The New Rules of Cocktail Style: Yes, You Can Wear a Long Dress
Traditionally, the "cocktail" dress code was synonymous with the "little black dress"—something short, chic, and ending above the knee. But as fashion norms shift toward personal expression, the floor-length maxi has officially joined the ranks of acceptable cocktail attire. Drawing on the expert advice from HannaBanna Clothing , here is how you can pull off a long dress at your next semi-formal event without looking overdressed. Striking the Right Chord Cocktail attire is all about the "sweet spot" between casual daywear and formal evening gowns. To make a long dress work for a cocktail setting, you want to avoid anything that looks like a ballgown. Instead, look for "column" styles or dresses with movement that feel effortless rather than heavy. How to Select Your Dress Fabric Matters: To keep a long dress from looking too "daytime," choose elevated materials. Think silk, satin, or lace. If the event is in the winter, a heavy velvet...