What Is Cocktail Wear?

“The Drama under Party Lights”

In Indian weddings and celebrations, cocktail dresses have become the most loved styles. They balance perfectly between typical traditionals and glamorous westerns and are often the go to choice for events like receptions, sangeet, engagements, parties and so on. 

The term “cocktail dress” was coined by Christian Dior in the late 1940s where he talked about a category which is not casual nor formal hence it became “semi-casual”. 

Cocktail dresses in India are not just midi dresses and paintsuits but something much richer like gowns, indo western fits, fusion sarees and lehenga inspired gowns that carry both heritage and modernity. 

This blog will give you a clarity on what are the best cocktail dresses, cocktail party dresses, indian cocktail dresses and more.

The Elements of Cocktail Dresses:

Outfit: 

Indian cocktail wear includes gowns, Indo-Western draped sarees, fusion lehengas, shararas and prets. Long floor-length gowns with motifs, embroidery or heavy embellishments are very popular for receptions and sangeets. Brides choose such gowns because it gives them a break from regular lehenga cholis and sarees for their wedding functions.

Fabric: 

Silk, satin, velvet, sequins, and shimmer georgettes dominate the Indian cocktail fashion. These fabrics ensure comfort, grace and style while keeping the drama on.

Color Palette: 

Genz brides do not mind experimenting with colours for weddings but the classics still remain the  same like blacks, navy, and metallics. Brides and guests try and experiment with emerald green, golds, wine red, blush pink, and pastels for softer and fun looks.

Footwear: 

The OG heels are a staple for cocktail dresses, but Indo-Western cocktail outfits look equally great with block heels, or metallic sandals that help you dance through the night.

Accessories: 

Cocktail dresses are incomplete without statement earrings, cocktail rings, waist belts, and clutch bags. If you are confused about them go for minimal jewellery options because they look great without hindering the outfit style.

Types of Cocktail Attire in India

1. Gowns

The go-to outfits for cocktails, heavily embellished floor-length gowns with sequins, embroidery are the ideal choice for Indian weddings..

2. Drape Sarees

Pre-stitched sarees in shimmer or sequin fabrics are perfect for your glamorous nights.

3. Fusion Lehengas

the blend of  Indian designs with Western fashion, incorporating elements like unique cuts, modern embellishments, and contemporary silhouettes into a skirt, blouse, and dupatta.

4. Shimmer Jumpsuits

A modern pick for brides, constructed from fabrics with a lustrous, sparkling, shimmer or metallic finish.

Conclusion 

In India, cocktail fashion breaks the traditional cycle and balances elegance with fun, letting you dance the whole night. At Tajore, we have multiple options for your cocktail nights depending on your mood, theme and choice. You can book an appointment with us for an exclusive studio visit or check our website tajore.com for all your wedding shopping.

Frequently asked questions

What is a cocktail dress for an Indian wedding?

Cocktail dresses refers to stylish outfits like gowns, saree gowns, and Indo-Western lehengas worn for sangeets, receptions, and parties.

Can I wear a saree for cocktail night?

Yes! You can easily wear pre draped or fusion sarees even shimmer sarees for cocktail nights.

Do I need to wear heels with a cocktail dress?

It is not necessary to wear heels but they definitely give more edge to the dress and your personality but you can always go for metallic flats, wedges, platform heels that work beautifully.

What colors are best for cocktail parties?

There is no rule to the colour palette for a cocktail party though rich jewel tones like emerald, ruby, sapphire, black, gold, champagne, ivory and pastel palettes look great.

What should the brides wear for cocktail night?

If you are a bride you can check out our flared gowns, embroidered sarees and gowns, statement gowns, fusion lehengas, glittery saree gowns and more.

What should one not wear for cocktail events?

Denims, heavily embroidered outfits like bridal lehengas, casual or formal wears should completely be avoided for cocktail events. If its an Indian wedding cocktail event then go for gowns and fusion wear and if its an international cocktail event opt for semi formal cocktail dresses.

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