What is the definition of a cocktail dress?

[TheChosenTwo]

I don’t think I own one, I just googled and looked at images and they all seem to be varying in length and style!
I need one for an occasion where the dress code is cocktail dress, happy to buy whatever it is but wtf is one?!

It means a shorter length semi formal evening dress. Like the classic “little black dress”, although it doesn’t have to be black 😂

Thank you, what does semi formal mean? Sleeves? Covered to the knee?

To be honest I’ll buy something nice and smart and tidy so I’m not too hung up on the semantics when it comes to buying a dress but it’s just all a bit vague really 😂

It means not as formal as black tie or white tie 😂 That probably doesn’t help…

Where is the event? Unless it is military or at Buckingham Palace, I wouldn’t worry too much about etiquette 😂 I would expect most women will go for a classic LBD.

Unless it is military or somewhere that adheres to archaic etiquette… Sleeveless is probably fine. I would go for something between just above the knee to midi length, not long or mini.

Cocktail Dresses | John Lewis & Partners
Cocktail dress - Wikipedia

It’s for a wedding, definitely not BuckPal 😂
I do always opt for sleeves (damn bingo wings!) - I do think they look smarter on a dress anyway.
No I’m not too worried, I do always manage to dress appropriately for an occasion but I’m not used to receiving a dress code for a wedding (usually it’s just expected that you come dressed for a wedding and this one is an evening only invite so I’m not even there all day!).

Is red a big no no for a wedding guest? Saw a lovely two piece in M&S the other day, maybe more appropriate for a summer holiday anyway but it was lovely.

Ps I really hate the way MN converts that to a clicky link 🫣

https://www.johnlewis.com/saint-tropez-hinna-sequin-cocktail-dress-black/p112729338. Job done 👍

A red 2 piece sounds a bit dressed down for cocktail dress but maybe I have misunderstood. Do you have a link? You want an evening/party dress that is one step down from a ball gown IYSWIM?

Oh yes I think the red outfit I saw wasn’t dressy enough, more for a summer holiday evening but it made me wonder if red was considered not on for a wedding.

Good grief! I’m not sure I want to attend as a disco ball to a summer wedding 😂

It was this outfit I saw, will definitely get it anyway because I think it will be lovely in Spain 😂

I've always imagined a cocktail dress to be on the knee length, a bit chiffon ish and with a bit of beading, sequins or sparkle. Possibly with a little floaty sleeve? 🤔

That's horrible.

That’s lovely, @TheChosenTwo! You are right, it isn’t suitable as a cocktail dress..

Red is a pretty classic colour for a cocktail dress. I would expect people to be wearing jewel colours and black if the dress code is cocktail dresses rather than the usual colours worn to weddings.

https://www.johnlewis.com/lauren-ralph-lauren-petra-georgette-cape-cocktail-mini-dress-blue/p112811521
This is such a lovely dress, would it be suitable for this wedding OP?

In the context of an evening wedding reception I’d interpret cocktail dress to mean something definitively celebratory and not something one would wear during the day. A degree of extravagance - in fabric or cut; but garments meant for sophisticated fun, rather than sombre formality.

Doesn’t have to be a dress, either. This meets the brief, (though may be too warm for summer):

https://sisterjane.com/collections/jackets/products/buoy-jacquard-jacket?edit=one

Lovely? It's made of recycled polyester. Yuk!

The words 'cocktail dress' do make me think of Sister Jane. They do use a lot of polyester - but so do high-end designers.

I love the puffy, shiny jacquard mini dresses, but these are my picks for OP, there are plenty of others! Around £100 atm.

I think of a cocktail dress as being simple and short but chic - Audrey Hepburn style. I’m sure you’ll get away with anything suitable for a summer wedding.

If you're happy with a bit of bodycon, Club London has masses of styles that are so archetypally 'cocktail dress', they're almost ironic. Also around £100.

@IamEarthymama i actually love that dress, I’m a big fan of a caped dress! Recycled polyester and all 😂

thanks everyone, so it seems there is a lot of conflicting advice as to what constitutes a cocktail dress but you’re right, anything wedding guest dress will do, I think it’s just to guide people that they are hoping for more formal attire than relaxed - I do like dresses, not sure I’d want bodycon for a wedding but thanks for the recommendation @GarlicSmile - doesn’t hurt to have a look.

I always assumed "cocktail dress" as a dress code meant women's dresses could be short and they could even wear smart jumpsuits or dressy trousers. Basically smart but less formal than black tie.

I think it means more dressy than a day dress, more glam than a work dress but less formal than a black/white tie dress. And any length apart from maxi. So, quite a big range! I'd imagine it in satin/silk/chiffon rather than cotton/crepe/jersey. I'd wear something smart and nice that works for your body shape and colouring and don't overthink the cocktail bit too much.