This year has left us with no shortage of reasons to drink, but what to wear whilst doing so? Cocktail attire for women is a tricky beast. On the one hand, it could refer to after-work refreshments with colleagues, in which case trousers and dressy tops are fair game. At the more haute end of the spectrum, it hovers just below black…
2018 Cocktail Attire
-
Zara
Limited Edition Dress With Metallic Thread, $129 at Zara
Follow Zara’s lead and team this metallic threaded dress with chain-link jewelry.
-
Mango
Crossed Design Dress ($69.99) and Flared Trousers ($79.99) at Mango
The dress over pants trend is still a thing, even at cocktail hour.
-
& Other Stories
Velvet Midi Wrap Dress, $129 at & Other Stories
Add in some jewel-toned knee-high boots FTW.
-
The Frankie Shop
Ruby Red Silky Maxi Dress, $179 at The Frankie Shop
Black sock boots put a sartorial spin on this silky dress.
-
Nanushka
Daria Western Dress in Black, $479 at Nanushka
We can totally picture Meghan Markle in this with some structured pumps. Nuff said.
-
Mango
Sequins Jumpsuit, $149.99 at Mango
Winterize this jazzy romper with a ribbed black turtleneck and black wool tights — just not at the same time.
-
Flynn Skye
One-Shoulder Jumpsuit, $218 at Urban Outfitters
Simply add a gold choker and suede pumps for polished perfection.
-
Mango
Metallic Finish Sweater ($69.99) and Metallic Thread Dress ($41.99) at Mango
A black belt transforms two pieces into one.
-
Universal Standard
Crepe Augusta Geneva Dress in Red Dahlia, $180 at Universal Standard
All you need are some statement earrings and green block-heel pumps, preferably velvet.
-
Rodebjer
Djuna Dress in Emerald, $382.99 at Need Supply Co.
Skip jewelry to really let this embroidered dress shine.
-
Topshop
Crinkle Velvet Suit, $170 at Topshop
Slip on a semi-sheer black turtleneck underneath and finish things off with black boots.
-
Ganni
Ackerly Silk Dress, $610 at The Frankie Shop
This is how you do horse patterns for evening. T-strap black sandals are all you need to complete the look.
-
Just Female
Poppy Maxi Dress, $195 at Lisa Says Gah
This dress will totally pop (pun totally intended) with a red clutch and black square-toe pumps.
-
Batsheva
Ruffled Cotton-Velvet Midi Dress, $728 at Matches Fashion
Even prairie dresses can be cocktail dresses this time of year. Stick with just the dress and black ankle-strap sandals.
-
Zara
Sequin Dress, $119 at Zara
Layer over a sheer black blouse for cocktail attire 2.0.
-
& Other Stories
Chain Print Midi Dress, $119 at & Other Stories
Amp it up with a pair of red tights and black ankle booties.
-
Self Portrait
Off-the-Shoulder Embellished Velvet Mini Dress, $385 at Net-a-Porter
Because the 80s aren’t going anywhere. Add a little kick with strappy red sandals.
-
Galvan
Two-Tone Satin Top ($535) and Satin Flared Pants ($695) at Net-a-Porter
With white neck ties draping down your back, this set looks good coming and going.
-
Just Female
Irena Dress, $89.99 at Need Supply Co.
This ruffle sleeve spicy orange dress demands gold hoops and Mary Janes.
-
The Frankie Shop
Yellow Crushed Velvet Midi Dress, $159 at The Frankie Shop
Let the dress speak for itself by just adding black pumps.
-
Nanushka
Fave Balloon Sleeve Wrap Dress in Grape, $393 at Nanushka
The relaxed shape may make this dress seem a little low-key for evening, but the devil’s in the details, like the fringed hem.
-
Violeta by Mango
Combined Flowy Shirt, $79.99 at Mango
Make this flowy top and your go-to black suit pants more than strictly business by working in a sparkly cardigan.
-
Zara
Velvet Look Jumpsuit, $99.90 at Zara
Add a tailored black blazer for a streamlined finish.
-
J.Crew
Ruffle Shell in Burnout Velvet Leopard ($120) and Slip Skirt in Burnout Velvet Leopard ($168) at J.Crew
Leopard print gets all glammed up. Don’t try to compete, simply slip on some solid-colored pumps.
-
Ganni
Rosefeld Embellished Mini Dress, $539.99 at Need Supply Co.
Switch out the kicks for structured mules.
-
Rachel Comey
Striped Toppa Dress, $257 at Totokaelo
Make it cocktail-appropriate with navy embellished heels.
-
Diane von Furstenberg
Bruna Velvet Dress, $498 at mytheresa.com
Style this plush ruched number with brooch-accented heels.
