Dress Types

What is the difference between a cocktail dress and formal dress?

I need a cocktail dress in a solid red or white. I went to Macy's to find one and I had no clue what I should have been looking for. What do cocktail dresses actually look like? Are they like casual/semi-formal sun dresses or formal dresses with a different look? Can it be long? I look better in longer dresses (Chicken legs)... Occasion, Miss Los Angeles County Pageant... The Opening Act... :o)

Public Comments

1. 1 is more for frauds
2. Yes, they can be long. Generally they are a bit more casual than formal dresses, but they can still be very long and slinky and sexy.
3. hot and not :)
4. cocktail dresses are generally short, i.e. knee length. formal wear =gowns i.e. full length thats the TRADITIONAL definition. all short of old fasion rules are broken these days though.
5. Couple hundred dollars
6. their shorter than formal. They are knee length or shorter. usually not silk. good luck in your pageant.
7. you said c*ck he he he
8. Look at this list of dresses. These are cocktail dresses>> http://shop.nordstrom.com/C/6001765/0~2376776~2374327~2374331~6001765 Prom dresses is the same thing as a formal or even an evening gown is what you would be looking for. Check out this link>>> http://www.simplydresses.com/
9. Cocktail dresses can be short and sexy but still classey. Formal dresses cover up more and are elegant. Macy's should be a good place to find one. I love dressing up. Have fun.
10. cocktail dresses are usually knee length or above, formal but nothing you would wear to prom or anything like that. its more of like a social party dress. heres a couple cute ones; http://www2.victoriassecret.com/commerce/application/prodDisplay/?namespace=productDisplay&origin=onlineProductDisplay.jsp&event=display&prnbr=3H-189664&page=2&cgname=OSCLODRSBLK&rfnbr=3198 http://www2.victoriassecret.com/commerce/application/prodDisplay/?namespace=productDisplay&origin=onlineProductDisplay.jsp&event=display&prnbr=3H-217928&page=1&cgname=OSCLODRSBLK&rfnbr=3198
11. Usually a formal dress is longer and not as revealing. Typically, cocktail dresses are shorter and more sexy.
12. I always thought they were about knee length & formal are floor length here's some links that I hope clear it up
13. They are dressy and usually shorter than a formal dress. You can still find something at calf length and it be semi formal. Ask the salesperson for a little help, that's what they are there for. Hope this helps.
14. Cocktail dresses are typically dressy to semi-formal, and shorter in length. You can go for a long dress if you have "chicken legs" (hahaha), but make sure it's really simple and elegant, no sequins or heavy embroidery (which is overdone anyway). Sun dresses are NOT cocktail dresses, unless you're going to a barbeque below the Mason-Dixon line. Good thing you're not. Neiman Marcus' website has their evening dresses categorized very well, and so does Bergdorf-Goodman. Whether or not you can afford it, you can always go look at their websites and check out what they consider cocktail dresses and compare them to what you found at Macy*s (who also has a fabulous dress selection). Good luck shopping!!