light blue knee length dress Lace Round Neckline Party Dress, Charming Blue Prom perfect for a chic and glamorous occasion. Sky Blue Half Sleeves Round

and someone else chooses a simple dark silhouette punctuated with hardware

Were not going to lie, black-tie attire can become costly (especially with luxe detailing such as embellished beading, lace, silk, and appliqus), but with a little shopping around, you dont have to break the bank to find a stylish and appropriate formal ensemble, from sleek metallic sandals to embellished clutches and silky gowns

All you need is a handbag and a pair of heels

But these looks have an updated vibe with long shirt dresses unbuttoned at the bottom, monochrome combos, minis with volume, layered looks and more

cocktail wedding guest dress by lulus Understanding the Dress Code As a rule of thumb, cocktail attire suggests not overly formal, yet not too casual