Cocktail-casual is a new member of the dress code family and a bit of a bugger to decipher. A lot is left to personal opinion, some is research about the event, and some pure style.
My version is this: that cocktail-casual, in most cases, means no jeans. Not as dressed up as "evening-wear", but closer to that than casual. For ease of shopping conveniently (it's online and near my home) and ease on my pocketbook, I'm using Macy's to give you a guide.
Cocktail casual means that I'm going to pull out a very cute dress that would be appropriate for cocktails after work, dinner, and even clubbing later.
It also depends on the venue. Example: Haute Market is presenting the CD release party for local Kansas City band, Drew6, on Sunday November 16th. The dress code is cocktail-casual. If this were a typical band event, I might say guys could pull off jeans and girls could wear a fun dress. However, this is an invite-only, red carpet event. This calls for stepping it up a notch. After all...there is going to be an actual red carpet, photographers and a great list of KC's who's-who.
Evan Picone Sleeveless V-Neck Foil-Printed Jacquard Dress
A stunning jacquard foil print wrap-style gives this sleeveless Evan Picone dress plenty of presence. Was $109, now just $81.75. Conservative choice, but the foil gives it some oomph.
The Alfani Petite Cowl-Neck Cable-Knit Dress
is nice in black, but definitely go for the trendy, dark plum version. Only $89, makes it a great buy. It hits mid-thigh, so if you're a tall one, make sure it's still tasteful and definitely wear with tights. Accessorize with some fabulous chandelier earrings and a bangle.
Try a bit of autumnal color with the BCBGeneration Printed Tie-Waist Voile Dress
, with solid topstitched sash at waist with tie across back and elbow length sleeves, $118.
It's not difficult to decipher the dress codes if you consider the host, venue and time of day. It's better to be a bit over-dressed than embarrassingly under-dressed.
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