Yes, butter yellow is too close to white
Our Favorite Cocktail Dresses:
- Luxe Fabric: Washable Silk Strapless Midi Dress, $130
- Easy Way to Look Fancy: Washable Stretch Silk High Neck Midi Dress, $150
- Editor-Approved Pattern: Washable Stretch Silk Tank Midi Dress, $80
If you’re anything like our team of fashion writers and editors, you’re staring down a calendar packed with weddings and other dressy summer events with a “cocktail attire” dress code. But what does that actually mean?
I asked our shopping team for their dos and don’ts when dressing for semi-formal affairs, and their hot takes can help you look more polished no matter where you’re headed this summer. These are the 10 fashion faux pas we see most often, plus easy swaps from Quince to help you nail cocktail attire starting at just $32.
Fashion Editor-Approved Quince Cocktail Attire
- Leave the Bulky Purse at Home: Italian Leather Handwoven Pouch Crossbody Clutch, $134
- Opt for a Polished Layer: European Linen Scarf, $32
- Give Your Step Counter the Night Off: Freshwater Cultured Pearl Station Bracelet, $88
- Skip the Heart-Shaped Sunglasses: Jackie Polarized Acetate Sunglasses, $50
- Pick a Fancy Fabric: Washable Stretch Silk High Neck Midi Dress, $150
- Yes, Butter Yellow and Pale Pink Are Too Close to White: Washable Silk Strapless Midi Dress, $130
- It’s Not the Day to Try Animal Print: Washable Silk Maxi Slip Dress, $110
- Sorry, No Sneakers: Italian Leather 55mm Kitten Heel Mule, $84
- Simple Yet Elegant: Washable Stretch Silk Tank Midi Dress, $80
- Don’t Forget Your Jewlery: Freshwater Cultured Pearl Sculptural Drop Earrings, $78
Related: Gwyneth Paltrow Is the Queen of the Capsule Wardrobe — and We're Recreating Her Recent Looks with Pieces from $15
1. Don't Bring Your Big Everyday Purse
Italian Leather Handwoven Pouch Crossbody Clutch
$134 at Quince.com
“A ludicrously capacious bag has no place at a formal occasion — there's simply no need to bring a laptop or stack of books to the venue. Downsizing to a clutch is not only easier on the arm but also more stylish for the outfit, and this roomy silhouette offers a little give for those small essentials you may struggle to leave behind. Plus, it can be worn on the shoulder or as a crossbody bag, making it all the more convenient than lugging around a hefty tote.” — Olivia Cigliano, senior writer
2. Let Your Outfit Shine
European Linen Scarf
$32 at Quince.com
“As someone who runs cold, I completely understand wanting an extra layer in blasting AC. But, I draw the line at covering — or, more like swallowing — up the outfit, which likely cost you a pretty penny. A sweater or a heavy coat will only dull its shine, so opt for a shawl or scarf instead, like this linen design from Quince. It comes in seven color options to complement your attire best, and offers enough coverage to completely cocoon your shoulders or act as a makeshift blanket in a pinch.” — Olivia Cigliano, senior writer
3. We Promise, You Don’t Need to Count Your Steps
Freshwater Cultured Pearl Station Bracelet
$88 at Quince.com
“I love to track my steps as much as the next person, but there is a time and a place for a sporty watch — and a wedding isn't one of them. If your wrist feels naked without your trusty Garmin or Apple Watch, consider grabbing a piece of wedding-appropriate wristwear like this dainty pearly bracelet instead.” —Maggie Horton, shopping writer
4. Save the Heart-Shaped Sunglasses for the Bachelorette
Jackie Polarized Acetate Sunglasses
$50 at Quince.com
“Since most spring and summer weddings are either fully outdoors or have segments that mean time spent out in the sun, please (seriously, please!) do not wear a pair of sunglasses that would arguably be more suitable for a Bachelorette party (looking at you, giant heart sunglasses). Instead, opt for a sleek style you can keep in your accessories lineup that'll look polished with any outfit. I'm currently loving this polarized black pair and this timeless cat-eye pick.” — Ali Faccenda, associate editor
5. Sorry, Cotton and Linen Are Not Cocktail Attire
Washable Stretch Silk High Neck Midi Dress
$150 at Quince.com
“Skip cotton and linen dresses in favor of styles made from silk, satin, or chiffon — it's one of the easiest ways to look a little more fancy without trying too hard. I actually wore this as a bridesmaid dress for a wedding last year since we were able to choose our own styles. The ruching around the stomach was very flattering in photos, and the midi length and bouncy hem were great for dancing.” — Alex Nelson, associate editorial director
6. If It Could Look White in Photos, Don’t Wear It
Washable Silk Strapless Midi Dress
$130 at Quince.com
“I see this all the time: You know you can't wear white to a wedding, so guests opt for a pale blue or butter yellow option instead. The problem? While fellow attendees might perceive the difference, in photos, it looks like you committed a major faux pas. So, stay away from pastels and go for darker hues or jewel tones to be on the safe side.” — Tatjana Freund, senior shopping writer
7. Save Animal Print for Date Night
Washable Silk Maxi Slip Dress
$110 at Quince.com
“I get it — a wedding is the perfect excuse to wear that animal print dress you love, but bold patterns can look too loud in photos, and the photographer may avoid you altogether. Thankfully, there are plenty of softer prints that let you blend in while still making a statement. You can almost never go wrong with a floral design, like the Quince Washable Stretch-Silk High-Neck Midi Dress, and polka dots — like this Silk Maxi Slip style — are another stylish option for the spring and summer.” — Destinee Scott, shopping writer
8. Leave Your Sneakers At Home (Seriously)
Italian Leather 55mm Kitten Heel Mule
$84 at Quince.com
“Unless you have a medical condition that requires you to, please don’t wear sneakers to a dressy wedding. Not only does it just look sloppy, but it can also feel a bit backhanded to everyone involved. (You don’t want them to think you don’t care, do you?) That said, you don’t have to go for painfully pretty pumps or wedges either — kitten heels or even short-heeled flats can do wonders for your entire look while keeping you comfortable.” —Alyssa Grabinski, senior shopping writer
9. Don’t Upstage the Guest of Honor
Washable Stretch Silk Tank Midi Dress
$80 at Quince.com
“While a major faux pas when dressing for cocktail attire is going too casual, it's also important to remember that a floor-length ball gown might be overdoing it, too. Opting for a midi-length dress is a safe choice that will feel polished without missing the mark. This midi dress from Quince is made from washable Mulberry silk, and the simple silhouette can be dressed up with statement earrings or a necklace for a special occasion.” — Rachel Trujillo, senior shopping writer
10. Add Some Glitz and Glam with Jewelry
Freshwater Cultured Pearl Sculptural Drop Earrings
$78 at Quince.com
“Perhaps it’s because I’m partial to a bit of glitz and glamour myself, but I’m always disappointed when I see someone pull together a fabulous outfit only to forget jewelry. Something simple like these pearl drop earrings, or even a pair of studs you have at home, helps tie a look together. The details make all the difference when dressing.” — Jackie Tempera, shopping writer
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