Winter formal dresses are a staple in any woman’s wardrobe, and they can serve to fulfill a variety of social functions when it comes to formal winter social events. Unfortunately, there are many women who are not educated about the difference between winter formal chemisier femme and cocktail party attire. Essentially, a cocktail party is a semi-formal occasion, where drinks and hors d’oeurves are typically served. Generally, the guests of this type of function have several different styles that they can choose to dress in.
Most women generally wear cocktail dresses. Cocktail dresses range in length from mid-thigh to knee length, and they are available in a wide range of colors. Heels, simple jewelry, and small clutches or handbags add the finishing touches to this look. In many instances, women choose the classic little black dress. Overall, this type of attire is much more casual.
Winter formal dresses are worn to special events, like weddings, balls, charity events, or private social functions. The dress code for formal events can often be referred to as black tie or white tie. Knee length gowns are considered acceptable for black tie events. Under the guidelines for white tie events, women must wear ankle length or floor length gowns. As a general rule, shorter dresses are considered passé. The colors of these tend to be much more muted than cocktail dresses; however, this rule is beginning to slowly fade into obscurity. The style or cut of the dress is generally not of importance, as long as it follows the rules of proper decorum.
If a woman were to appear at a formal event in cocktail attire, she would be thought of as having poor etiquette. When it comes to dress code, women have much less leeway than cocktail attire does. Familiarizing one’s self with the rules of social etiquette that define the difference between these dress codes will prevent a woman from accidentally committing a fashion faux pas.