Tomorrow is summer, which means it’s time for parties, long-awaited special events and all kinds of festivals. Jazz on the roof, a corporate party, a reception with the Queen (how lucky!), a trip to the theater with your parents... And if you can go on a date in the park in anything, then you can’t show up comme il faut to the ballet in just anything. And when you have the treasured invitation in your hands indicating the desired dress code for the guests, there is no way to get away: you will have to comply.
Well, let's find out! And today we’ll talk about three codes that are appropriate for a celebration: Cocktail, Black tie and White tie.

White tie
This dress code literally translates as “White Tie”. This is the most formal style, which is used extremely rarely nowadays. And this is exactly the case when you have a royal reception. Literally.

It is especially important for the wives of “diplomats of newly joined countries” to study the details. Typically, white tie is announced at evening receptions with the presence of presidents, monarchs, or at official special events: the presentation of the Nobel Prize, for example.
If you are lucky and your invitation states “White tie”, then you should choose long dress to the floor with bare shoulders. Expensive ornate fabrics are allowed and even encouraged: velvet, brocade, satin, lace with a minimum of decor. Be sure to wear long gloves that cover the elbow and high-heeled shoes with the dress. Shoes must have closed toes and heels. Accessories include jewelry. No totes, just tiny clutches or chain bags.

Hair should be neatly styled, and lips and eyes should be painted. It is best to resort to the advice of certified etiquette consultants: if you are lucky enough to be invited to an event of this level, then it is better to be one hundred percent sure of how you look.

Black tie
Another dress code for evening formal events, but less formal. Most often, this form of clothing involves an invitation to a theater premiere, a large corporate event, weddings or official receptions.
Here you can take some liberties in the interpretation of style: loose hair is allowed, jewelry can be safely replaced with expensive jewelry, and the clutch can be absolutely anything. You can also afford shoes with open toes.

A “Black tie” dress should be long, high slits, transparency, bold and rich decor are possible. Another key difference between this code is the permissibility of bright, even neon, fabric colors, as well as print.

Cocktail
The most common dress code for festive occasions, it is also called “semi-formal”. Most often used at corporate banquets and celebrations in restaurants. The cocktail dress code marked formal means for women a plain cocktail dress knee-length or slightly higher.

If there is no formal mark, then you can afford a dress with a pattern or a dress with open back, but the length of the outfit no higher than 5–10 centimeters from the knee is considered a prerequisite. In summer, lighter and brighter colors are welcome than in winter. Heels are still required, but open sandals are allowed for a cocktail event. As for the style, for a corporate event choose a sheath dress, and for an entertaining occasion - A-shaped silhouettes, flowing flared silk dresses, pleated dresses. It is better for girls over 16 to replace tutu skirts with a more discreet model. If you don’t wear dresses, then the cocktail allows a girl to appear in a trouser suit or a top plus trousers set. Complete the outfit with a clutch, stilettos and large quality jewelry.

Surely many women have been to a cocktail party. Usually its start coincides with 17-00, and the duration is four hours. Such meetings are not distinguished by solemnity, but knowledge of a number of rules regarding the choice of dresses and additions to them is still necessary. Nowadays, exhibitions and presentations are often hidden behind this sign.

Of course, this kind of evening does not imply much formality, but it is necessary to comply with some requirements. For women, these are special styles of dresses designed specifically for cocktails, in accordance with the type of party, season, individual characteristics shape and age...

For example, if an entertaining cocktail party may well be decorated with a mini dress with bright accessories, That At a business banquet such clothing is strictly prohibited.

Types of cocktail events

The criterion for dividing cocktails into types is the reason for their holding. There are three types: business-oriented, classic and social meeting.

To participate in them, every woman must have in her wardrobe some minimum: cocktail dress, high-heeled shoes, clutch bag, set of accessories (photo).

Classic Cocktail dress code

It’s better to go to an expensive hotel for a business meeting in a black laconic sleeveless dress, knee-length or lower, with a shallow neckline and no slits+ a simple engagement ring, inexpensive earrings and wrist watch+ closed pumps with thin heels.

Important! You should not wear expensive gold earrings and rings.

Dress code Cocktail for a social event (Cocktail attire)

To an exhibition or to the theater feel free to wear a knee-length dress, or even a little higher. His the upper part should be quite strict, without an open cutout on the chest and back.

Wherein no restrictions on fabric color, style or decorative items. Long gloves, as well as stylish jewelry items made of good plastic, will come in handy. Model shoes.

Cocktail dress code for business receptions (parties)

For gala parties that open until 8 p.m., most often wear dresses 10 cm below or above the knees, the style of which is based on open shoulders. Color does not matter; decor is welcome, but not required. A pantsuit (trousers) is not acceptable, but is acceptable for business negotiations.

In summer, open shoes are suitable, and also sandals with small heels.

Important! You should not wear jewelry that is too expensive. But ordinary gold and good plastic are always in fashion.

Cocktail Party Principles

Such evenings of meetings with business partners have the goal of conducting small talk and making new connections. In our society they are most often informal, with all kinds of food and drink.

It is fundamentally important that all participants know in advance the start time of the party, the location and purpose of the visit.

How to behave at cocktail parties?

First, you need to provide the hosts with confirmation of receipt of the invitation. The next stage is to find out in advance all the unclear points by deciding on the stated dress code.

In order not to seem impolite, you need to be punctual, that is, come 5-10 minutes. later than the announced start of the evening, but no more than 20 minutes.

Important! All those gathered should not only be properly dressed, but also in a positive mood.

Among the basic rules of behavior are:

• shake hands, a “dry” kiss is possible;
• a friendly smile;
• nice measured conversation with jokes and quiet laughter;
• compliance with food and drink culture;
• a couple of sips of champagne will help start a conversation; the glass must be held by the stem;
• dancing is allowed if this is in the plans of the organizers;
• When leaving, thank the owners (if this is not possible, then send them a bouquet with a postcard home within 24 hours).

How to choose a cocktail dress?

Dress is an important component of your image, which will hide body imperfections and emphasize beauty. Important points selection is his combination with hairstyle, shoe model, accessory solutions.

The beauty of the image and the correctness of choice depend on elegance of cut, the desired length, moderate neckline, consistent color scheme.

Differences between a daytime cocktail and an evening one

Absolutely, choosing a fashionable ensemble for a cocktail party will have serious differences fromEvents,carried out during the day.

IN In the evening it is preferable to focus on the strict classics and feminine elegance of the set. Evening option dresses should be more elegant.

Clothing for an evening cocktail.

Choosing a dress by age

When choosing a dress, you need take into account age characteristics:

If the woman is slim and under 25 years old, then a length of 15 cm above the knees, bright colors and a unique cut are acceptable.

Important! When using jewelry, the main rule is moderation.

From 25 to 35 years− there is no strict regulation on the type of cut and color of the material ( except pinkish, acidic lemon shades and light green tones), but mini dresseswearstill not worth it(unless your figure is close to ideal), below the knees is optimal; a full skirt is not recommended.

Summer dress

Cocktail dresses are ideal light pastel or bright colors. In some cases, you can wear a translucent dress (just above the knees) complete with matching sandals; fabric with a floral pattern is suitable for it.

Autumn-winter

The best choice - knitted or dresses made of black or wool gray with a seasonally fashionable pattern and wrist-length sleeves, especially in winter.

But quite Beige, golden shades and dark blue tones would also be appropriate.

Should be matched to them matching accessories in the form of bags, watches, various accessories. You can wear small simple hats, gloves with high bells and bolero capes.

Dress styles

Among those eligible styles:

• A-silhouette;
• "by smell";
• costume option;
• by type of combination (lace and underwear gaps are not allowed).

Important! The pomp of a “baby dollar” is inappropriate, as are “tutus” and “oversized”.

Shoes and accessories

Cocktail style is a style of high heels (at least 7 cm) and closed shoes.

It is unacceptable to walk without tights and stockings even in extreme heat.

Only sometimes is it possible to replace “pumps” with open shoes such as sandals.

On a note! Bags are extremely small (clutches) for a smartphone, purse and lip gloss.

It is unlikely that you will need a notepad for notes, a cosmetic set and other little things here.

Headgear is worn when stated by the organizers.

What is allowed and prohibited in the Cocktail dress code

1. High thin heel, starting from 7 cm, heel and toe are solid. In the summer, informal evening get-togethers require wearing sandals.
2. A prerequisite is nylon tights or stockings, nude or black.
3. You cannot wear very short minis or floor-length dresses.
4. You can open your hands, but moderate neckline should be worn.
5. Small clutch and no bulky bags.
6. In the cold season, the cocktail set should be in darker colors than in the warm season.

Thus, despite the relaxation regarding clothing for cocktails, there are certain rules and they must be strictly followed. This applies to all components of the image, not just the dress.

Compliance with the dress code is no less important for men than for women. The ability to dress correctly and choose a style that matches the event largely characterizes a man and determines the success of his communication.

Cocktail for men is a special dress code that allows for some variations in the selection of clothing. The most important requirement is the correct combination of colors.

This dress code is applicable for the following types of events:

• corporate celebration;
• a family holiday organized indoors with a large number of guests;
• presentation;
• going to the theater.

For such events, a number of requirements must be met.

1. Dark, but not black suit. Dark gray or blue colors are suitable for evening receptions. For daytime events, you can wear a gray suit.
2. Classic pants.
3. Black or white shirt with long sleeve.
4. Black or brown shoes.

Cocktail Attire clothing does not include vests. It is worn for more formal occasions.

There are several requirements regarding accessories.

Tie

A tie is optional for the Cocktail Attire style set. It is not worn on corporate events, however, it is recommended to wear for a wedding. It is chosen based on certain requirements.

1. Neutral color.
2. Geometric pattern.
3. One or more shades of the pattern must be present on one of the parts of the set.

A bow tie is acceptable in bright colors and only for young people whose age does not exceed 30 years.

Belt

For such events, you need to choose a belt that:

• matches the color of the shoes;
• has a buckle made in a neutral style, without decoration.

Cufflinks and watches on a leather strap or metal bracelet are acceptable as accessories.

Black tie is a formal style. This dress code is required for formal events held after 5 pm.

These types of events include:

• dinner parties;
• weddings;
• awards ceremony.

The standard attire for this dress code consists of:

• black tuxedo;
• black trousers;
• black vest;
• belts;
• white shirt;
• dark socks;
• black matte shoes.

Modern requirements allow dark blue tones to be chosen for this style. A vest is required only if the tuxedo has one button.

The cummerbund is put on so that the folds face up. According to modern requirements, this belt does not need to be worn. In this case, black suspenders are required.

Pants must be made of the same fabric as the tuxedo. They should have stripes sewn on them from the same fabric as the tuxedo lapels.

If the choice is made in favor of a velvet jacket, then the trousers are selected to match.

A silk or cotton shirt with mother-of-pearl buttons in white or black is preferable. For a shirt in in this case Cufflinks made of precious metal are required.

Tie

For events of this kind, a butterfly made of matte fabric to match the jacket is a must.

Accessories

Accessories required are:

• white pocket square;
• a silk scarf, which may not be worn during the warm season;
• watch.

At weddings, a boutonniere, which is inserted into the buttonhole of a tuxedo, is considered a mandatory accessory.

There are several varieties of formal attire, one of which is the Creative "Black Tie". This is a dress code option that allows for a creative approach to choosing clothes. It is practiced at events such as the Academy Awards.

According to the rules you can:

• wear a black shirt instead of a white one;
• replace the bow tie with a classic tie;
• choose an extravagant accessory for the set.

The “Black tie invited” uniform suggests less formality.

It is required for events such as:

• large business meetings;
• public meetings.

A man has the right to choose between a tuxedo or jacket. For such events, the absence of a pocket square is acceptable.

Black Tie Semi-formal is the loosest of all formal styles.

It is required for:

• trips to expensive restaurants in connection with special events;
• visiting theater premieres.

The dress code does not include a tuxedo. The color of the suit depends on the time for which the celebration is scheduled.

1. After 6 pm - dark suit.
2. Until 6 pm - suit in lighter colors.

White Tie is a dress code that is required at the most formal meetings. The choice of color for each part of the kit is very important.

This style is required for events like:

• a party at the embassy;
• meetings with heads of state;
• audiences with kings;
• presentation of the Nobel Prize.

The clothing set includes several mandatory items.

1. Black or dark blue tailcoat.
2. A white shirt, the sleeves of which extend a centimeter beyond the sleeves of the tailcoat.
3. White vest, buttoned up with all buttons. You can choose a vest in a cream or milky shade.
4. Pants without belt. Silk suspenders are allowed.
5. Black shoes.

The following accessories are required for this dress code:

• white bowtie made of the same fabric as the vest;
• cufflinks are not made of gold, but of white precious metal;
• white scarf;
• black silk socks;
• black cylinder;
• white silk scarf with fringe.

Wrist watches are prohibited for the White Tie style. Only pocket watches on a chain are allowed.

Business best style is required for such events How:

• serious business meetings with business partners;
• company presentations;
• conferences and symposia.

The kit for such events includes:

• dark suit, preferably dark blue;
• white long sleeve shirt;
• classic black matte shoes;
• burgundy tie;
• black socks;
• cufflinks

Previously, this style required that the suit be exclusively of blue color, but now others are allowed dark shades. There is even a choice of combination suits.

This is a clothing style that involves business meetings with business partners during the working day.

For this dress code, great variability in each part of the set is acceptable.

1. Jackets. Jackets made of tweed, wool, and corduroy are allowed. Subtle colors.
2. Shirts. Shirts are selected with long sleeves, blue shades. A small checkered or striped pattern is allowed.
3. Trousers. The trousers are chosen to be loose-fitting, made of cotton or mixed fabric dark blue, sand, mustard or brown.
4. Shoes. Both classic shoes and moccasins are suitable for this style.

For this dress code, it is possible to replace the jacket with a wool cardigan. You can also combine the jacket with plain jumpers.

The After Five clothing style involves formal events that take place between 5 and 8 p.m.

It can be:

• parties at the club;
• friendly meetings.

Even though the events take place in the evening, some freedom in clothing choice is allowed.

The kit includes:

• business style suit;
• shirt of any style;
• tie;
• closed shoes.

For such events, you can choose any clothes suitable colors. A tie is not a requirement. The color and style of shoes are not regulated, the main thing is that they are closed.

After 5 Casual is the most free evening style. It does not imply strict rules and requirements. It is suitable for parties, dates, meetings in cafes.

For this style you can combine:

• classic trousers and jumper;
• jeans and shirt;
• loose-fitting trousers and a cardigan.

Colors are not regulated for such kits. Shoes can be selected in any style, closed type. Accessories such as a tie, watch or cufflinks are not essential items.

Smart Casual is a dress code with very flexible requirements. It is suitable for office work, business lunches with partners, and everyday business meetings.

The kit may include:

• a jacket in calm shades made of tweed, wool or corduroy;
• a shirt of any shade, possibly with a small pattern;
• loose-fitting trousers without creases or jeans;
• loafers or moccasins.

This style is so democratic that it allows you to replace trousers with shorts in hot weather and replace a shirt with a sweater in cold weather.

There are no mandatory accessories in this style. When choosing a tie, you should pay attention to knitted models. The belt is usually matched to the color of the shoe.

The choice of dress code depends on the type of event and the time of day when it is organized.

Have you received an invitation to an event that says “dress code cocktail” in black and white, and were immediately confused? A party is great, but what to wear remains a mystery to you? Don't worry, we will try to help you.

Cocktail dress code for women

The cocktail style is usually intended for a cocktail party, and they, as a rule, take place in the form of free communication and are often arranged according to the “buffet” principle. This kind of event is usually held from 16:00 to 20:00, which allows it to be more relaxed than a business lunch, but not as formal as evening reception. So what should you still wear if the invitation says “dress code cocktail”?

Requirements for the “cocktail dress code”:

• the sleeve can be short or long;
• neckline is possible, but the main thing is not to overdo it, everything should be in moderation;
• the dress should not be too short, ideally if it is just above or just below the knee. A small decor in the form of a moderate flounce or frill is welcome;
• the fabric for the dress can be varied, but since the cocktail event is held between day and evening, then very bright colors should be used only as decoration;
• the best handbag is a small clutch;
• there are no restrictions on shoes, it all depends on the season, but still, nothing looks better than stiletto heels;
• jewelry: beads with several strands, large pendants, huge earrings, rings or many bracelets - all this is possible, but not all at once, focus on one thing, do not turn into a magpie;
• The hair on the head should be neatly styled; you can decorate it with decorative hair.

You will look unique and chic at such a party if in your outfit you use colors such as lilac and green or mustard and brown, or maybe blue and lemon. These complex combinations in your outfit will not leave you without the attention of your fans.

What not to wear:

• Under no circumstances should you wear a full-length dress or skirt to such a party - this will prevent you from moving freely;
• It is not customary to wear dresses or blouses with extravagant decorative elements, such as puffed sleeves or large collars, to cocktail events;
• V winter period You should not wear dresses with thin straps or without them at all;
• A transparent dress will look very inappropriate and ridiculous;
• You should also avoid dresses with a revealing cutout at the back;
• Don’t even think about wearing a white blouse and a black skirt, otherwise you will 100% be mistaken for a waitress.

For a more realistic idea of ​​what a “cocktail” dress code is, look at the photos that we have selected for you.

There is such an event as a cocktail party. It is most often scheduled for five o'clock in the evening and lasts about four hours. Such a gathering, unlike real celebrations, has much less festive characteristics. The modern dress code of such parties for both women and men requires knowledge of some rules for the selection of clothing and accessories.

Very often, various presentations or exhibitions are held in our time under the guise of cocktail meetings. And in invitations to events of this kind, the concept of “Cocktail dress code” is indicated.

"Cocktail" rules

This dress code includes certain requirements that must be observed by both men and women. If we take men into account, they are recommended to wear classic suits in exclusively dark shades.

The most popular suits are blue and black. You can wear ties in bright colors. Women should wear special cocktail dresses to such events.

Types of similar events

Currently, there are three types of cocktail parties - business, classic and social. And each of them has its own “Cocktail” dress code. First, let's talk about parties in business style.

These include various corporate evenings, which are usually intended for discussing business between business partners. Most often they are held within the walls of an excellent restaurant. At the same time, you must adhere to special rigor in your clothing.

The “Cocktail” dress code for women determines attending a party in a dress that is made in a simple style, without a deep neckline and below the knees. The color of clothing should be calm tones - beige, gray, black, it is better to avoid large drawings or sharp contrasts. With all this, a woman should not wear bright or flashy jewelry. An exception may be a modest bracelet, neat earrings, or a thin gold chain.

Shoes should also be of a strict style. An excellent example would be closed-type boats, made in the classic version. Shoes can be low or medium heels, it is better to avoid stilettos, platform or sport shoes unacceptable.

Classic version

An equally serious party is an event that is held in the evening. Usually it is scheduled for eight or nine o'clock in the evening. In this case, the “Cocktail” dress code is presented in a more relaxed form. Open shoulder colors are allowed.

As for their length, it can be about ten centimeters above the knees, how much lower is at the discretion of the lady. Shoes for such events should be open shoes or attractive sandals. In addition to clothing, you can take bright decorations mostly light colors. An excellent option would be expensive jewelry or classic jewelry. However, for example, rings with large diamonds will be superfluous.

The “Cocktail” dress code for men at such parties assumes the same suit, but a loose cut, no jacket and more liberal shades of clothing are allowed. You can use a pocket square, cufflinks and watches as jewelry.

Social event

The third type of modern fashionable cocktail party is For such events, clothing is allowed in the form of attractive dresses up to the middle of a woman's knee, although dresses up to the ankle are also allowed. Various necklines, trains and decorations are welcome.

As for men, their dress code at such events is lighter and is represented by a tie, suit or just trousers and a shirt.

If the cocktail party is not formal, then a simple “Cocktail” dress code is encouraged. Photos of the clothing are presented below. In such cases, men are allowed to wear a jacket. But the choice should be made on a fashionable item with a loose cut, so that the attire is not in a business style. Representative strong half of humanity can wear expensive accessories - cufflinks, watches, genuine leather belt. Although most of all a man is decorated with expensive and chic shoes.

How to behave at a cocktail party?

It must be remembered that it is not clothes that make a person. The main principle is the correct holding of the event in compliance with all the rules, as well as those present. Nowadays, as in past years, the true and sincere adornment of any person is a smile.

What is possible: talk in halftones, joke, laugh quietly, enjoy drinks and snacks in a civilized manner, dance, if this is planned by the owners.

What is not allowed: shouting, swearing, laughing loudly, bringing up political, religious or racial issues in conversation.

Cocktail Party Principles

In modern society, the “Cocktail” dress code has become very popular. Evenings like this are in a convenient way holding and other events designed to meet specific people in a relaxed format. Modern cocktail parties have a semi-formal feel. At the same time, they are served with various drinks and all sorts of light snacks.

Each party participant must be familiar with certain issues in advance: the time of the event, the place where it is organized and the purpose of being at the party.

Dress code "Cocktail" depending on the location of the party

If an event of this format is held at home, for example, in connection with receiving new position, then it is permissible to use a more relaxed style of clothing. If the celebration will take place in a fashionable and expensive restaurant, then it is necessary to use the “Business Cocktail” dress code, which is distinguished by rigor and elegance.

There is one more small feature that will allow a person to determine the level of formality of the celebration - this is the invitation itself to it. If it was done over the phone, then you can relax and wear a simpler outfit.

If the invitation was issued in the form of a postcard or letter and received officially, then the party will be held on high level. In this case, clothes should be chosen responsibly.

How can a woman choose an outfit?

With the help of a dress, an image is created, beauty is emphasized and figure flaws are hidden. Therefore, it must be carefully selected according to its parameters so that the outfit matches the hairstyle, shoes, and accessories. To emphasize the individuality of the guest and at the same time meet the basic requirements of the dress code: elegant cut, adequate length, small neckline, soft colors.

It is clear that the dress code for a Cocktail Evening will be different from the dress code for a day party.

Moreover, dresses are selected depending on age.

Up to 25 years of age, if you have a slender figure, a length of about fifteen centimeters above the knee is acceptable. Bright colors and unusual cuts are welcome. It is not advisable to wear a lot of jewelry with a dress.

25 - 35 years - you can use a different range of styles and colors. From short length It is better to refuse dresses (with the exception of an ideal figure). You also need to be careful when choosing bright colors like pink, lemon, or salad. They should only be worn if they suit your skin color very well.

After 35, you should pay attention to the length of the dress so that it is below the knee. Instead of full skirt It is best to use a more modest style.

The “Cocktail” dress code for women in winter is no different from other seasons. The only thing is that dresses need to be selected in such a way that they are combined with winter clothes. It is better with long sleeves and knitted ones, made of thin woolen fabric.

The traditional color of the dress is black. However, you can use other shades - beige, golden, dark blue. You should avoid pink, light green and lemon shades, as they will be inappropriate for a serious event.

The dress can be complemented with various accessories - handbags, watches, jewelry. Even the use of small, discreet hats is allowed. It is also a good idea to wear long gloves or boleros.