What is Cocktail Attire?

[Vindingo]

I have a date tomorrow night for this auction event.  Dress is supposed to be "cocktail attire"

Does a shirt, tie, khakis and a blazer work?  My mother thinks I should wear a suit, the girl thinks khakis are fine. 

What is "cocktail attire?"

[Popeye the Sailor]

I have a date tomorrow night for this auction event.  Dress is supposed to be "cocktail attire"

Does a shirt, tie, khakis and a blazer work?  My mother thinks I should wear a suit, the girl thinks khakis are fine. 

What is "cocktail attire?"

I'd skip the suit.

[DanTheMan]

whatever you do, IRON IT!!!

[Howie]

Cocktail attire for men is traditionally a suit.  If I thought I could get away with it I would probably wear jeans and a nicer then usual Hawaiian shirt.

[ROBsS4R]

You own a suit 

[Randimus Maximus]

Jeans and this:




J/K.

I have no idea.

[Kopfjäger]

How to Dress for a Cocktail Party
Given here are some tips that will help men in selecting the perfect attire for a cocktail party.

The mode of invitation holds a clue to the kind of party it will be. Invitation received by phone or email suggests a cocktail party that will be much more casual. Formal invitations reflect a very formal cocktail party.
Read the invitation to know whether there is any dress code for the party. Notes like 'semiformal' hint at a dark suit for men, while 'black tie optional' means that you can either wear a tuxedo or something like a dark suit and formal tie.
The fabric of the clothes to be worn at a party depends upon the season and the weather. In fall as well as in winters, dark fabrics. However, in spring season, light fabrics like linen or cotton work the best.
If by any chance you have to go to the party straight from the office, carry extra clothes with you. You can don a button-down shirt and blazer over your khakis or even pair your jeans with a sport coat. At the same time, make sure to carry your formal shoes with you.
The time at which the cocktail party is being held can also hint about the type of attire you can wear. Afternoon parties are usually less formal than a late afternoon or evening one.
If you are bringing a partner along with you, it is always advisable to coordinate the outfits.

[Oldfisti]

Cocktail attire:


         

[the_Journeyman]

Little black dress ~

JM

[ducpainter]

Little black dress ~

JM

I don't look good in black.

[Ddan]

C'mon, you're cute

[ducpainter]

C'mon, you're cute

I know that...

but little black cocktail dresses look terrible on me.

[TiNi]

+1 on the little black dress 

seriously, a suit may be overkill
i'd find out what your date is wearing,
so you don't dress nicer than her 

[Cotton]

Slacks, button down, jacket, no tie, shower.   

[duqette]

I'd say, suit, or trousers and a jacket, all with tie. No khakis. Nice shoes. This is an auction, a charity fund raiser sort of thing, yes? It's not a casual get-together with friends, so a little more formal rather than less is probably going to be your best bet.

Generally speaking, it's better to be a little over- rather than under-dressed when you're not quite sure.

Don't forget, just like the song says, girls love a sharp-dressed man.