Surely many women have been to a cocktail party. Usually its start coincides with 17-00, and the duration is four hours. Such meetings are not distinguished by solemnity, but knowledge of a number of rules regarding the choice of dresses and additions to them is still necessary. Nowadays, exhibitions and presentations are often hidden behind this sign.
Basic rules of the “Cocktail” dress code for women
Of course, this kind of evening does not imply much formality, but it is necessary to comply with some requirements. For women, these are special styles of dresses designed specifically for cocktails, in accordance with the type of party, season, individual figure and age...
For example, if an entertaining cocktail party can easily be decorated with a mini dress with bright accessories, then At a business banquet such clothing is strictly prohibited.
Types of cocktail events
The criterion for dividing cocktails into types is the reason for their holding.There are three types: business-oriented, classic and social meeting.
To participate in them, every woman must have in her wardrobe some minimum: cocktail dress, high-heeled shoes, clutch bag, set of accessories (photo).
Classic Cocktail dress code
It’s better to go to an expensive hotel for a business meeting in a black laconic sleeveless dress, knee-length or lower, with a shallow neckline and no slits + a simple engagement ring, inexpensive earrings and a wristwatch + closed pumps with thin heels.
Important! You should not wear expensive gold earrings and rings.
Dress code Cocktail for a social event (Cocktail attire)
To an exhibition or to the theater feel free to wear a knee-length dress, or even a little higher. His the upper part should be quite strict, without an open cutout on the chest and back.
Wherein no restrictions on fabric color, style or decorative items. Long gloves, as well as stylish jewelry items made of good plastic, will come in handy. Model shoes.
Cocktail dress code for business receptions (parties)
For gala parties that open until 8 p.m., most often wear dresses 10 cm below or above the knees, the style of which is based on open shoulders. Color does not matter; decor is welcome, but not required. A pantsuit (trousers) is not acceptable, but is acceptable for business negotiations.
In summer, open shoes are suitable, and also sandals with small heels.
Important! You should not wear jewelry that is too expensive. But ordinary gold and good plastic are always in fashion.
Cocktail Party Principles
Such evenings of meetings with business partners are aimed at conducting small talk and making new connections.In our society they are most often informal, with all kinds of food and drink.
It is fundamentally important that all participants know in advance the start time of the party, the location and purpose of the visit.
How to behave at cocktail parties?
First, you need to provide the hosts with confirmation of receipt of the invitation. The next stage is to find out in advance all the unclear points by deciding on the stated dress code.
To avoid seeming impolite, you need to be punctual, that is, come 5-10 minutes. later than the announced start of the evening, but no more than 20 minutes.
Important! All those gathered should not only be properly dressed, but also in a positive mood.
Among the basic rules of behavior are:
- shake hands, a “dry” kiss is possible;
- a friendly smile;
- nice measured conversation with jokes and quiet laughter;
- compliance with food and drink culture;
- a couple of sips of champagne will help start a conversation; the glass must be held by the stem;
- dancing is allowed if this is in the plans of the organizers;
- When leaving, thank the owners (if this is not possible, then send them a bouquet with a postcard home within 24 hours).
How to choose a cocktail dress?
Dress is an important component of your image, which will hide body imperfections and emphasize beauty. The important points of selection are its combination with hairstyle, shoe model, accessory solutions.
The beauty of the image and the correctness of choice depend on elegance of cut, the desired length, moderate neckline, consistent color scheme.
Differences between a daytime cocktail and an evening cocktail
Absolutely, choosing a fashionable ensemble for a cocktail party will have serious differences from the event held during the day.
INIn the evening it is preferable to focus on the strict classics and feminine elegance of the set. The evening version of the dress should be more elegant.
Choosing a dress by age
When choosing a dress, you need take into account age characteristics:
If the woman is slim and under 25 years old, then a length of 15 cm above the knees, bright colors and a unique cut are acceptable.
Important! When using jewelry, the main rule is moderation.
From 25 to 35 years − there is no strict regulation on the type of cut and color of the material (except for pinkish, acidic lemon shades and light green tones), but mini dresses are still not worth wearing (unless your figure is close to ideal), below the knees is optimal; a full skirt is not recommended.
Summer dress
Cocktail dresses are ideal light pastel or bright colors. In some cases, you can wear a translucent dress (just above the knees) complete with matching sandals; fabric with a floral pattern is suitable for it.
Autumn-winter
The best choice - knitted or wool dresses in black or gray with a seasonally fashionable pattern and wrist-length sleeves, especially in winter.
But quite Beige, golden shades and dark blue tones would also be appropriate.
You should choose suitable accessories for them in the form of bags, watches, and various accessories. You can wear small simple hats, gloves with high bells and bolero capes.
Dress styles
Among those eligible styles:
- A-silhouette;
- "by smell";
- costume option;
- by type of combination (lace and underwear gaps are not allowed).
Important! The pomp of a “baby dollar” is inappropriate, as are “tutus” and “oversized”.
Shoes and accessories
Cocktail style is a style of high heels (at least 7 cm) and closed shoes.
It is unacceptable to walk without tights and stockings even in extreme heat.
Only sometimes is it possible to replace “pumps” with open shoes such as sandals.
On a note! Bags are extremely small (clutches) for a smartphone, purse and lip gloss.
It is unlikely that you will need a notepad for notes, a cosmetic set and other little things here.
Headgear is worn when stated by the organizers.
What is allowed and prohibited in the Cocktail dress code
- High thin heel, starting from 7 cm, heel and toe are solid. In the summer, informal evening get-togethers require wearing sandals.
- A prerequisite is nylon tights or stockings, nude or black.
- You cannot wear very short minis or floor-length dresses.
- You can open your hands, but moderate neckline should be worn.
- Small clutch and no bulky bags.
- In the cold season, the cocktail set should be in darker colors than in the warm season.
Thus, despite the relaxation regarding clothing for cocktails, there are certain rules and they must be strictly followed. This applies to all components of the image, not just the dress.