In the 1950s, cocktail dresses were often mid-calf length and made of fabrics such as black taffeta, satin, and chiffon; think Audrey Hepburn’s party look in Breakfast at Tiffany's. However ...

Save your floor-length gowns for black ... weddings or formal events, stick to mid-thigh and longer hemlines. Disclaimer: just because the dress code says "cocktail," that doesn't mean you have ...

Typically, cocktail means short dresses and suits ... might mean a dark suit and tie for men and a knee- or midi-length dress in luxe fabrics, like satin or lace, for women.