If you’ve ever received an invitation to a wedding or other special event, you’ve probably seen the phrase “cocktail attire” eloquently displayed. These words leave us scratching our heads about what to wear and conjure up a terrible vision of being inappropriately dressed, scrutinized, and out of place.
It’s easy to get confused about what a cocktail dress is while choosing a dress for a cocktail dress code. There are so many different styles and fits, and then there’s the sundress, which is a close cousin of the cocktail dress. We’re here to help you figure out what the difference between a cocktail dress and a sundress is.
Cocktail dresses are often knee-length and form-fitting. They’re dressier than business clothes but not as formal as formal wear.
Sundresses are casual outfits. Their primary function is to provide comfort in hot temperatures. They are more exposed than cocktail dresses and come in a variety of colors and styles.
Sundresses and cocktail dresses are fundamentally different, owing to the fact that they are designed for various reasons. Join us as we unravel the reality behind what makes each dress unique, one sequin, ribbon, and buckle at a time, if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed trying to figure out which is which.
What is a Cocktail Dress?
Cocktail dresses were originally created for working women in the late 1920s. The goal was to design a garment that was both professional and practical enough to wear to evening business functions. Women were new to the workforce at the time, so businesses began hosting events where employees and clients could mingle and network.
A dress is always a safe pick when it comes to dressing for a cocktail party. While two-piece combinations and jumpsuits are fun to wear, nothing surpasses a polished party dress. To get the proper length, make sure it ends around your knees.
In this situation, the function literally led to the form. In their new cocktail gowns, the ladies found it simple to stand and walk.
Cocktail dresses are meant for the same function these days, albeit we’ve added our own modern twists throughout time. While cocktail dresses were initially designed for cocktail hour, we now wear them for a variety of occasions, including weddings, parties, and other social gatherings.
So, what distinguishes a cocktail dress from a regular gown? In a cocktail dress, there are a few really fundamental things to look for. Let’s define what a cocktail dress is and what it isn’t.
| A Cocktail Dress Is | A Cocktail Dress Is Not |
| Slim fitting but not too tight | Full length, mini or maxi length |
| Knee or midi length | Overly revealing |
| A little more formal than work or usual dinner attire | Too tight or extremely flowing |
| Sometimes adorned with embellishments, like embroidery, sequins, and similar | Overly bright and colorful |
| Made of a luxurious, good quality fabric | Made from cotton or cheap fabric |
What are Cocktail Shoes?
Heels are nearly usually required for cocktail functions. Heels of a neutral color, such as black or nude, are ideal for lending a stylish touch to your outfit and pair wonderfully with cocktail dresses. For a stylish and subtle design that will allow your dress to shine, choose a sandal or pump type. Alternatively, make a statement with a basic dress and striking shoes and accessories.
What are Accessories to Use With a Cocktail Dress?
During the Great Depression of the 1920s, when materials were scarce, this method arose. Dresses with basic designs and minimal fabric were designed, which aided the accessory market.
Don’t forget to accessorize with a bag and jewelry to complete your cocktail ensemble in elegance. Choose accessories that are stylish while still being intriguing and attention-getting. As a result, your outfit will be party-ready without sacrificing refinement.
While ladies may have accessorized with hats and gloves back then, we prefer to stick to a few tried-and-true basics:
- Elegant shoes
- A handbag or clutch
- Jewelry
- Makeup and nail polish
Essentially, wearing a cocktail dress allows you to dress up a little and feel attractive while still expressing yourself. It’s dressier than your standard day-to-day corporate attire and even dressier than what you’d wear to dinner. It doesn’t have to be a ballgown or a full-length gown, and it doesn’t have to be very formal.
Consider the refinement of the 1940s while choosing a cocktail dress, and you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect dress.
What is a Sundress?
Sundresses are designed to be worn when the weather is warm. Summer dresses are another name for them, and they are a more casual style of dress. The phrase “sundress” was initially heard in the 1940s, but it gained popularity in the 1950s as women began to dress in a more casual and individualistic manner.
A sundress, sometimes known as a summer dress, is a loose-fitting, informal or casual dress designed to be worn in warm weather. It is normally made of a lightweight fabric, most commonly cotton. It’s usually a sleeveless bodice dress with a wide neckline and thin shoulder straps, and it can be backless. Sundresses are normally worn without a layering top and are not worn with leggings or over a blouse, sweater, or t-shirt.
What makes a dress a sundress? Let’s have a look at what a sundress is all about and what it’s not.
| A Sundress Is | A Sundress Is Not |
| Informal | Formal |
| Made using cotton or other lightweight fabric | Worn with additional layers |
| Loose-fitting | Tight-fitting |
| Typically sleeveless | Made using a luxurious fabric |
Sundresses conjure up images of sunny summer afternoons spent outside with friends or a good book. They can have a low-cut neckline, thin straps, and a broad neckline.
They come with a variety of front and back fasteners. Buttons, zippers, bows, or none at all could be used as fasteners. The fabric and design of the sundress often allow it to be worn by simply pulling it over one’s head.
A sundress will suit you well if you’re looking for a casual, comfy dress to wear at home or with friends. If you’re planning on wearing a sundress to an occasion that isn’t completely relaxed and informal, you might want to reconsider.
Why are Sundresses So Attractive?
Men can’t get enough of women in sundresses when it comes to summer clothes, it’s a well-known fact. Sundresses always seem one step removed from a nightie, which can make it a very sexy look. When tapered at the waist and flared out at the hips, a sundress really enhances the feminine form.
What are Shoes to Wear with Sundresses?
The ease and comfort with which sundresses may be worn and styled are one of the many reasons they are our go-to when summer approaches. While putting on a sundress is definitely simple, deciding which shoes to pair with it may not be. When your flip-flops become too casual, heels can undermine the effortlessness that makes sundresses so alluring. It can be difficult to know what shoes would work, which is why we’ve compiled a list of the finest possibilities. Continue reading to discover the six styles of shoes you’ll want to pair with your summer sundresses.
What are Accessories to Wear with Sundress?
A light and breezy summer sundress are a terrific go-to as the weather rises. Simply by accessorizing the sundress with the appropriate accessories, it can be dressed up or down for any occasion. Summer’s most fashionable garment is the sundress. It will keep you looking beautiful and provide you with numerous ways to wear it by simply mixing up your accessories and shoes, whether you’re having a date night or a picnic in the park.
Statement Jewelry
Jewelry can be a cheap way to spice up your sundress, whether it’s dangling lightweight clay earrings, turquoise and coral beaded necklaces, a colorful statement ring, or even a statement wooden bracelet.
Wedge Heels
A smooth wedge or an espadrille wedge heel are both wonderful summer shoe options! Because of the texture, the espadrille wedge can easily be dressed down. A neutral tone, such as beige or pale pink, will go with a wider range of colors in your clothing.
Belts
Belts, whether thin or wide, are a terrific accessory that cinches in your waist and gives you a dressier look.
Hat
Floppy hats or even baseball caps are excellent wardrobes complements to white designer shoes.
Cocktail Dress vs Sundress
Cocktail dresses and sundresses are, in the end, rather different. While they are both intended to highlight the attractive elements of a woman’s body and make us feel beautiful and feminine, they approach the task in quite different ways.
Cocktail dresses hug your figure and make you feel confident, elegant, and attractive. A sundress will float around you like a summer wind, revealing a little more flesh while expressing the easygoing, hazy vibe of a hot day spent doing what you love.
Now that you know the difference, you can relax and enjoy the next event you’ve been invited to, knowing that you’ll be dressed to impress while showcasing your personal flair.
