How to make cocktail dress casual?
Cocktail dresses don’t have to be used for only business functions. You can even make your cocktail dress work for a day-to-day look with a little styling genius. All you have to do is wear it with something loose, layer it, and go with accessories that negate the dress’s professional vibe. The following are tips to bring your cocktail dress to life without being clunky.
What Are the Best Ways to Style a Cocktail Dress Casually?
Layer with Outerwear
- Put your cocktail dress with a denim jacket or a workwear blazer for an instant boho-cool effect.
- On a colder day, layer up with an oversized cardigan or a coat of work.
Choose Casual Footwear
- Wear sandals instead of high heels, ankle boots, or sandals. And white shoes especially add a modern, bohemian edge.
- You can also go for some flats or loafers if you want a more casual look.
Opt for Minimal Accessories
- Don’t go overboard with accessories—forget the big statement necklaces and stick to stud earrings, a simple bracelet, or a crossbody bag.
- Slap on a casual scarf or canvas tote to finish it.
Balance with Casual Fabrics
- Layer your dress with clothes made from cotton, jeans, or linen for a balanced look. A chambray shirt tied at the waist over your cocktail dress, for instance.
T-Shirt or Sweater to Work off
- Layer a T-shirt or long-sleeve underneath a sleeveless or spaghetti-strap cocktail dress for a more ritzy alternative.
- Over the dress layer a knit sweater with a slit that lets out the skirt for a warm casual style.
What Fabrics and Colors Work Best for a Casual Look?
Subtle Colors
- Neutral colors, like beige, navy, or pastel, are more easily dressed up.
- Wear no heavy metallics or sequins, unless with something very sporty such as sneakers or a hoodie.
Relaxed Fabrics
- Cocktail dresses that are safety or cotton-blend are also more manageable.
- Lace dresses or very little feasibilities are also perfect for casual dressing.
When Can You Wear a Casual Cocktail Dress?
For Day Wear
From brunch to running errands or just visiting with friends, a cocktail dress that’s laid back is easy.
Date Night
A cocktail dress with sneakers and a denim jacket is chic and comfy.
Office
Layer your dress over a cardigan and dress it up with loafers for office chic.
Dos and Don’ts of Making a Cocktail Dress Casual
Dos
- Do try wearing sweaters, shirts, or jackets underneath.
- Mix in some casual shoes such as sneakers or flats.
- Don’t be afraid of a neutral color palette and a light accessory collection for a balanced look.
Don’ts
- Don’t wear too many formal pieces like shiny clutches or blingy jewelry because they spoil the relaxed vibe.
- Don’t wear too many flashy or bulky accessories unless it is complemented by very casual pieces.
- Don’t forget to balance proportions. An oversized jacket would look nice with a fitted cocktail dress, for example.
What Are Examples of Casual Cocktail Dress Looks?
- Look 1: Satin slip dress, white sneakers, denim jacket, and a crossbody bag for daytime.
- Look 2: A fitted cocktail dress with a cropped sweater over it, ankle boots, and a tote bag for fall.
- Look 3: Sheath cocktail dress with chambray shirt pinned up at the waist and flat sandals for summer floatiness.
Conclusion
Turning a cocktail dress into a daytime look is all about the balance between casual and formal. Layer well, switch formal shoes for casual and accessories for a low-key finish, and your cocktail dress can be made wearable in the everyday. These tips will make your cocktail dress one of your most versatile pieces of wardrobe, as you’ll find that sparkle and elegance can be used for any occasion.
FAQ
Q: Can I wear sneakers with a cocktail dress?
A: Yes! Sneakers are a way to keep a cocktail dress casual and fashionable. White shoes in particular go well with just about everything.
Q: How do I get a sequined cocktail dress down for the casual style?
A: Pair it with a denim jacket and sneakers or a knit sweater underneath the dress for a contrast in the sparkle.
Q: What accessories do I not wear with my simple cocktail dress style?
A: Don’t wear blingy clutches, statement pieces, or dressy accessories. Keep it minimal, just with a crossbody or little studs.
Q: Can I wear a cocktail dress at work during the day?
A: Absolutely! Layer it on a day with casual tops, like a cardigan or chambray shirt, and wear flats or sneakers for daytime dressing.
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