cocktail dress
Semiformal evening garment
A cocktail dress is a woman's semiformal dress suitable for evening social occasions—shorter than a gown but dressier than daywear.
Typically knee-length or just above, often sleeveless or with thin straps: She wore a black cocktail dress to the gallery opening.
The style emerged in the 1920s alongside cocktail party culture.
Delicate transparent textile
- satinGlossy-surfaced woven cloth
- velvetThick-pile textile
- laceOpen-weave ornamental fabric
- tulleFine net fabric
silk · sequins · organza · taffeta · crepe · brocade · jacquard · jersey
Protective blade covering
- A-lineFitted-top flared garment
- bodyconTight garment showcasing silhouette
- shiftMovement or work period
- wrapEnclose by winding around
peplum · high-low · empire waist · cutout · mermaid · asymmetrical · mini · midi
Lacking arm coverings
- straplessLacking shoulder bands
- halterneckNeckline baring shoulders and back
- backlessLacking rear coverage
- spaghetti strapNarrow shoulder loop
draped · off-shoulder · one-shoulder · cap sleeve · sweetheart neckline · ruched · pleated · tiered
Tasteful, current flair
- elegantGracefully refined, tasteful
- refinedPurified or cultured
- sophisticatedWorldly and cultured
- polishedSmooth, refined, accomplished
sleek · tailored · understated · glamorous · classy · tasteful · luxurious · feminine
Festive formal occasion
- receptionAct of receiving guests
- wedding guestCeremony attendee by invitation
- charity eventOrganized occasion raising donations
- opening nightFirst staged performance
anniversary dinner · awards ceremony · rehearsal dinner · holiday party · fundraiser · premiere · engagement party · graduation
chiffon
Delicate transparent textile
tulle · silk · sequins · organza · taffeta · crepe · brocade · jacquard · jersey · charmeuse
sheath
Protective blade covering
- A-lineFitted-top flared garment
- bodyconTight garment showcasing silhouette
- shiftMovement or work period
wrap · peplum · high-low · empire waist · cutout · mermaid · asymmetrical · mini · midi · pencil
sleeveless
Lacking arm coverings
- straplessLacking shoulder bands
- halterneckNeckline baring shoulders and back
- backlessLacking rear coverage
spaghetti strap · draped · off-shoulder · one-shoulder · cap sleeve · sweetheart neckline · ruched · pleated · tiered · beaded
chic
Tasteful, current flair
- elegantGracefully refined, tasteful
- refinedPurified or cultured
- sophisticatedWorldly and cultured
polished · sleek · tailored · understated · glamorous · classy · tasteful · luxurious · feminine · flattering
gala
Festive formal occasion
- receptionAct of receiving guests
- wedding guestCeremony attendee by invitation
- charity eventOrganized occasion raising donations
opening night · anniversary dinner · awards ceremony · rehearsal dinner · holiday party · fundraiser · premiere · engagement party · graduation · networking event
- formal attiretuxedo, evening gown, ball gown, bow tie, black tie
- formal weartuxedo, tux, evening gown, ball gown, formal suit
- formalwearball gown, tuxedo, evening gown, formal gown, tux
- attireoutfit, garb, getup, apparel, ensemble
- clothingapparel, jeans, garment, Bermuda shorts, blouse
- dress shopgowns, ball gown, sundress, evening gown, formal wear
cocktail dresssweatpants
Casual athletic trousers
ballgown · casual wear · floor-length gown · loungewear · pajamas
cocktail dresswedding dress
Formal attire for brides
bridal gown · work uniform · gym clothes · beachwear · swimsuit
dress, attire, cocktail, dresses, cocktail party, cocktail dresses