Cocktail dress or cocktail gown is a woman's dress worn at cocktail parties and semi-formal or "black tie" occasions.
Historically the length of a cocktail dress is long, often touching the ankle. When it is about 5 cm (2 inches) above the ankle it is called tea length and when it is almost touching the ankle it is called ballerina length,although ballerina length dresses usually are included in the evening gown category.
The modern definition of a cocktail dress is commonly taken to mean a shorter dress above the knee. It must be smart, such as the "little black dress", and may have sequins or lace as a feature.
Historically the length of a cocktail dress is long, often touching the ankle. When it is about 5 cm (2 inches) above the ankle it is called tea length and when it is almost touching the ankle it is called ballerina length,although ballerina length dresses usually are included in the evening gown category.
The modern definition of a cocktail dress is commonly taken to mean a shorter dress above the knee. It must be smart, such as the "little black dress", and may have sequins or lace as a feature.
