Fashion trends have brought some changes in what is considered to be cocktail casual dress. Traditionally, cocktail dresses were reserved for upscale women attending black-tie cocktail parties and gatherings. But in the past few years, the fashion of casual dress has made its way into the lives of many women who are looking for a more casual yet elegant look. Many women prefer to wear this kind of fashion because it allows them to keep their regular clothes in their closet, while still wearing something that they feel comfortable in. In addition, it is appropriate for most casual occasions.
When the dress code on an invite reads “formal attire,” it usually means a longer-sleeved shirt worn with a necktie (charcoal or navy gray suit is ideal) for men, a short jacket for women, and sometimes less-formal attire such as jeans and a t-shirt. The formality of the event does not have to be rigidly defined by formal attire. Formal attire can still make the wearer comfortable and help them to project an air of authority. That is one reason why business women often wear pants suits and blazers with their professional suits and dresses.
Another advantage to casual attire is that it is generally less expensive than formal attire. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on your cocktail attire, you should buy clothing that is not as elite as the stuff that you see on the runways. Think casual office wear, fancy dresses for the little girl in your life, and sports casual. You will be amazed at the variety of casual and non-formal attire available. You can shop at your local mall, boutiques, and online.
One example of what is casual and smart casual dress code is jeans. Remember the leather jackets that you saw in the old western movies? Well, those are no longer your only choice. In fact, jeans are so fashionable right now that many people are choosing them for work attire. Choose dark jeans with a buttoned pocket for a smarter look, and a straight leg Jean for something a bit more dressy.
Another great thing about jeans is that they go well with all kinds of other casual dresses. Just because they are jeans does not mean you have to avoid other dressy clothes. If you want to wear a nice shirt and tie for an evening out on the town, pairing it with some nice denim jeans is a great combination. Or you could wear a black dress with a pair of skinny jeans, which is both casual and practical.
Other good choices for what is casual cocktail attire include skirts and dresses. The skirt is especially welcome at the office, as most employees will be in business attire. A beautiful business suit is always welcome, but if you do not like the way your dress looks in the office, consider dressing up a bit more. A nice button down shirt will look nice with some nice dress pants, or even with a nice jacket.
One thing that many people forget about when it comes to what is casual is jewelry. While most men think of jewelry as being casual, this is not always the case. Keep things elegant, but do not wear too much if you are not going to be doing any dancing. A nice chain is always appropriate, as is a nice watch. Men should also remember to choose their footwear very carefully, since they will be wearing shoes all night long.
When you are dressed according to the what is a cocktail casual dress code, you are sure to have a great time at any party you attend. You might need to bring a book to your next party to read up on the different things that will be expected of you, so make sure that you keep up with the latest trends. No one wants to see old style jeans and shirts at a party!