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What to wear to a wedding — cocktail attire explained

Wondering what a ‘cocktail dress code’ means when it comes to weddings? ABIA looks at guidelines and suggestions for this popular wedding fashion request.

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If you’ve received a wedding invitation lately there’s a high possibility it’s labelled with a ‘cocktail dress code’. If that’s got you frazzled and wondering what to wear to a cocktail wedding, take a deep breathe, settle in and keep scrolling as we explain the attire that’s expected and offer some off-the-rack cocktail dressing suggestions.

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Defining the cocktail wedding guest dress code

If wedding dress codes we’re laid out on a scale with fancy white-tie at one end and comfortable casual at the other, cocktail dressing would sit somewhere in the centre, overlapping and blurring boundaries at times with other dress code labels like semi-formal, lounge suit, after five and even smart casual.

A favourite dress code among Australian couples, according to many of ABIA’s expert wedding planners, cocktail typically calls for women to wear mid- or knee-length dresses and for men to put on a suit, or trousers and a blazer, with a tie or bow-tie optional.

Essentially, cocktail takes a similar tone to formal dressing, with scope for a little flair in terms of fabrics, colours, silhouettes, hem-lengths and alternate styles, such as jumpsuits.

Ami strapless midi dress | Elliatt

Wedding cocktail attire for women

Women’s cocktail dress code suggests that wedding attire should be classy, refined and event-appropriate.

Dresses

Traditionally a knee-length to midi-length cocktail dress. These days, elegant dresses with slightly shorter hemlines can also be considered, depending on the wedding vibe and venue
Sleek silhouettes in luxe fabrics like satin, crepe and chiffon, or linen in summer and velvet in cooler months
Bold colours, soft pastels or dark romantic tones depending on the season

Jumpsuits and separates

A tailored jumpsuit with heels
A sophisticated blouse with a midi skirt or tailored pants

Shoes

Heels, strappy sandals or elegant flats

Accessories

Clutches, statement earrings and minimal jewellery

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Wedding cocktail attire for men

Men’s cocktail wedding attire should be sharp, modern and effortlessly refined.

Suits

A dark or neutral suit. Think navy, charcoal or beige depending on season
Crisp dress shirt, either solid or subtly patterned

Ties and bow-ties

Optional, though take your cue from the tone of the wedding venue

Footwear

Leather dress shoes or loafers

Black Jacket Suiting

Seasonal tips for cocktail wedding attire

Summer weddings

Women opt for lighter fabrics like chiffon or linen blends
Men lean into lighter suits in tones like sand, sky blue and pale grey

Winter weddings

Women consider sleeves or wraps and turn to rich tones like burgundy, emerald or navy
Men sway toward darker suits and layering with a blazer or wool coat