Cocktail Kilt attire

[Steve Ashton]

According to many style guides cocktail attire is built around a ladies Cocktail dress.
Usually a simple dress of mid calves to just above the knee worn with heels for parties indoors or outdoor in the afternoon to early evening.
Usually of lighter weight fabrics worn with a minimum of jewelry or accessories.
Dressier than jeans but not as dressy as for dinner. You are usually not seated around a table but standing and walking around. drinks, hors d'oeuvres or buffet.

Men in slacks and sport coats are often seen but there is a wide variety of regional differences in the meaning of cocktail attire.

Here are some guidelines that will always serve you well.
When in doubt ask the hostess.
Dress appropriately for the event. ie, what will others be wearing.
Don't overdress just because you can.
Don't underdress to make a statement.