How to Dress for a Winter Cocktail Event

The cocktail dress code is one that every woman either relishes at the thought of or gets completely overwhelmed by. Since there aren't many hard-and-fast rules, it leaves a lot of room for personal interpretation. The cocktail dress code's freedom makes it fun to dress for, but it also leaves a lot of space to err.

Some loose cocktail dress code rules of thumb are that dresses are always a safe bet and tend to be dresses that fall around knee-length. Because cocktail dresses are shorter, it's also important to nail the shoes and accessories you pair with them. But as far as color, fabric, and silhouette are concerned, pretty much anything goes. You just need to make sure your choices are appropriate for the occasion you're dressing for. 

How to Dress Cocktail in Winter

The shorter length and minimalist appeal of cocktail attire make it all the more challenging to figure out how to dress for a cocktail event when it's cold outside. If you have a winter function coming up and need to find the perfect cocktail ensemble for it, we've got you covered. Read on to learn everything you need to know about how to dress for a cocktail event in winter.

General Dos and Don'ts for Cocktail Parties

While there aren't strict boundaries or limitations for cocktail dress codes, there are some general dos and don'ts that you should follow, no matter the weather or occasion. 

Don't wear dresses that are too revealing. While it can be fun to dress up for a cocktail event, remember that it's not the same as dressing up for a girls' night out. When choosing a cocktail dress, be sure not to steer clear of anything you wouldn't want your boss to see you wearing.

Do make sure hemlines and necklines are appropriate. Hemlines should fall around knee length. They can be midi or calf-length but should never fall above the knee or reach the floor. While off-the-shoulder cocktail dresses are acceptable, don't wear a dress with a plunging V-neckline. Keep the neckline refined and sophisticated. 

Don't wear jeans. While there are cocktail-appropriate jumpsuit and pantsuit options for women who aren't comfortable wearing dresses, you should never, ever wear jeans to a cocktail event, no matter how chic or designer they are. 

Do wear a stylish jumpsuit, sleek pantsuit, tailored blazer, or high-end blouse if you don't want to wear a dress. There are plenty of stylish, chic, and elegant pant options for women who are more comfortable in pants.

Don't carry around an oversized bag. Part of the cocktail aesthetic is its minimalist appeal. When you're dressed for a cocktail event, you should never carry a large, bulky, or oversized bag. Take only what's necessary and either carry your accessories in a cute dress with pockets or use a small clutch or purse. 

Do carry a small clutch or purse. Small clutches and purses with thin shoulder straps make perfect accessories to pair and carry with a cocktail dress. Choose one that complements your dress with a coordinating pattern, fabric, or color scheme. 

Don't overdo it with the accessories. As the rule goes with small clutches and purses, less is more where accessories for a cocktail event are concerned. 

Do choose one statement accessory. A statement necklace is a perfect opportunity to add some bling to a dress with an off-the-shoulder, sleeveless, or spaghetti strap top.  

Don't wear sneakers or sandals, even if you don't like wearing heels. The shoes you choose to pair with your cocktail dress need to be sophisticated, stylish, and spot-on. Most importantly, even if you're wearing a jumpsuit or pantsuit, they should never be sneakers or sandals. 

Do wear heels or a nice pair of flats. While heels are more appropriate, if you are set against them, a nice pair of flats will work as well.

5 Cocktail Styles You Can Wear when it's Cold Outside

Now that you understand the general rules of thumb for cocktail dress codes and the general dos and don'ts for putting together the perfect ensemble, you're ready to face the challenge of creating a cocktail look for winter that will be as comfortable as it is stylish. 

Maxi Cocktail Dress with a High Slit

This is one of the only cocktail dress styles where you might be able to get away with a floor-length hem. When the dress has a hip-high hem and a couple of midriff cutouts on either side, it's just the right dress-to-skin ratio to make it qualify as a serious cocktail contender. 

Body-Hugging Lace Dress

A body-hugging lace dress offers a simple, sultry, super-easy-to-wear option for your next cocktail event. Choose a rich solid color with long lace sleeves to look stunning for the season. 

Velvet Cocktail Dress

Velvet is synonymous with winter. Not only does this fabric look rich, plush, and regal, but it will add some extra warmth to your ensemble so that you can skip a cover-up.

Off-the-Shoulder Long-Sleeved Cocktail Dress

An off-the-shoulder long-sleeved cocktail dress with a nude tone and cowl neck collar is a cozy and super-chic option for daytime cocktail events in winter. 

Sequined Cocktail Dresses

There's no better time of year than winter to wear a sequined cocktail dress. A holiday dinner party or New Year's Eve celebration are perfect occasions to wear an embellished cocktail dress. Pair it with a fur coat and heels in a coordinating metallic color to stand out in style. 

4 Things You Can Wear Over Your Cocktail Dress

Even if you won't be outside for an extended period, you'll need something to help you cover up and feel warm when you're dressing for a cocktail event in the winter. Pair your dress with a complementary cover-up like a fur wrap, shrug, stylish tailored coat, or short, high-end jacket to keep cozy without sacrificing style.

Don't freeze up when you have to decide how to dress for a cocktail event when it's cold outside. Getting dressed up for a cocktail dress code can be fun any time of the year. To nail the perfect look, follow the guide above and you'll know exactly how to dress for a cocktail event in winter.