Along with the mod style, it was acceptable to wear a dressy suit to cocktail parties, and for women going directly from cocktails to dinner, a matching jacket could be worn over a dinner dress.

In contrast, cocktail parties are meant to be fun! Men might wear a tuxedo or suit, but equally a slick shirt and trouser combo is fine in a dressy fabric. Cocktail dresses are the no-brainer solution ...

True cocktail attire strikes a balance between these two ... Can’t choose between a suit set and a LBD? Opt for this hybrid dress that features mock front flap pockets. “Switch it up depending ...