I was informed today that we will have to dress in ‘cocktail attire’ for a work function on our trip to Las Vegas this week. I had nothing even remotely appropriate, so I had to go out to buy a dress (today, as we leave early Tuesday morning).
I managed to find a dress. It’s a this one here, which I managed to get for $11.99 (!!!) due to a small loose area in one seam.
I need help to find the style of shoe and what sort of shawl-kinda thing. I won’t wear a wedge heel, so don’t even suggest them; likewise, I’m fond of slides and mules rather than pump-style shoes.
First, should I stick with white? Or, can I wear a black strappy shoe and a black shawl (it’s an evening affair)? What about jewellery? All of my jewellery is gold with gemstones (diamond and/or emerald), how would that fly? What I was thinking is that I should either wear pearls (earrings only, possibly bracelet) or silver jewellery.
Cocktail attire is generally a short dress (as opposed to a floor-length skirt) that while dressier than what you wear to work, is not quite as formal as other attires.
I think a black shawl and black heels would be fine. I wouldn’t wear open-toed shoes, but a nice slide would work well. Since your dress is simple, go nuts with the jewelry. I would say the chunkier the better.
I agree with ivylass. If you go with a black shawl and heels, then pick up some fun, chunky, colorful costume jewelry. You’d be amazed at the cool stuff you can get at Target.
I’ve got a choice of a black gauzy shawl with sequined ends, a grey/silver gauze with beaded ends, or a navy with fringe ends. I’ve got black strappy shoes. I will pick up a small black evening bag. It’s jewellery that has me stumped - I have pretty delicate features, and chunky jewellery just doesn’t work on me.
For jewerly, silver is the only way to go, gold wouldn’t look right, IMO. Maybe some turquoise and silver would be cute. Turquuoise looks good with black, and black looks good with white.
And the rule as I know it is, if you go big with the jewerly on one body part (earrings, necklaces, bracelets) make sure you don’t on other parts. Don’t pair flashy earrings with a bunch of necklaces and wear multiple bracelets. Pick one to emphasize the most.
The dress is already purchased, so obviously my question is just really for personal clarification.
But can a white dress really be considered “cocktail attire”? To me, white is more of a day time look (for instance, that dress would look very cute with brown sandals and some brownish/goldish jewelery for the day time).
This is more along the lines of what I think of for “cocktail” dress.
I agree with Diosa, not to sound like I’m raining on your parade or anything. It’s a very very cute dress, but something that’s more sunny Sunday afternoon picnic attire. It’s not just the white itself, since I could see a nice white silk or satin dress being appropriate, but the fabric and the weave (seersucker is generally considered a rather casual fabric).
I’m not entirely sure why they’re calling it seersucker on the website, because it really isn’t. At any rate, it had better be good enough for a bunch of health insurance salesmen on vacation in Vegas, that’s what I’ve got. The ribbon detail at the ‘waist’ is the same as on the black purse that I picked up today.
I wouldn’t quite call it ‘seersucker’ either, but I zoomed in on the fabric before making my reply. I’m not saying that you can’t wear it or anything. It’s a nice dress, I just still think it’s far too casual to be a cocktail dress. S’all I’m sayin’.
If you haven’t already gotten jewelry, how do you feel about silver and onyx? Are you a silver or a gold? Silver and onyx can be classy but may not be a combo you like. An interesting necklace could be enough impact given the other accessories you have going.
I think it looks more like a day dress too but with the black accessories, you’ll look perfectly acceptable for the occasion. It’s not like it’s a presidential reception or anything; I bet you’ll look better than most of the guys who will probably be standing around looking uncomfortable in too small sports jackets hauled out of the back of the closet.
I almost bought that dress but not as a cocktail dress. I bought another cotton dress very similar and wear bronze flats and wood jewlery. Since it was such a steal, (And cute cute cute) I’d go with a jewel-toned satin—great with your hair!
More shopping!