— Dressing guide · Updated June 2026
Cocktail attire
Cocktail attire is the most common — and most misread — dress code. It means polished and festive, dressier than business or smart-casual but a clear step below black tie: no tuxedos, no floor-length gowns. Think a sharp dark suit or a knee-to-midi cocktail dress. It's 'I made an effort,' not 'I'm in formalwear.'
The rule
Polished and festive — a notch below black tie. Dark suit / cocktail dress, not tuxedo / gown.
For men
- ·A well-fitted dark suit (navy or charcoal) with a crisp shirt.
- ·Tie optional for evening cocktail; a pocket square lifts it.
- ·Leather Oxfords or loafers.
For women
- ·A cocktail dress — knee-length to midi — or elegant dressy separates.
- ·Richer fabrics, a little shine, considered accessories.
- ·Heels and one or two statement pieces.
Do
- Pitch it elevated and festive.
- Go darker and richer for evening events.
- Add one polished finishing detail.
Don't
- Don't wear a tuxedo or a floor-length gown (that's black tie).
- Don't go business-casual or casual.
- Don't overthink it — a dark suit or cocktail dress always reads correct.
Put the outfit together
Build a capsule you can pull this look from, or try a piece on your own photo first.
Frequently asked questions
Cocktail attire?
Cocktail attire is the most common — and most misread — dress code. It means polished and festive, dressier than business or smart-casual but a clear step below black tie: no tuxedos, no floor-length gowns. Think a sharp dark suit or a knee-to-midi cocktail dress. It's 'I made an effort,' not 'I'm in formalwear.' The rule of thumb: Polished and festive — a notch below black tie. Dark suit / cocktail dress, not tuxedo / gown.
What should men wear?
A well-fitted dark suit (navy or charcoal) with a crisp shirt. Tie optional for evening cocktail; a pocket square lifts it. Leather Oxfords or loafers.
What should women wear?
A cocktail dress — knee-length to midi — or elegant dressy separates. Richer fabrics, a little shine, considered accessories. Heels and one or two statement pieces.
What should you avoid?
Don't wear a tuxedo or a floor-length gown (that's black tie). Don't go business-casual or casual. Don't overthink it — a dark suit or cocktail dress always reads correct.