Likewise linen, our summer go-to, will look too casual for cocktails. Corduroy or canvas twill will also be too daytime for after-dark events so choose satin, silk or chiffon – or anything trimmed with sequins, beading or ruffles. Summer cocktail dress code will be lighter than the winter cocktail code where velvet should definitely be on your radar, too.
But rather than discounting an item, see if you can find it in a fancy fabric instead. So shorts don’t need to be consigned to the ‘no’ pile for cocktail wear. Instead, choose a tailored pair in silk or satin – rather than the ones you drag out for the weekend gym-coffee-sofa workout. A pair of silk cargo pants or fitted tracksuit bottoms could look flames and totally unexpected in satin, too. If you can accessorise your cocktail outfit with a smaller bag, that would be the finishing touch. Even if you’ve come straight from work, nothing dampens your mood more than carting an oversized tote bag (complete with laptop) to a cocktail party. In the morning, pop a smaller bag into your tote, then check your daytime bag into the cloakroom when you arrive.
What shoes to wear for cocktail dress code?
It all depends on your outfit and your personal style but you could go for anything from towering platforms or complete flats. You’d be advised to avoid anything too day-time or casual so beaten up Doc Martens, Crocs, Birkenstocks or trainers (even this summer’s cult Adidas Samba) should stay at home. Instead a fancy flat, covered with diamanté, a jewelled buckle or super-bright colour would look luscious. If heels are your thing, again, think fancy and perhaps look for brocade fabric, printed designs or a sculptural heel. Metallic shoes always look right for a cocktail dress code, as does a metallic bag (for a cool styling trick, alternate your metals so maybe wear silver shoes and carry a gold bag, or vice versa…)
Where to buy an outfit for a cocktail dress code
The high street will be brimming with fun, fancy dresses (and skirts, tops and trousers) that tick the cocktail dress code but if you have a designer budget, Net-A-Porter is a one-stop shop for all things cocktail. If you are even vaguely considering dressing yourself more sustainably, instead of buying something to wear once, look at rental options from My Wardrobe, Hurr, Cloan and By Rotation first. And if you do end up buying something new, definitely consider renting it out afterwards, so someone else gets to enjoy your impeccable take on the cocktail dress code.
For more from Glamour UK Fashion Director at large Alex Fullerton, follow her on Instagram @alexandrafullerton
