Cocktail Dress

Spendless

If an invite reads 'Black tie and Cocktail Dress'. What do you take cocktail dress to mean?

ellay864

I'd wear a dressy dress but not assume it had to be a long gown

thorsoak

Something like one of these :- http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/women's+designer+dresses/301,default,sc.html

paulineb_2

http://www.jjshouse.com/A-Line-Princess-Scoop-Neck-Short-Mini-Tulle-Charmeuse-Cocktail-Dress-With-Ruffle-Beading-Sequins-016005838-g5838

I was going to say a strapless dress but it probably wouldnt need to be. I do have one thats strapless with a net underskirt, it only cost me about 12 quid, got it from a charity shop

I really like that silver dress, shame its on an american site

And I live in the middle of nowhere with little more than a spoons for nightlife

Toto

For me it means very dressy but not full length gown, so knee length or thereabouts but not mini dress.

BitterAndTwisted

A knee-length party dress, either short-sleeved or sleeveless. No strapless gowns! They are for night-clubs only.

Tigsteroonie

As others have said - posh frock, not full-length.

paulineb_2

BitterAndTwisted wrote: »

A knee-length party dress, either short-sleeved or sleeveless. No strapless gowns! They are for night-clubs only.

No they arent

Ive worn a strapless dress to a meal and to a night out, I very rarely go to nightclubs, a friend recently wore a strapless dress to a wedding.

People should be able to wear what they like if they feel comfortable in it and of course everyone has opinions on what someone should wear on what occasion, but to say that one type of clothing is for a nightclub only?

Id disagree and say people can wear them to a party or to a club or to a meal or a wedding or anywhere else they feel comfortable in (if indeed they do, because not everyone does)

Some cocktail dresses are strapless.

*max*

Think classy, not clubby. No miniskirt, no frilly bits all over, no see-through, no excessive show of cleavage. Long or knee length "dressy" dress, muted colours and fabrics. Think awards ceremony, not Ibiza 18-30 club night.

Nicki

I so would not wear the dress you linked to to any event billed as black tie and cocktail dress Pauline. It it definitely a party dress not formal enough in my opinion for a black tie do.

I agree with the posters who have said a cocktail dress is usually knee length or three quarter length, not full length, and dressy. Not the kind of dress you can usually get away with wearing for any other kind of occasion.

*max*

I think strapless should be avoided too. It can easily look cheap and tacky if not done right.