You’ve got plans.
Cocktail dresses are the ultimate companion to any party, wedding, event, or occasion. But what is a cocktail dress? How do you know when to wear them? And how do you style them? Fear not, as we are here to answer all of your cocktail dress queries and give you all the outfit inspo for your upcoming plans.
What is a cocktail dress?
A cocktail dress is simply a more formal dress. Cocktail attire is elevated, classy, polished, but not black-tie levels of formal. A cocktail dress can be any length, usually from mid-thigh to ankle, but the safest option is usually a midi length if you’re unsure! They are dressy, and can be worn to almost any event.
Where to wear a cocktail dress?
Cocktail dresses for any occasion which requires something a little extra. They’re ideal as wedding guest dresses, can be worn to work parties or holiday parties, race days, christenings, birthdays, and so much more. Literally any event which requires a levelled up look.
What are the types of cocktail dress?
Cocktail dresses come in a huge range of designs, from minis to maxis, bandeau to long sleeves, A-line to bodycon, and every design offers a whole different vibe. Long sleeve cocktail dresses offer a little more modesty, perfect for more formal events. Midi cocktail dresses are the ultimate failsafe, the perfect length to keep things equally flirty and classy. A-line cocktail dresses offer a show stopping silhouette, ensuring fierce looks all day long.
Below, we’ll take you through the top categories of cocktail dresses, and some styling options to inspire your next party look.
Cocktail Party Dress
It’s party time.
Cocktail party dresses are the best way to bring some glitz to your party closet. From striking metallics, to shimmering sequins, to glistening diamantes and stellar silhouettes, our cocktail party dresses come in a huge range of designs guaranteed to turn heads all night long. Our top choices include flirty minis, classic midis, and more formal maxis so no matter where you’re headed, we have options for you.
A Line Cocktail Dress
Stellar silhouettes.
“A line” generally refers to a triangle style silhouette. A line cocktail dresses are fitted through the bodice, and flare out at the bust, waist, or hips to give the illusion of an hourglass silhouette.
Because of the flared skirt, they are ultra comfortable and perfect for events where you’ll be eating – no restrictiveness here! In true Nasty Gal fashion, our top picks include fierce silhouettes, backless designs, attention demanding prints, and unique fabrics.
Cocktail Dresses for Wedding
They’re saying “I do”.
Searching for a wedding guest dress? Look no further than a cocktail dress – especially as you can rewear it to all your upcoming occasions. Style it with strappy heels and a clutch for the big day, then with knee high boots or platform heels to add an edge and create a flawless party look.
Check out our blog posts about wedding guest dresses for Winter weddings, Fall weddings, Spring weddings, and Summer weddings.
Midi Cocktail Dress
The perfect middle.
Midi dresses are the perfect dress for a huge range of occasions. Typically falling from the knee to the calf, they are the most flattering, formal occasion appropriate dresses out there. Turn on the charm in slinky satin, or keep things flirty with shimmering sequins and swinging fringe. We have a huge range of midi cocktail dresses, so whether you’re heading to a bachelorette party or a work dinner, we’ve got you covered.
Cocktail Dresses with Sleeves
Add a little coverage.
Long sleeve cocktail dresses (and short sleeves too) are great for adding a little extra coverage to your look. No matter the weather – or how fancy your event is – you can still step out in style with a fierce cocktail dress. Formal mini dresses with sleeves are ideal for keeping things flirty with exposed legs, while the high coverage on your top half keeps it classy. From relaxed, smock fits to slinky, bodycon fits, there is a cocktail dress with sleeves for any event and any style.
Cocktail Attire for Women
Not a dress sort of person?
Dresses aren’t the only cocktail attire for women. Enter: tailoring, two piece sets, and jumpsuits. Make just as much of an impact – if not more – with a set that will catch eyes no matter where you’re headed. Style a glitzy jumpsuit with platform heels and a clutch bag for a look that will see you from wedding guest days to parties and events. Want something a little easier to slip into (and out of)? Grab a blazer and pants set, ideal for wearing together, as well as styling separately for a huge range of styling options and occasions.
What to Wear Over a Cocktail Dress
Something a little extra.
Heading to an outdoor event? Is your event taking place in the colder months? We’ve got you covered.
Grab a sequin jacket or cape to add a layer which demands attention, and turns a plain, minimal dress into an instant party look. Slip into a blazer to keep things classy, or add some edge with a leather jacket. Whatever you opt for, wear it with confidence.
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