What You Need to Know About Cocktail Dresses

Cocktail dresses are a lovely addition to any woman’s clothing collection that is ideal for a semi-formal or a formal occasion, not just for cocktail parties. Cocktail dresses are different from traditional gowns in that they are shorter in length, though they can still be just as glamorous.

The actual length of cocktail dresses will vary according to the design and the local customs. In general, they may be tea length, which is about two inches above the ankle. In other cases, they may be ballerina length, which is touching the ankle. By most definitions, however, a ballerina length cocktail dress would be considered to be a part of the evening gown category.

Cocktail dresses are quite versatile in appearance and in the occasion they can appropriately be worn for. For example, less elaborate cocktail dresses can be ideal for a semi-formal event at which the men wear dark suits rather than tuxedos. At the same time, more elaborate cocktail dresses are appropriate for more formal occasions.

More elaborate cocktail dresses may include the use of sequins or intricate design. Or, these cocktail dresses may have a longer and fuller skirt to help create a more formal appearance. Other materials used to create both formal and informal cocktail dresses include satin, silk, and chiffon.

In the late 1960s and the early 1970s, shorter cocktail dresses were deemed appropriate for black tie occasions. Today, those with shorter skirts are not considered appropriate attire for very formal occasions. In addition, though some dressmakers began pushing the use of full skirted cocktail dresses as “dancing costumes” during the mid-1900s, they are still not considered appropriate for formal dances such as balls..