When it comes to finding cocktail attire outfits, you’ve got a lot of wiggle room. As long as you don’t go too formal (read: leave the ball gown at home) or too casual (a.k.a. no jeans, please), chances are your look will be appropriate enough. Business cocktail attire, however, is a totally different story. Since it’s intended for office settings and career-oriented situations, it leans more conservative and refined. Whereas you could experiment with cocktail attire, with business cocktail attire, it’s better to err on the side of caution with simple and tailored silhouettes. The good news? You’ve got plenty of stylish options to choose from.
According to stylist Corina Gaffey, when deciding on business cocktail attire outfits, consider the setting, occasion, and who will be in attendance. “It might be your boss or colleagues, so you’ll want to wear something you’re proud to wear and that represents your organization well,” says Gaffey. In other words, opt for an office-appropriate look, but then dress it up a bit and add your own personal style, she adds. Necklines and hemlines should be on the modest side, but you don’t need to be too buttoned-up and stiff. “It is a party, after all!” says Gaffey. If you need some visual insights, we tapped Gaffey and stylists Naina Singla and Ellie Witt to share their best advice for curating your business cocktail attire outfit.
Meet Our Expert
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Naina Singla is a fashion stylist and expert. She’s based in Washington D.C..
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Corina Gaffey is a fashion stylist and writer.
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Ellie Witt is a celebrity stylist. Her clients include Heidi Klum, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Will Poulter.
Keep scrolling for nine expert-approved tips to help you dress for your next work event with ease.
Lean Into Its Business Side
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Grece Ghanem outside COS in Paris, France in April 2023.
When in doubt, Gaffey recommends going “more pared-back but polished” with sleek, sophisticated pieces. She also suggests solid colors that can be elevated with accessories over statement fabrics and patterns. “A statement earring, chunky cuff, or party-ready clutch will add a fun feel to office-appropriate pieces.”
Try an Elevated Knit Dress
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Emilie Joseph out and about in Paris, France, in October 2023.
Singla tells InStyle her choice for a business cocktail event would be “a long-sleeve cashmere knit dress in a dark shade of gray or deep black, paired with tall black stiletto boots.” The rich blend of materials, fabric, and leather, she says, creates a look that is chic, sophisticated, and appropriate for the occasion.
Tips
While open-toed shoes may be okay in certain office settings, when in doubt, opt for closed-toed options, like pumps or classic loafers, which have more business appeal.
Go for Something Silky
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A guest outside Tibi at New York Fashion Week in September 2023.
According to Witt, business cocktail attire alludes to maintaining somewhat of a professional air (a.k.a. showing less skin) while cocktail attire is traditionally a little sexier. But luxe fabrics are still fair game. For instance, a silk maxi skirt paired with a crisp white shirt and statement jewelry or a dainty dress with an oversized blazer over the shoulders “strikes a great balance,” says Witt. She recommends brands like Stella McCartney, Alaia, Christopher Esber, and Magda Butrym.
Go for a Tailored Set
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Elsa Hosk heading to the Christian Dior Show at Paris Fashion Week in February 2023.
A matching set makes for foolproof dressing. This tailored iteration is office-friendly and it packs way more visual interest than if you were to recreate the look with separates. The slit also helps it from feeling too stiff and patent leather Mary Janes with a block heel add a fun, trendy twist.
Opt for Pants
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A guest outside Brandon Maxwell at New York Fashion Week in September 2023.
If you don’t feel comfortable in dresses or skirts, Gaffey says tailored, high-waisted trousers or a jumpsuit would adhere to business cocktail dress codes. Plus, they’re what Gaffey calls “day-to-night saviors” because “they can be swiftly switched for an evening event with a quick addition of accessories if you’re coming straight from the office.”
Mix Up Your Materials
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A guest outside Herskind during Copenhagen Fashion Week in August 2024.
Oftentimes, people will confuse “business” with “stuffy,” but you can have fun and be stylish at a business cocktail event. A professional strategy to achieve this is to mix and match your materials. “Wear a monochrome look complete with black wool trousers, a silk blouse, and a cashmere cardigan with a pair of suede kitten heels,” Singla recommends. “By mixing materials, the look feels versatile and modern.”
Choose Color Carefully
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Ashleig Huynh at Australian Fashion Week in May 2025.
According to Singla, business cocktail attire is a more conservative way of dressing for work-adjacent events. ”The primary color scheme for this type of ensemble is neutrals in the form of classic suits and separates, and more tailored looks are appropriate, though you can add elements of interest like unique accessories and pops of color,” Singla says. The pink and red combo here is a great example.
Be Strategic
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Amina Muaddi outside Schiaparelli at Paris Fashion Week in July 2023.
Dressing for a business cocktail occasion doesn’t mean you have to be covered up from head to toe. Instead, be strategic. If you choose to go sleeveless, find balance with a high neckline and a maxi hemline. If you opt for a slit, make sure it doesn’t go much higher than your knee.
Break Out Your Little Black Dress
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Amalie Gassmann outside Dior at Paris Fashion Week in July 2023.
You can’t go wrong with an LBD, but Gaffey tells InStyle you want to “choose an interesting silhouette or texture while still keeping it appropriate.” Or, if black feels too formal, Gaffey goes on to suggest widening the color net with rich berry, burgundy, forest green, or jewel tones.
Read the original article on InStyle
