It called for a blend of daytime dressing and formal evening attire, with knee-length or just-below-the-knee dresses made from satin, velvet and silk so that partygoers could move with ease.

Others might argue it's a step away from black tie, requiring more sophisticated dresses and accessories ... attire with a dash of evening glamour. So, when the cocktail party invite lands ...

A wrap, shawl, or bolero can add warmth while complementing your sophisticated cocktail dress, especially for evening events ...