So, you’ve been invited to a cocktail party. You start mentally scanning your closet. You think, “What does cocktail attire mean? Do I have anything suitable?”
The best way to decide how formal to dress is by using the party location as a guide. If the party is in your friend’s backyard, go fairly casual. If a venue was rented for the event, dress to the nines.

Here’s a guide for what to wear this season. I’ve divided the guide into 3 categories of formality. Within each, you’ll find guidelines and examples of what to wear at each price level. As always, the images are clickable for easy (and instant) online shopping!

Casual Cocktail

Where’s the party? If it’s being held at a neighborhood brew pub, your friend’s backyard or is just a small gathering at a friend’s house, your attire should be cocktail casual.
Ditch the dress for this party and stick to separates. Jeans are okay, but stick with nice Skinny or Trouser Jeans. Skirts are also a good option here. Pencil Skirts and Full Skirts will both work. Just don’t get too fancy–no sequins or brooches.
Top it all off with a silky or ruffly top. Go for something feminine and elegant.
Don’t forget to glam it up! Accessories for a cocktail party are pretty universal. Look for pearls, statement jewelry and jeweled dinner rings.

Casual Cocktail Priced Low

Shown: Gypsy Coin Top ($22.99), Slouchy Top ($18.99), Ruffle Top ($17.99), Skinny Jeans ($34.99), Pencil Skirt ($22.99), Satin Bow Skirt ($24.99)

Casual Cocktail Priced Medium

Shown: Satin Blouse ($39.95), Ruffle Tank Blouse ($32.95), Denim Trousers ($44.95), High-Waisted Pants ($48.00), Tuxedo Pants ($54.50), Trouser Jeans ($69.50)

Traditional Cocktail

If the party is being held at a friend’s house where lots of people are invited, a restaurant or an upscale bar, dress Traditional Cocktail. For Traditional Cocktail, opt for a dress. Separates are acceptable, but a dress is more feminine and fits the style better. Hence the term, ‘cocktail dress’. If you do wear separates, DO NOT wear jeans! Jeans are too casual for this type of party. Find a pair of well-tailored slacks or a feminine skirt.
Accessorize with statement jewelry, pearls and large dinner rings. Jewels, even if they’re fake, are great accessories!
As far as shoes go, choose a pair of classic stilettos, strappy sandals or tall boots.

Traditional Cocktail Priced Low

Shown: Pleated Shift Dress ($26.99), Boucle Tube Dress ($26.99), Ruffle Chiffon Dress ($28.99)

Traditional Cocktail Priced Medium

Shown: Strapless Knit Dress ($68.00), Ruffled Chiffon Dress ($78.00), Classic Shift Dress ($38.97)

Dressy Cocktail

If your host has gone all out in planning the party, you should go all out in planning your attire. If the party is being billed as a fancy cocktail party held at a rented venue, a hotel ballroom, or even your friend’s house that’s been transformed to host a swanky party, dress it up!
Sequins, baubles, ruffles, and silky fabrics are all good choices here. Separates are not going to be as acceptable at a party like this. With the right combo, you might be able to pull it off, but your best bet is a dressy dress!
Glam it up with your accessories, but keep it tasteful and elegant. Classic stilettos or strappy sandals are good choices for shoes. I wouldn’t pair a super fancy dress with tall boots for this party.

Dressy Cocktail Priced Low

Shown: Flower One Shoulder Dress ($28.99), Ruched Chiffon Dress ($36.99), Sequin Shift Dress ($26.99)

Dressy Cocktail Priced Medium

Shown: Tiered Ruffle Dress ($78.00), Velvet Dress ($35.97), Stretch Satin Strap Dress ($54.00)

Still Don’t Know?

Still clueless about what to wear? You’ll never go wrong with a Little Black Dress. Read Top 10 Classic Fashion Essentials for some LBD ideas.

Your Thoughts?

Does it help to think about where the event is being held when you’re deciding what to wear to a cocktail party? What are some other clues you use to know what the attire should be? What’s your favorite thing to wear to a cocktail party?