What exactly is a "cocktail" dress?

Question

I need one for my job's Christmas party, but I don't know what to look for - and the saleswoman at Macy's didn't know either... go figure...

Answer 1

Usually a classic black, maybe with a touch of sparkle or pattern, just above the knee, maybe sleeveless with a scarf or shawl, depending on your style. Think classic, simple, flattering.

Answer 2

Next time, just ask for an Audrey Hepburn 50's style informal party dress! Everyone seems to being using celebrity names to describe things these days! That Salesperson needs to be transferred to housewares! She probably did that on purpose. A cocktail dress is usually black, knee length & made of "rich" material that catches the eye, yet the dress itself is sewn in a very "simple" style that accentuates the body of the wearer in a feminine way, without looking trashy or too revealing! Remember that when you accessorize, that LESS IS BEST. If you cannot find a simple piece of jewelry to go with your dress, then wear nothing & let the dress do the talking! Never let the jewelry outdo the cocktail dress. That's YOUR JOB! The dress should FRAME the wearer & make HER the STAR!

Answer 3

I can't believe that a clothing retail salesperson didn't know what a cocktail dress is!!

If you don't have one (which you obviously don't!) I would suggest a basic blakc (the proverbial "little black dress"). A cocktail dress is a flexible term, but is usually sleeveless and fall right above the knee. It may also tend to be on the sleek side. In other words, it's a classy and not frumpy type of dress!

Here are examples from the Macy's website, so you can go back and pick one out!

http://www.macys.com/catalog/index.ognc?CategoryID=20005&PartnerID=GOOGLE&BannerID=g4780

Answer 4

A cocktail dress or cocktail gown is a shorter-length lady's gown worn at cocktail parties and other semi-formal and formal occasions. Less elaborate versions may be worn at semi-formal occasions when gentlemen are in dark suits. (When gentlemen are in business suits, ladies also wear dress suits or "good" afternoon dresses). A longer, full-skirted cocktail dress may accompany black tie (although in the late 1960s and early 1970s short cocktail dresses were acceptable black tie attire).

Answer 5

A cocktail dress is usually a fancy party dress that is NOT a long gown. The hem is usually at knee-height, or a little lower.

Answer 6

A "House Dressing" is a salad dressing that was home made instead of bought pre made. Many restaurants don't make all their own salad dressings but often have one that they do make themselves. "House Wine" is the restaurants less pricey brand of wine offered by the glass as opposed to a more premium=more pricey glass of wine.

Answer 7

a cocktail dress is a dress that's most of the time at your knees or a little past yours knees. also has a wide strap, like a sleeveless shirt. There usually the color black.

Answer 8

"A cocktail dress or cocktail gown is a shorter-length lady's gown worn at cocktail parties and other semi-formal and formal occasions."
Here's a site with many pictures to give you some ideas:
http://www.edressme.com/cocdres.html

Answer 9

A knee length dress

Answer 10

I nice little dress, usually just below the knees. Have you ever heard of the saying the little black dress? That is the basic idea.... look at these for ideas.
http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=Dresses&product%5Fid=2032376301&Page=1

http://www.bcbg.com/fall2006/index.htm

http://www.bcbg.com/fall2006/index.htm