The way to understand wedding dress codes is to think of them as vibes. If the invite says "Cocktail Attire," the vibe they're going for is: "Rich And Sexy." Not Poor And Sexy; that's clubwear. Not Rich And Stuffy; that's black tie. You want the sweet spot in the middle, the attractive love child of that happy union. (The less attractive child would be Poor And Stuffy, aka my current work wardrobe.)
The premise of cocktail attire is, "Twirling my gaudy jewelry and looking impossibly glamorous while eating tiny luxury foods." It is "Sipping champagne with my pinky out at a party thrown by my wealthy but mysterious neighbor, Jay Gatsby." Maybe you have a cigarette in one of those pointy holders. Maybe you have a fur stole.
For most of us peasants, a cocktail-attire wedding is the only chance we'll have to experience that side of life. It's worth breaking out the strapless bra.
So what IS your type's cocktail dress? I've come up with an idea for everyone, just to give you some phrases to start your google search. Please note, there are lots of options for your type - this is only one of them!
Dramatic: A fitted floor-length dress with a high neckline. Since it's long, you don't want any details or else you'll veer into formal territory.
Soft Dramatic: A tea-length trumpet dress. Also called a mermaid dress or flamenco dress. Especially good if it has BIG details at the shoulders and bust.
Dramatic Classic: A one-shoulder sheath dress.
Soft Classic: This silhouette right here, what is this called?? I tried googling "swing dress," "full skirt dress," "fit and flare dress," "1950s dress," "Betty Draper dress," and literally nothing produced reliable results. "Poodle skirt" turned up actual poodles embroidered on skirts. And yet I feel like this shape is so iconic, there has got to be a specific name for it...does anyone know? Anyways, it's incredible on you.
Flamboyant Natural: A flowy mini-dress with no waist, often called a trapeze dress.
Soft Natural: A halter top mini-dress. Make sure it's the type of halter that ties in the back and plunges in the front - very flattering to Soft Natural shoulders.
Flamboyant Gamine: A jacquard mini-dress.
Soft Gamine: Nothing says "Cocktail Attire" like an actual flapper dress!
Romantic, Theatrical Romantic: These types are so similar that the difference will mainly be found in their accessories - pointy jewelry and shoes for TR, round for R. Both of them look amazing in a ruched satin dress.
What about jewelry? Regardless of your type, this is your chance to break out the big stuff. The gaudier the better! If you could wear it to the PTO meeting, it's too casual.
What about color? The idea of the "little black dress" has made black acceptable at weddings now, especially for cocktail attire. Just don't wear white, it's seen as upstaging the bride. And don't wear red, because that means you've slept with the groom. Even if you have...just don't. It's tacky.
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