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Cocktail parties give you a chance to mingle among friends, acquaintances, and current and potential business associates. Look sharp and dress appropriately for the occasion. If you're unsure how formal the event is you can always ask a friend who is also going and see what he plans to wear and use that as a starting point.

Consider the type of invitation. If it came by phone or e-mail, chances are the party is casual. If you received a formal invitation, and especially if the event benefits a charity or association, consider it a dressier affair.

Think about the season. Wear lighter-weight fabrics and brighter colors for spring and summer get-togethers. Stick to dark, muted tones in heavier fabrics for fall and winter gatherings.

Dress up casual business attire for a more formal after-work cocktail party. Add a blazer to khaki pants and a button-down shirt, or pair a sport coat with black jeans and a black mock turtleneck. Switch sandals or athletic shoes for dark leather loafers or lace-up shoes.

Treat cocktail parties on weekend afternoons less formally than those scheduled in the evening. Go dressy business casual for a more formal late-afternoon gathering; opt for a suit in the evening. For a less formal event, wear a nice casual outfit in the afternoon and dressier business casual clothes in the evening.

Labels: Dress For Cocktail