Our Guide to Wedding Outfits by Dress Code

Think of cocktail attire as a little less fancy than formal (you can totally go with a short dress here) and a step above what you'd wear to, say, a nice dinner on any given evening. Think about materials, too. Thin linen and cotton dresses will generally be a bit too casual for cocktail attire. Stick to silk, satin, polyester, and nylon in shapes that are a little more bold, flirty, and fun than your everyday wear.

We love the open back and fluttery sleeves of this little dress ($220), not to mention the vibrant colors it comes in. The whimsical back and precious bow of this mini ($200) make it a perfect cocktail dress, too. When it comes to heels — you'll want heels for a cocktail look — go for something strappy and maybe even metallic, like these sandals ($795). For finishing touches, grab a pair of dangling earrings or a bold, sparkling cuff ($295) for some eye-catching glitz.