Are prints & stripes appropriate for a cocktail party?

Prints and stripes together or alone are a great modern look this season. Cocktail dresses are usually around knee or midi length and come in a variety of styles, fabrics and colors.

Prints and stripes can be worn to a cocktail party depending on the venue, if the outfit is in an appropriate style, flatters you and is accessorized properly.

There are no rules today however prints and stripe cocktail dresses rock a casual party held at someones home or at a country club. If the cocktail party is a black tie event like at an elegant hotel in Manhattan or another formal venue, an LBD (little black dress) might be more appropriate.

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Should I wear a black dress to a black tie event?
A black dress can be worn to a black tie event but any color gown that flatters your skin tone is appropriate for a black tie event. Black tie merely means the function is formal and commences after six o’clock in the evening, or after sundown in the winter months. Check the invitation for the location and the time of the event to judge the formality of the event. For very formal events a floor length gown is appropriate. For example going to the White House or some very special occasion is very formal. If the event is at a private home, dance, party, etc. many women wear cocktail dresses around knee-length or separates if they are as elegant as a dress. For example a velvet top with a full satin skirt that hits at your ankles or satin pants with a sequin top. However a floor length dress is always appropriate for a black tie event.

Can I wear flat shoes to a cocktail party?
Yes you can wear flat shoes to a cocktail party with confidence. There are numerous styles of dressy flats and low heel sandals that look chic with cocktail attire. It’s picking the right shoe. Classic flats that are black or metallic are options. Or you can wear a shoe made with a textured fabric like lace or an embellished flat or sandal with cocktail attire. Think shiny, sparkles, shimmer and sequins when selecting a dressy shoe. Shoes with a design element like an open toe, pointed toe, ankle strap or a slingback look dressy. Pants, short, knee-length, midi or floor length skirts and dresses are great with flat style shoes. It may be more comfortable and safer wearing flats or sandals to an outdoor party if the ground is soft or uneven. Some women who are tall prefer wearing flats or low heel shoes. Also, a foot or leg problem may require wearing flat shoes. If you prefer wearing flats or need to go for it!