How to recognise it
It is a purpose rather than a silhouette: a cocktail dress can be a sheath, fit and flare or strapless. You recognise it by the length (knee to midi), a dressier fabric and evening details.
Where it comes from
Cocktail parties became popular in the 1920s, and Christian Dior made the term "cocktail dress" famous in the late 1940s. The little black dress is its classic.
Who and when it suits
It is meant for the cocktail dress code, semi-formal evenings, weddings, birthdays and the theatre. Pair it with heels, a small clutch and one statement piece of jewellery.
Variations and look-alikes
A cocktail dress can be a sheath, fit and flare, strapless, wrap or peplum, in satin, crepe, velvet, lace or sequins. In winter velvet and long sleeves work, in summer silk and chiffon. It differs from an evening gown in length, and from a day dress in fabric and details.
How to style it
- Length: knee to midi; floor length is evening wear.
- One statement piece: earrings, shoes or bag.
- For weddings, avoid white and anything too shiny.
Similar styles
Frequently asked
01How long should a cocktail dress be?
From the knee to midi. Anything floor length counts as an evening gown.
02What is the difference between cocktail and evening dresses?
A cocktail dress is shorter and for semi-formal events; an evening gown is floor length, for black tie.