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We asked stylists to crack the cocktail dress code. You get an invitation to attend a fun shindig, and the dress code wording toward the bottom says something like “cocktail attire preferred ...

While a cocktail dress code isn't as strict as white or black-tie, it's not an invitation to wear just anything. Who What Wear says cocktail attire sits in that gray area between formal and casual ...

"I went to a 'dress code: chic, bratty' wedding this year," revealed one commenter on the viral post.

It can, however, make things tricky when it comes to dress codes. While society remains mostly in agreement that certain ...

Every bridal shower comes with its own dress code and expectations around what guests should and shouldn’t wear. Still, it’s ...

When an invitation lands in your inbox with a “formal” or “cocktail” dress code, the excitement of the occasion can quickly ...

What is cocktail attire? If you receive an invitation with cocktail attire noted as the dress code, don’t panic. It’s likely to be an evening event where you are expected to be extra and amp up the ...

Q I'm invited to a Labor Day wedding where I'm close to the parents but not part of the wedding party. It is not black tie, in fact, the description is "cocktail attire suggested." I'm wondering ...

Please stop with party dress codes. Your friends have bills to pay. Guests don’t need the extra financial pressure of buying an outfit they may wear just once.

Regular semi-formal wear allows cocktail dresses, but this is not appropriate for business wear. Review the invitation from the business for clues about what to wear.

Deciding what to wear ultimately comes down to the fine print on the invitation—the dress code. While the intention is to provide guidance on guest attire, dress codes can often lead to confusion.