What to Wear: To a Beach Cocktail Party.

I had just been tasked by my dearest friend, D. to recommend outfits to wear to a themed party, the theme being "Beach Cocktail". Now, I feel like I have a purpose! Those of you who needs some tips on "what to wear to...." do feel free to drop me a comment and I will do my best (and research) for your needs!

"Beach Cocktail" is definitely an interesting theme, as most dinner parties will go either entirely beach or entirely cocktail. I would think that most attendees will show up in outfits that tilt towards "beach" more than "cocktail" so it's really important to find the right mix here to match the theme well. So, I'm guessing many guests (I'm talking female here, but I'd expect to see Hawaiian shirts on some of the male guests) will be opting for maxi or floral dresses since these are the closest you get to beachwear but with a slight formal touch. But you'll be surprised with the amount of options you have, so none of my recommendations would include the maxi dress (I'll try avoiding the floral element as well).

[P.S. I don't actually have the Photoshop software on this computer unit I'm blogging from, so pardon the overload of pictures instead of having all compiled into a few.]

Because the cocktail dinner party is a night event, it is only appropriate to show up in something more polished than just a halter-neck beach cover-up or a scarf tied and worn as a dress (I'm sure someone will turn up in these!). But if playing it safe is your thing, the closest thing I found to a maxi is this midi print dress from ASOS (in fact, all my recommendations will be from ASOS and Forever 21 - they have so many amazing and affordable styles!):

Warehouse Lovestory Floral Midi Dress £80 (ASOS)

The feather prints are pretty and feminine. Wearing this dress with strappy heels/flats would bring it down a notch.

Strapless, halter and spaghetti strap are styles that will no doubt be on everyone's minds when looking for something for the beach theme, but if you're likely to be dining indoors at a clubhouse or restaurant by the beach rather than on the beach, wrap dresses are your next best bet. The cut is a close cousin of beach cover-ups. The key here is to not find something too fitting. Details like long, flowy sleeves or skirt can give the look a more relaxed vibe. Choose pieces with lighter colors or softer prints - darker colors are more formal, which then lose the laid-back beach style. Be sure to also pick a lightweight, soft material for your dress - life's a beach, flow is the way to go.

 Vero Moda Shiny Satin 20s Kimono Dress £28 NOW £22 (ASOS)

Vero Moda Open Sleeve Dress In Retro Peacock Print £28 NOW £22 (ASOS)

Long-sleeve flowy short dresses make good alternatives for the indoors. They look more dressy, but the loose fit keeps things casual and flirty.

 Rare Folk Embroidered Fluted Sleeve Dress £45 Now £36 (ASOS)

Vero Moda Deco Bird Print Kimono Sleeve Chiffon Swing Mini Dress £28 Now £22 (ASOS)

 Oasis Contrast Trim Kimono Dress £60 (ASOS)

 Vero Moda Chiffon Cape Dress £34 NOW £27 (ASOS)

Silk Floral Shift Dress USD32.80 (Forever 21)

You could also stay on the latest trend with Gucci-inspired colorblock looks. The styles are more revealing (thus relating to beach and bikinis) but also luxe enough for cocktail dinners. Glam down with strappy gold sandals (read on for more tips!).

 Colorblock Midi Dress w/ Braided Belt USD27.80 (Forever 21)

 Lipsy Colour Block Metallic Belt Dress £65 (ASOS)

Lipsy Colour Block Chain Halter Dress £65 (ASOS)

A feminine lace dress is a great option since it spells summer and it's covered up enough for a dinner. Both Ashley Tisdale and Mischa Barton channeled summery feel with this loose-fit Juicy Couture dress, and this is a great look for a beach cocktail party.

 *credit: Just Jared

 Retro Lace Dress USD24.80 (Forever 21)

 Ruffle Slv Open Knit Dress USD27.80 (Forever 21)

To sum up, here are some pointers to keep in mind before you step into that beach cocktail party:

1. Even though it's a cocktail party, the "beach" element is there to reduce the formality. Create a balance between the two: if your dress is more casual than it is formal, trade flip-flops/flat sandals for strappy heels, and vice versa.

2. Things to avoid: figure-hugging or structured (skip the ruched sleeve top) clothing, animal print, red and black/grey (they're too formal for beach), giant bling-bling, minaudieres or hard clutches, blazers.

3. Accessories to add on: floppy hats (H&M has stylish and cheap ones!), thin gold accessories (silver may be too washed out in the night) from bangles to necklaces, oversized soft-body clutches or cross-body minibags, shawls or chiffon throw-overs.

4. If you're allowed to wear flats, refrain from wear flip-flops (they don't fit in with "cocktail"!). You could try a pair of strappy/gladiator sandals, like those seen on Charlize Theron:

*credit: Just Jared

They're comfortable for standing, dancing and socializing in. Plus, they're perfect for the beach. Light metallic ones are more polished. If you're indoors, go for strappy heels. The beach is no place for chunky pumps or caged heels.

5. Let loose for the night! So opt for relaxed hairstyles - think loose waves, a flower in your hair, etc. Don't do sleek ponytails or neat buns.

Hope this has been helpful, D.! :)