Your Ultimate Guide to Summer Cocktail Attire

While finding the appropriate attire for cocktail parties can be difficult in any season, as summer rolls around and temperatures slowly but steadily rise, it becomes exponentially more challenging to tiptoe the line between seasonally appropriate and contextually appropriate. If you’re wondering LBD or maxi skirt, vest or blouse, and heels or flats, know you’re not in it alone. Determining what to wear based on a simple invitation or word-of-mouth proposition can be tricky, especially when you’re uncertain about the venue, other guests, or the size of the party. Luckily, while those details seem important in the moment, all that truly matters is showing up in fabulous cocktail attire—the rest comes second, especially once you’re beaming with confidence. Instead of stressing about the little things, let the details guide you in your wardrobe choices, rather than letting them restrict you.

Whether you’re attending the evening-time event of the year or are simply feeling a little nervous about your wardrobe in the lead-up to your next semi-formal gathering, we’ve got you covered. Let L’OFFICIEL guide you through the summer season with a comprehensive guide including everything you need to know about navigating the world of cocktail attire.

While most people would picture a dress as the go-to choice for cocktail attire, there’s a few other alternatives to consider if cocktail dresses are not your vibe. For the more elegant events, a suit and pants set would look just as appropriate as any evening dress. For the hotter months, even just pairing tailored pants with a matching vest would do the trick. Plus, the great thing about purchasing suit sets is that you can later mix and match the different pieces with other items in your closet and dress them up or down according to the occasion.

Alternatively, if a tailored look doesn’t match your style, a jumpsuit could be a great choice for any cocktail affair. Whether it's a well-fitted pantsuit or a flowy one-piece, these styles give you the perfect opportunity to play with accessories. Plus, these styles allow easy movement and guarantee ultimate comfort for those long nights out.

Lastly, there’s also many ways to style a top and skirt set to fit the suggested cocktail dress code. Whether it’s a flowy maxi skirt paired with a cropped top, or a tight miniskirt worn with an oversized blouse, it’s totally acceptable to wear two-piece ensembles to these summer gatherings. "I’m not big on dresses, but I love a good midi/maxi skirt. My favorite this season has been a low rise linen skirt from Homie paired with their asymmetrical silk tank! I’ve been wearing the pieces separately lately, but together, I’d say they’re perfect for a cocktail hour," shared style expert Mimi Nguyen. For more upscale events, it's important to consider that opting for more elevated fabrics and avoiding cotton or spandex would be the safest choice when taking this route. 

Although there’s no strict rules about accessories when it comes to dressing for a cocktail event, there’s a few aspects to consider in order to enhance your look. Although mules, sandals, or stilettos would be great cocktail attire choices, it’s important to consider the setting in order to guarantee a confident and comfortable look. Will there be a lot of walking? Will the terrain be uneven? Will you be standing up for a long time? Same thing goes for your bag selection. Although clutches and compact purses are the usual go-to choices in cocktail attire, it’s important to think practically to avoid being stuck holding your phone all night because it doesn't fit in your itty bitty bag.

Besides those few considerations, accessories are a fun way to add character and personal style into your look. “I always try to strike a balance between seriousness and witticism. I’d pair a more serious black dress with red patent shoes, velvet slippers, or a bag with tassels and charms hanging off it. A sheer dress I'd pair with more sensible shoes. Every outfit must be a true yin-yang—dual opposing forces that work in unison to create something better than the elements in isolation!” claims fashion authority Junia Lin. For Michelle Li, styling a cocktail look is all about color. “I like to play with color when it comes to accessories and use my handbags and jewelry to bring out the colors or things I want someone to pay attention to.” As for Anderson-Boone, her cocktail game consists of pairing old with new and mixing high and low.

For NYC-based content creator Mimi Nguyen, accessories—jewelry in particular—are the perfect way to elevate a look with just a little bit of effort. Recently, Nguyen has been reaching for "chunky-organic-shaped pieces" and wearing "stacked cuffs" from her favorite jewelry brands like Mejuri, Agmes, and Dorsey. 

Whether you’re riding the clean girl beauty wave all the way into summer, or switching it up with some darker sultry looks here and there, don’t forget to factor hair and makeup into your summer cocktail attire. 

Again, considering the venue of your event is a crucial first step in deciding which route to take with hair and makeup. For outdoor parties, opting for a sleek hairstyle can be a lifesaver, especially if it looks like it’ll skew breezy that afternoon. Pair a classic, no-fuss slicked-back bun or ponytail with your cocktail attire can be an easy preventative step in avoiding pesky flyaways and having to separate loose locks from your lipgloss every few seconds. Alternatively, opt for a timeless French twist or claw-clip updo if you’re not on board with the ultra-sleek look, as you’ll be able to retain some volume without all of the commotion of a hair-down approach. An updo can also allow the chance for your accessories to shine, so if you have some statement earrings you’ve been waiting to pull out, use a summer cocktail party as your chance to debut them. A blowout or a classic set of curls can be an ultra-chic option for a semi-formal event, but if you’re worried about excessive heat, a heavy breeze, or frizz-inducing humidity, skip the extra steps and start with an updo. 

Dark makeup looks are often a go-to for evening-time events, with classic approaches like the smoky eye or smudged eyeliner reigning supreme. However, depending on the time of day, the location of your event, and the semi-formal nature of any traditional cocktail party, it may be prudent to rethink your approach. Meet in the middle with a brown eyeliner look or pared-back eyeshadow, as Lin suggests. “For makeup, I love dewy skin, brown winged liner, and tons of lip liner,” she said. Looking for a top-tier lip product? Lin advises the classic Charlotte Tilbury lip liner in Pillow Talk—a viral go-to time and time again for a reason. 

Worried that you’ll already be sporting a natural glowy look thanks to the summer heat? Our best advice is to embrace the glowy makeup trend. Opt for a gripping makeup primer to keep your face in place, plenty of setting spray, and products tried-and-true by you—after all, the last place you want to be experimenting with unfamiliar makeup products is at an upscale event. Pack on the blush, opt for a lip gloss or no-fuss lip tint, and you’re all set to go. Nguyen tends to favor natural makeup looks for semi-formal occasions. Nguyen says she keeps her "skin lightly covered, with bronzer for warmth, a touch of blush, and a bold red lip." Embracing the Internet-beloved dewy makeup look alongside your cocktail attire means you’ll appear on trend and you won’t have to worry about sweating through your matte makeup. 

While going shopping is usually considered a fun activity for most, having to find the perfect piece for an approaching event could sometimes become a stressful task. Between the pressing dress code and the overwhelming amount of options out there, it’s important to organize your head and have a clear strategy before heading to the mall or adding items to your cart. “Key aspects to consider when shopping for a cocktail look are A) finding a way to highlight your favorite features and B) adding an unexpected color or texture to your outfit,” said the stylish Junia Lin when asked about this topic. As for Michelle Li, prioritizing quality and keeping an eye on the composition of each item before purchasing is key to finding a cocktail ensemble that stands the test of time. “I would really look at the fabric and details like beading or how the hem is finished. Those are things that are worth investing in and paying attention to because it'll last longer and be more comfortable. You'll feel more luxurious and confident from the inside!”

For those wondering where to begin the search for the ultimate cocktail attire, our favorite It girls reveal their go-to brands. “My favorite cocktail pieces are from Maison Cléo and Reformation. I’ve also just got a lace blouse from Sezane that I’m excited to take out. Mango is also coming in so strong this season,” says Lin. For Michelle Li, her designer choice is closely linked to the specific occasion at hand. “I love Christopher Esber for something really classy and also Magda Butrym for something more fun. I've been eyeing some really nice Paolina Russo dresses that could be dressed up and down.” As for LA-based fashionista Telsha Anderson-Boone, Toteme, Khaite, and CO offer the chicest cocktail-approved styles for the summer. 

If you have enough patience and time to plan in advance, thrifting could be the way to find your perfect cocktail ensemble. “Vintage Dior by Galliano and vintage Dolce and Gabbana are always amazing. I have a beautiful vintage Ermanno Scervino dress that I've been holding onto all winter and can't wait to wear this summer,” said Li. Alternatively, clothing rental services such as Rent the Runway and Nuuly could offer great solutions if you're hesitant to invest in an outfit you may not wear again anytime soon.

For a little extra push, L'OFFICIEL rounded up some of the chicest cocktail attire options to shop this summer.