The evening portion of the Pacific Coast Living Conference asks for "cocktail attire." I'm not too certain as to what this phrase means. Does this mean something like a little black dress? What constitutes "cocktail attire?"

Generally it is a little black dress or something similar.  Just something that would be fancy.

I think it may be semi-formal attire.

Janet Lynn's totally right... It's little black dress affair. Not something that requires a formal gown,  not something that requires business attire, but definitely something more then a summer dress and flip flops.

Hmm, I have a little black dress, but I'll need help shaving my shoulders, as it's a bit off-the-shoulder. A bit plunged in front, too, which stinks because even with a really close shave the chest hair stubble is a bit visible. Must be time to go shopping.

Or, I have a black skirt (that fades though beige to purple at the bottom) that's a bit longer than the LBD. With that, I have a white sleeveless knit top. Would that be too casual a combination for "cocktail attire?"

I'll try to post pics of these things later for input...

Maybe it doesn't matter. Too many cocktails and my clothes fall off. hehehe

Quote from: Genevieve Swann on June 17, 2010, 11:51:04 AM
Maybe it doesn't matter. Too many cocktails and my clothes fall off. hehehe

Oh, gods, I hope that won't be happening.

Thanks, vexing. Simple and elegant seems to be the look.

Eek.

Oh wow, the online outlet store I visit just did a run of cocktail dresses

Simple and elegant seems to be the thing 

Quote from: ƃuıxǝʌ on June 17, 2010, 05:16:46 PM
I'd go with plain black pumps rather than strappy heels though.

OK, sounds good. Thanks again.

One must wear a small umbrella behind one ear and an olive behind the other.

Quote from: Pica Pica on June 18, 2010, 12:29:35 AM
One must wear a small umbrella behind one ear and an olive behind the other.

ROFL That would make you a cocktail alright.  (forgot the tire tho)

Shades,
There is little chance of sitting at a cocktail party as they seem to be a mingle affair, so keep you heel low unless you are comfortable in high ones. You can always wear a cute wrap to help with the shoulders, and your dress doesn't have to be low cut and there is no reason to expose the chest. A nice halter neck LBD might be the way to go; and depending on your age it doesn't have to be short, it is totally acceptable to have to the ankle LBD. In my opinion, some one my age looks out of place in a LBD a twenty something would wear (sadly).

The one I went to I got a professional to do my make up, which was great.

You can also take peoples looks away from the torso by having cute ear rings, guys and girls like the look of danglingly ear rings.

Cocktail parties are an excuse for girls to show off so be aware and I'm sure you are.

BTW the one that I've been to, which of course makes me an expert, the girls drank very little (maybe one or two cocktails?), the guys drank a lot. The girls were very into comparing fashion and the guys were very into comparing girls.

But it was a lot of fun and I would go to others.

Hugs
Cindy 

Taking a second look at the LBD I have, I should probably get a halter-top dress. I think it is more of a dress for a 20-something, and I really don't think that I as a 40-year-old can pull it off (or is it pull in on?).

Also, at 6'1" bare foot, I wasn't planning on very high pumps. I've found some cute styles that aren't too high a store near me should have (I checked their web site) and plan on going over there. The only femme shoes I have now are clogs and flats, and neither seem right for "cocktail attire."

I wish to have the following one:



Where can I buy it?

Barbie~~

Heh, I do most of my clothes shopping at Goodwill and similar second-hand stores.

LBD, Plain and simple (but not cheap).  However, if you shop Goodwill right, I have a DKNY and a Evan Picone LBD/Cocktail dresses (and a dress is not a skit) both at goodwill, total of $30 for both, and the DKNY (I love her stuff) was from Macy's, tags still on it.  I paid $15, a savings of a couple of hundered dollars from the lowest marked price.