I got this shirt, by Original Madras Trading Co., at Century 21 on deep sale, and now cannot stop wearing it. It's so lightweight and breezy while also looking put-together and unique.

To help you better understand what cocktail attire actually is, we've rounded up a list of dos and don'ts for any formal event with this dress code.

But I am stumped on what to wear on top with wide pants. Wearing a school uniform for 13 years has made me allergic to anything too stiff, but I also want to look professional.

For women, it’s time to retire the ankle boots known as mojo booties. “People really wear them to anything — jail, a funeral,” Ms. Brunton said. “Just no, girl.