What is casual cocktail attire? A visual guide for men and women
A cocktail party is one of those events you want to attend, as it brings together people from different social classes. It is also an opportunity for people to showcase their fashion; therefore, what you wear to the party matters. Sometimes, there is a specified cocktail dress code, but if there isn’t, you should show up dressed for the occasion. Usually, a casual cocktail attire is appropriate for these events. Shekwoyemi Yakubu, the Head Stylist and Creative Director at The Empress Brand, shares expert insights about casual cocktail attire for both genders, highlighting the importance of choosing fabric, color, and style.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
- What defines casual cocktail attire for men and women?
- Examples of suitable attire for casual cocktail events
- Casual cocktail attire
- Female cocktail casual attire
- Cocktail attire for men
- What does casual cocktail attire mean?
- What should a woman wear to a casual cocktail party?
- Can you wear jeans to a casual cocktail?
- What casual cocktail attire is ideal for men in summer?
- What is a casual cocktail dress for men?
- Do you need a tie for cocktail casual?
- What is not acceptable for cocktail attire?
Cocktail attire originated in the 1920s and 1930s when wealthy elites gathered for a drink before dinner. The time for the drink was named cocktail hour, and then there was a formal dress code for it. Over the years, the cocktail dress code has evolved and been used in different events, including weddings and other social events. Which casual cocktail attire is suitable for you?
What defines casual cocktail attire for men and women?
Shekwoyemi Yakubu, the Head Stylist and Creative Director at The Empress Brand, explained the concept of a casual cocktail in an interview. She said it is not as formal as a corporate event, adding that the subtlety in the outfit and fabric choice define casual cocktail attire for both men and women.
For color patterns that work best for casual cocktail attire, Shekwoyemi encourages opting for brighter shades while balancing them with a darker, complementing tone. The fashion expert also stressed the importance of wearing what suits you for a casual cocktail event rather than following trends. She said:
Avoid overdressing and wearing clothes that don’t suit or flatter your body type simply because they’re ‘trending.’ Also, stay away from fabrics like crepe or tweed. They are too serious.
Examples of suitable attire for casual cocktail events
Shekwoyemi shares some stylish outfits if attending casual cocktail events. They include:
- A navy blue striped shirt and a wine blazer with clean denim
- A silk shirt and linen pants in blush pink
- Silk dresses, chiffon dresses, or long evening dresses
- Jumpsuits or Crepe playsuits
- Plain and two-toned (avoid multi-colored options) palazzo pants
- Kimonos
Footwear for casual cocktail events
Shekwoyemi also provided a list of footwear options that are suitable for a complete casual cocktail look, such as:
For men:
- Mocassins
- Half-covered mules and open-toe mules
- Classy sandals (no covered shoes).
For women:
- Heeled sandals
- Wedges and platforms (avoid covered shoes).
Casual cocktail attire
When it comes to fashion sense, people have their unique preferences. However, you must know which casual cocktail attire to wear to appear trendy at a cocktail party. You can choose different combinations of outfits to nail the semi-formal look you want. Below are various casual cocktail attire for women and men.
Female cocktail casual attire
You have plenty of options for casual cocktail attire for women. You have different combinations, from long dresses to jumpsuits, to achieve an elegant, timeless appearance. If you seemingly cannot figure out what is right for you, here is a guide on selecting your attire.
Dresses
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Dresses are a perfect choice for a cocktail party. It does not necessarily have to be a long dress, but one that ends just above the knees will do. You can also opt for a slitted dress but ensure that it is a sizable slit. You should also consider a high-quality fabric with a colourful shade. Dresses are also suitable casual cocktail attire for weddings.
Jumpsuits
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Jumpsuits are an option if you do not like rocking dresses but still want a simple, timeless look. They bring out your easy yet sophisticated nature that dedicates your class. You can enhance your appearance by choosing conspicuous colours and donning accessories such as necklaces and waist belts. However, be careful not to select jumpsuits that are too casual.
Blouses
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Blouses are an excellent choice if you are good at finding a matching skirt or pair of trousers. They also come in handy if you do not like full dresses or jumpsuits, which would seem quite limiting if you want multiple colours.
White button-down blouses are a good choice, but you can also opt for a sleek black scoop neck. Should you choose any other colour for a blouse, ensure you balance it with the colour of the bottom attire.
Skirts and dress pants
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Like dresses, skirt length is an important consideration, and it should be between your shins and slightly above the knees.
For the material, silk is preferable, but you can choose something different but classy, such as vegan leather. Alternatively, you can go for a pleated pant dress with bold colours. However, you are free to choose any colour that pleases you.
Shoes
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Choosing casual ladies' shoes for a casual cocktail party would be wrong. Go for classy, fancy shoes, such as heeled sandals, classic ankle-strap block heels, or cute mules. Importantly, ensure your choice of shoes matches your choice of clothes and colour.
Cocktail attire for men
Unlike women’s attire, men’s attire is quite straightforward. The goal is to keep it simple but classy. Here are essential clothing tips for casual cocktail attire for males.
Suits
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Even though it is a casual event, there is no excuse for not donning a suit. You should go for a properly fitting bespoke suit which depicts your unique style. Ensure the suit’s high-quality fabric, and go for bold colours that exude your confidence. Do not overdo your dress to the extent that you upgrade the guest of honour.
Shirts
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Once you have the right suit, choose a matching shirt. Neutral colours, such as white, are the best, but should you decide otherwise, go for a dress shirt that is grey or navy blue.
You can also have a striped or checked shirt, but ensure they are moderate to not clash with the entire outfit. Importantly, choose high-quality fabric for your shirt.
Ties
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A nice tie is another must-have for casual cocktail attire. You can choose a bow tie or a long one, depending on your preference.
While a black tie is recommended, you must not necessarily wear a plain black tie and can choose other colour combinations to suit your style. Ensure whatever colour of tie you select matches with the rest of the outfit.
Shoes and socks
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A nice formal pair of shoes complements your casual cocktail attire. For the socks, ensure that they go above the calf so that the skin of your leg is not exposed even if you are sitting.
Even though the use of shouting colours is restricted for the rest of the attire, you are free to use them for the socks. You can go for patterned happy socks.
What does casual cocktail attire mean?
Even though cocktail events are formal, this attire is a blend of formal cocktail attire and business casual attire. They are also appropriate for events such as weddings and romantic dates.
What should a woman wear to a casual cocktail party?
Women can opt for dresses, jumpsuits, blouses, and dress pants. Women also have plenty of casual attire options, but you must be careful not to don too casual outfits. Ensure you have a balance between casual and formal outfits.
Can you wear jeans to a casual cocktail?
Jeans are overly simple and, thus, not recommended as casual cocktail attire. Even though the goal is to be as simple as possible, class and elegance must be maintained.
What casual cocktail attire is ideal for men in summer?
A suit is mandatory, but you can shake things a little by opting for a T-shirt and trainers or loafers without socks. Avoid clothes with thick and heavy fabric that make you uncomfortable in warm weather.
What is a casual cocktail dress for men?
For men, a tailored suit is a must-have. You can complete the look by having a plain colour shirt, bow or long tie, and a pair of classy shoes.
Do you need a tie for cocktail casual?
Yes. It is a crucial outfit which perfectly completes your gentleman’s look. It can be a bow or a long tie but should not be of shouting colours.
What is not acceptable for cocktail attire?
Overly casual attire, such as streetwear, is not acceptable. Sports coats, jackets, and jeans are not allowed.
Choosing the best casual cocktail attire might be daunting if you do not know how to go about it. The objective is to maintain a simple and elegant appearance that depicts class. For ladies, a wide range of outfits would suit a cocktail event, while a suit is a must-have for men.
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Mercy Mbuthia (Lifestyle writer) Mercy Mbuthia is a content writer with five years of experience writing on various topics, including biographies, entertainment, and lifestyle. She joined the Legit team in 2019. Mercy earned a Master of Science (Food, Nutrition & Dietetics) from Dedan Kimathi University in 2022. Her articles have appeared on several media sites such as The Health Channel, The Nation, Tekrati, ValiantCEO and Celebrity Leader. In 2023, Mercy finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. Email: mercymmbuthia18@gmail.com
Mary Ugbodaga (Lifestyle Journalist) Mary Ugbodaga is a Legit.ng journalist with 7 years of experience in journalism and media communications. She graduated from Covenant University in 2018 with a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication/Media Studies. Mary previously worked as a journalist at TheCable, CNBC AFRICA, Voice of Nigeria, KPMG Nigeria. Email: mary.ugbodaga@corp.legit.ng.
