Here are five steps to building the perfect cocktail party outfit, plus pieces that’ll inspire you to get shopping.
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1. Start with the right piece
Your primary garment sets the tone for the whole outfit, so this is the decision to get right. Skip the vibe guesswork and shop against four concrete criteria: format, fabric, fit, and finishing.
Format
A dress is the easy default, but you have options. Midi dresses, jumpsuits, dressy wide-leg pants, and skirts can work. If you choose separates, balance the fit. Flowing skirts and wide-leg pants look elegant with a fitted top, for example. The contrast up-levels the look from “office” to “cocktail party.”
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Fabric
Look for fabric with structure and lining. Your anchor piece should hold its shape when you sit, stand, and reach for a drink. It should also prevent exposure to your foundation garments. Lined crepe, satin-back, ponte, and lined silk are reliable. Thin jersey, unlined chiffon, and clingy stretch knits often look insubstantial, especially in pictures.
Fit
The piece should fit close enough to look intentional but loose enough to sit and breathe in. These are telltale signs the piece doesn’t fit well:
- You can’t zip without holding your breath.
- You must sit or stand in a certain position to remain comfortable.
- The top bunches when you raise your arms.
- Your range of motion is limited.
- You need fashion tape to keep things G-rated.
As a subpoint here, always double-check your hemlines and necklines. Imagine showing up to a cocktail party and realizing your neckline is too deep or your hemline is too short. Awkward. You will surely mingle with the men, but most of the women will snicker behind your back. Sad, but true.
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Skip that scenario by evaluating your dress options objectively — which is hard when you find a garment that looks amazing on you. Set aside how hot you are for a second and evaluate how revealing that piece is. If you have more than an inch of cleavage or upper thigh showing, you might keep shopping.
When in doubt, go for a midi-length dress or jumpsuit. This hemline is classy and always on point for a cocktail party.
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Finishing
Sleeves and straps should stay put without constant adjustment. Necklines should hold their shape when you lean forward. Hems should hang evenly. A hem that flips or curls under is a sign of cheap construction.
Want to see how all of this looks pulled together? See our celebrity-inspired cocktail party style guide.
What to skip
These are the non-starters that will read as too casual or too revealing:
- Jeans
- Bodycon and bandage dresses
- Mini skirts shorter than three inches above the knee
- Cutouts at the waist or hips
- Anything sheer without proper lining
The wrong primary piece tanks the whole outfit, and no accessory can save it.
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2. Add shoes
A delicate strappy sandal is a favorite choice for cocktail parties. You could also wear a closed-toe pump if your pedi needs some love. If you don’t care for a tall heel, a kitten heel works too.
You can wear a black or silver shoe, of course. But a shoe that’s nude or has clear straps will make your legs look long.
Shoes to skip
Ankle boots, tall boots, OTK boots, and sandals with thick straps are not good options for a cocktail party. Really, any chunkier shoe is probably too casual for the occasion.
3. Accessorize lightly
Often, you don’t need more than two accessories, three at the most. One is your clutch. Use that piece to balance out your color palette. If you’re wearing an LBD, carry a bright clutch. If you’re wearing navy, a silver clutch would look fantastic. If you’re wearing a bright color, reach for a neutral clutch. You get the idea.
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If you don’t want to invest in a bright red handbag you’ll only use once, use texture instead of color to add interest. Beads or sequins will do the trick.
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Beyond that, keep accessories limited to one or two pieces of jewelry. A pair of diamond studs could be sufficient. You might add a delicate bracelet if you just got your nails done. Or a necklace may be the right choice if you’re wearing your hair up.
4. Choose your undies wisely
Head off wardrobe malfunctions by wearing your cocktail party outfit around the house. Practice sitting, standing, and using the bathroom. Figure out where your dress bunches, sticks, hangs weird, whatever. Then remedy the issue with the right undergarments.
A snug shapewear piece often solves those issues. It should also create smooth, sexy lines so your cocktail party dress hangs perfectly. Purchase a few options from stores with good return policies so you can test them out before the big party.
If shapewear doesn’t fix the problem, take your dress to a tailor and get professional help. This is usually an inexpensive update that’s well worth the cost.
5. Balance your beauty
Your hair and cosmetics routine is the final finishing touch for your cocktail party outfit. If you have already chosen your maximum three accessories, keep your makeup and hairstyle simple. A nude palette and an elegant low ponytail is all you need. On the other hand, if you are committed to a dramatic updo, drop one accessory.