The Decadent Guide to Cocktail Dress Codes

Few lines on an invitation cause more hesitation than the dress code. Cocktail, festive, black-tie optional, each carries its own quiet expectations. Here is how to read them.

Cocktail is the most forgiving: a midi dress, a sharp suit, a considered heel. The trick is polish over formality, one elevated piece lifts the whole look.

When in doubt, err towards elegance. A well-cut dress in a rich hue, the right jewellery, and an air of ease will carry you through any room.