The co*cktaildress code for womencan vary from summer to winter, day to night, and business or pleasure, butthere are a few staple piecesacross theabundance of sub-categoriesthat every fashion-forward woman should follow when attending a co*cktail party.When reading ‘what to wear to a co*cktail party,’ the two usual suspects always appear: simple dress and high-heels. Butthis fun-loving dress codeallows us ladies topush the style boundariesin all the right ways whether it’s showing the right amount of leg or pulling off a loud pattern.
There are some obvious ‘don’t’s’ when it comes to the co*cktail dress code rules: Shorts and a tank top, for instance, will never be co*cktail attire, thesame goes for tracksuit pantsand denim skirts. But the right pants, blazers, and sparkle all make the ‘do’ list if done the right way.
Whether you’re planning onattending a wedding, a formal, a winter party or a good old-fashioned ladies day, there aresome essential itemsthat will forever fall under the co*cktail party dress code.
Here are the perfect co*cktail items to add to your wardrobe:
co*cktail dress for women – The sophisticated mini dress
The perfect co*cktail dress
When it comes to co*cktail dresses youcan afford to get a little daringand show some leg. A mini dress teamed with a high neckline and long sleeves is the perfect co*cktail party dress if you want to be both sexy and sophisticated. Don’t forget totry something a little funand go for a bold colour or pattern.
The perfect co*cktail dress to add to your wardrobe is the ruched jacquard mini dress byRotate via net-a-porter.com, $462.62
The ruched jacquard mini dress by Rotate
co*cktail pants for women – Sleek wide leg pants
The perfect chic co*cktail pant
If you’re not a dress girl and the event dress code reads ‘co*cktail’ never fear – there areacceptable co*cktail pantsyou can wear to such occasions. Ditchthe skinny jeansand opt instead for chic wide-leg pant. The co*cktail dress code does require a degree of polish, so you should add a blazer and the right jewellery to dress the pants up.
The perfect co*cktail pant to add to your wardrobe are the black structure pants byGinger & Smart, $469
The black structure pants by Ginger & Smart
co*cktail tops for women – a blazer top
An off-the-shoulder blazer
A blazer isn’t just astaple workwear item, it can also be an appropriate co*cktail party top especially if you’re also wearing a wide leg pant to the event. Try a military-inspired slim-cut blazer as a top over your pants and with the right jewellery you’ll be in the perfect co*cktail dress attire.
The perfect co*cktail top to add to your wardrobe is the That’s All crystal-embellished double-breasted blazerby Alice McCall via net-a-porter.com, $490
The That’s All crystal-embellished double-breasted blazer by Alice McCall
co*cktail jackets for women – a bright structured blazer
A bright print blazer is a perfect co*cktail jacket
When it comes to co*cktail parties try acolourful print or embellished blazerinstead of your usual block colour. A structuredblazer with a tailored silhouettegives a chic structure to your overall look and is a perfect piece for your co*cktail dress wardrobe.
The perfect co*cktail jacket to add to your wardrobe is the pink metallicKyoto Calling Blazer by Manning Cartell, $699
The pink metallic Kyoto Calling Blazer from Manning Cartell
co*cktail shoes for women – statement pumps
Mid-heel red statement shoes
When itcomes to shoesfor a co*cktail party you can afford to go a little outrageous. Don’t shy away from bright colours or sparkle especially if you’ve gone for amore simple co*cktail party look, make your shoes the statement piece.
The perfect co*cktail shoe to add to your wardrobe is theDover mid-heel pumps by Habbot, $445
The Dover mid-heel pumps from Habbot
co*cktail jewellery for women – a simple short statement necklace
Layered gold chains
Less is morewhen it comes to statement jewelleryand instead of a big and bulky necklace,you can accessoriseyour co*cktail party dress with a chic fashion-forward look that doesn’t look flashy. A short necklace with a single eye-catching stone will tie together your simple but elegant co*cktail party look.
The perfect co*cktail necklace to add to your wardrobe is thepearl teardrop necklace from Fairley, $169
The pearl teardrop necklace from Fairley
co*cktail bags for women – a clutch
A brilliant yellow clutch stands out against neutral colours
A beautifulclutch is a forever piecethat can tie together any outfit, and if you read an invite with the words ‘co*cktail dress code’ you’ll be wanting the perfect clutch. Whether it’s simple in detail or more intricate, a clutch is small enough to not bulk up your outfit but big enough to carry all your essentials.
The perfect co*cktail clutch to add to your wardrobe is the rose goldElmie clutch by From St Xavier, $129
