Interestingly, most women interested in the fashion world still don’t know that evening dresses are quite different from cocktail dresses. For sure, at least once you were invited to the event with the dress code requiring to appear in cocktail dress. Have you searched for the definition of cocktail dress? If you are on that train, you are lucky as we will highlight basic differences between evening dresses and cocktail dresses.
Formality
In terms of formality, it is important to note that cocktail events are special events where invitees are expected to appear in semi-formal attire. The atmosphere of this type of gathering sits between formal event and informal occasion. For this reason cocktail dresses are less formal than evening dresses. This is because cocktail parties are more relaxed where appetizers and cocktail drinks are usually served late at night party.
Evening events, on the other hand, are formal occasions with strict dress code such as weddings, fund-raising balls, corporate events, formal ceremonies and white-tie events or black-tie galas. In such cases, dresses for attending them is usually more conservative and formal.
Skirt Length
As a rule, most cocktail dresses have a skirt length that ranges from knee-length to mid-thigh length. Their lengths are determined mostly by the body shape of the wearer. Mid-thigh, long cocktail dresses are particularly suitable for women who have nice looking, long legs. Knee-length skirts are ideal for almost all forms.
Evening dresses, conversely, have lengths that generally range from the knees to the floor. Of these two, floor-length gowns are the most popular, especially for state or religious events where knee-length dresses are not appropriate.
Designs
Cocktail dresses tend to adopt more flexible and trendy patterns. Some of these are entirely for accentuating body curves and voluptuousness, especially in the case of trendy plus size cocktail dresses, where the design is intricately crafted to accentuate the curves. Sexiness is often the design backdrop for cocktail dresses.
On the contrary, the design concept of most evening dresses is geared towards decency and modesty.
Colors and Patterns
Cocktail dresses are generally more available in a wider variety of colors than evening dresses. Bold colors and patterns that will look perfect on cocktail dresses will look inappropriate in evening dresses, thereby attracting lots of reproving stares.
Fabric
Gowns generally look good when they are made of taffeta, organza, satin or others in the same family. However, you will notice that evening gowns seem to come with heavier fabrics, including velvet and silk. You can see some ball gown examples here from Sherri Hill’s Ball Gown line.
On the other hand, cocktail gowns tend to lean towards lighter fabrics and lace. Lighter fabrics are the most suitable material for voluptuous women. Of course, there are lots of trendy plus size cocktail dresses to choose from. Besides you won’t regret if you check out these shein dresses here at cheap prices as well.
Embellishments and Accessories
This is another subtle difference between the two. Cocktail dresses are prone to more exaggerations and experimentations than evening dresses, which lean towards a plain and straightforward design.
Most cocktail dresses for festive events come with elaborate embellishments that would be highly inappropriate for evening events or parties. When it comes to accessories, cocktail dresses allow opportunity for more creativity than evening dresses. There is also an excuse to wear brighter colors in cocktail dresses than evening gowns.
