buffet” receptions, it would be quite appropriate for a lady to wear a small hat made of felt, silk and other similar material, in harmony with the main costume and being its indispensable element. Moreover, it is not necessary to remove the hat during the reception.
Shoes should be chosen based on what kind of clothes you are going to wear: patent leather shoes and a handbag will go with a silk dress, genuine leather shoes with a wool dress and a business suit, and suede shoes with a velvet dress. Shoes can already be more elegant than for daytime receptions; stiletto heels and discreet decorations in the form of intertwined straps or buckles are acceptable.
You can wear short kid or silk gloves (they are removed immediately upon arrival, at the latest by the beginning of the aperitif), and have a suede or leather handbag that matches your shoes.
As for jewelry, semi-precious metals or expensive jewelry are recommended at this time. It is not customary to wear jewelry before six o'clock in the evening.
If clothes and shoes are more elegant compared to daytime receptions, then this should also apply to hairstyle, makeup, and nail polish color. A drop of perfume is acceptable - “Eau de parfum”.
Men are recommended to wear a suit, which can be plain or striped, to a cocktail party. The tie, pin and cufflinks are more elegant and expensive than at daytime receptions.
Shoes that comply with the cocktail dress code
The photos clearly demonstrate that heels are a must for ladies. According to the rules, it must be at least eight centimeters. You can go to a wedding, presentation or anniversary in sandals or open-toed shoes. Ankle boots and boots are not suitable for such events. If there is a contract signing or negotiations with partners at a cocktail event, the toe and heel should be closed. An essential part of any cocktail look are stockings or tights. If you have to have fun at a party during the hot season, choose very thin stockings, but under no circumstances go there with bare legs.
Particular attention should be paid to shoes and accessories. Shoes simply must be in perfect condition. Black is considered a universal color; it is appropriate in most cases. When choosing a model, you should pay attention to Derby or Oxford shoes.
Varieties
Business
The format of events implying this style is more strict and has a limited circle of invited persons. Invitations to such a meeting rarely include the opportunity to bring a companion.
Communication takes place on business topics between colleagues and partners of one or more companies.
For men at this event, the most appropriate would be a classic black or gray suit and a plain white shirt. Business style does not tolerate bright ties and unbuttoned shirts. A strict bow tie is also possible. Shoes should be leather (Oxfords or Derbys), black or gray, and socks should be a shade darker than the trousers or match them.
Important ! Men's socks should be of sufficient length so as not to expose skin when a man sits down and the hem of his trousers rises.
women wear sheath dresses that cover their shoulders, knee-length, dark shades, high-quality paired jewelry would be appropriate: a bracelet and earrings, earrings and a pendant, a ring and earrings. Shoes must have a closed heel and toe and have a heel of at least 8 cm.
Important ! Even in the warm season, girls must wear stockings or thin tights; appearing at such events with bare legs is unacceptable. The handbag should have a strict shape and be made of leather or plain fabric.
In addition to the dress, a girl can choose a classic trouser suit in dark shades in combination with the same closed high-heeled shoes.
Classic (Smart)
A classic cocktail is a style of event that takes place in an informal setting until 9 pm.
Men can show their individuality through light shades of a suit in the warmer months and a bright tie. It is also allowed to open the collar and replace the jacket with a vest.
The color of the shoes is selected according to the chosen shade of the suit. The look can be completed with a bright handkerchief in your jacket pocket, which can be combined with a tie. The classic cocktail allows men to add status to their look with a watch on a leather strap.
Girls can choose any color of a dress that reveals their arms and shoulders, and regarding the length, follow age standards:
- up to 25 years old - the dress can end 20 cm below the knees;
- from 25 to 35 years - any length is appropriate: from a long ankle-tickling hem to ending in the middle of the thigh;
- after 35, the optimal dress length is considered to be 10-20 cm down from the knee.
It is appropriate to wear open-toed or open-toed shoes or beautiful platform sandals to an event in this style. The clutch can be of any color and have decorative trim made of beads or metal elements.
A girl can complement her outfit with interesting wrist-length or elbow-length gloves.
