A cocktail dress is a semi-formal women's dress suitable for receptions and evening events. Choose length, fabric, and accessories to move the look from day to night and to match the event's formality.
A ball gown remains the most formal evening dress: full, floor-length skirts, rich fabrics, and decorative finishes define the look. Modern designers blend traditional silhouettes with updated details while accessories like wraps and gloves preserve the gown's formality.
An updated overview of formal dress shirts: collar styles (cutaway, wing, stiff, point), cuff types, front construction, materials like poplin and piqu e9, and when to wear white tie versus black tie.
A concise modern guide to evening gowns: lengths, fabrics, accessories, white-tie vs black-tie norms, and special traditions such as tiaras and tartan sashes.