What does black tie AND cocktail attire mean?

[mommymy]

My DH and I are invited to a work function and it says black tie AND cocktail attire required. Does this mean a long dress or a knee length dress for me? I have a long dress that I actually wanted to wear since I never go to these type of functions (as you can probably tell) but if I'm going to be out of place b/c the ladies are wearing short knee length dresses then I'll have to go dig something up for that instead. What would you take that dress code to mean? Thanks for you help.

[jayali]

I think it means a tux for your husband and whichever you prefer (long or cocktail) for yourself. I have been to two blacktie events recently and the woman were dressed both in cocktail length and evening attire. Really either would probably be appropriate.

[BelleoftheBallFlagstaff]

I think it means a tux for your husband and whichever you prefer (long or cocktail) for yourself. I have been to two blacktie events recently and the woman were dressed both in cocktail length and evening attire. Really either would probably be appropriate.

:yeahthat:

[codex57]

Yup, like the others have said, feel free to wear that long dress. We've become such a casual society, it's nice to dress to the nines some time.

[AnnieW625]

Black tie where I am in Southern California does not automatically mean a tux, but I have been to events where there have been a mix of both suit and tie and tuxes (but more suit and tie). I have always worn shorter dresses to them and it's been fine, and none of them have been really all out formal (like you'd wear to a prom; one was a wool blend, one was a silk blend, and the other two were jersey blends), I just wore black dresses two or three times and a red one the other time. I would wear the long dress if you really want to but some people have worn full out formal long dresses and it works out well. There will be a mix of everything there.

This is the red dress I wore (it's a really great dress!):
http://www3.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?DeptID=50434&CatID=64330&GrpTyp=PRD&ItemID=167d8c5&attrtype=&attrvalue=&CMID=50434%7c50444%7c64329&Fltr=&Srt=&QL=F&IND=44&cmVirtualCat=&CmCatId=50434|50444|64329|64330&mscssid=6c4dddec451614161b8569fa285c0ee24xMnVNoV5a GWxMnVNoV5aGo200B0763D79F13FDD0898390074AC770E5E10 930722]

Now if it were black tie in the big city like New York, Boston, Dallas, Houston, or anywhere else that is known for being formal (ie: women still don't wear jeans to the mall or out to lunch) then I would have DH wear a tux and I'd look for a more formal cocktail dress.

[SnuggleBuggles]

A formal, floor length gown is not required for you but a tux or very close to for dh.

Beth