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 tie, meaning both blouses and ballgowns are persona non grata. True, you could play it safe, stock your cocktail-ready collection with LBDs and call it a day. But where’s the fun in that? In a month that’s chock-full of holiday parties, winter weddings and the night that prophesies your future (sartorial and otherwise) for the rest of the year, differentiation is key.
As it’s our personal belief that anything with the word “cocktail” in it ought to be a remedy for stress — not its cause — we’ve sifted through the proverbial racks for you. Click through the gallery above for 27 pieces of cocktail attire to suit any mood or function. From fun frocks to jaunty jumpsuits, these semiformal finds will help you conquer your jam-packed social calendar in style. Cheers.
[ Next: 10 Ways to Elevate Your Holiday Party Look ]
2018 Cocktail Attire
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Zara
Limited Edition Dress With Metallic Thread, $129 at Zara
Follow Zara’s lead and team this metallic threaded dress with chain-link jewelry.
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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.
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& Other Stories
Velvet Midi Wrap Dress, $129 at & Other Stories
Add in some jewel-toned knee-high boots FTW.
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The Frankie Shop
Ruby Red Silky Maxi Dress, $179 at The Frankie Shop
Black sock boots put a sartorial spin on this silky dress.
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Nanushka
Daria Western Dress in Black, $479 at Nanushka
We can totally picture Meghan Markle in this with some structured pumps. Nuff said.
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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.
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Flynn Skye
One-Shoulder Jumpsuit, $218 at Urban Outfitters
Simply add a gold choker and suede pumps for polished perfection.
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Mango
Metallic Finish Sweater ($69.99) and Metallic Thread Dress ($41.99) at Mango
A black belt transforms two pieces into one.
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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.
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Rodebjer
Djuna Dress in Emerald, $382.99 at Need Supply Co.
Skip jewelry to really let this embroidered dress shine.
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Topshop
Crinkle Velvet Suit, $170 at Topshop
Slip on a semi-sheer black turtleneck underneath and finish things off with black boots.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Zara
Sequin Dress, $119 at Zara
Layer over a sheer black blouse for cocktail attire 2.0.
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& Other Stories
Chain Print Midi Dress, $119 at & Other Stories
Amp it up with a pair of red tights and black ankle booties.
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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.
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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.
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Just Female
Irena Dress, $89.99 at Need Supply Co.
This ruffle sleeve spicy orange dress demands gold hoops and Mary Janes.
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The Frankie Shop
Yellow Crushed Velvet Midi Dress, $159 at The Frankie Shop
Let the dress speak for itself by just adding black pumps.
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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.
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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.
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Zara
Velvet Look Jumpsuit, $99.90 at Zara
Add a tailored black blazer for a streamlined finish.
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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.
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Ganni
Rosefeld Embellished Mini Dress, $539.99 at Need Supply Co.
Switch out the kicks for structured mules.
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Rachel Comey
Striped Toppa Dress, $257 at Totokaelo
Make it cocktail-appropriate with navy embellished heels.
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Diane von Furstenberg
Bruna Velvet Dress, $498 at mytheresa.com
Style this plush ruched number with brooch-accented heels.
