Evening dress/Cocktail dress

[rachaelersk]

Please could some one tell me what the difference between an Evening dress and a Cocktail dress is? I am going to a black tie do and dont know the difference and also which is the appropriate one to wear?

Many Thanks

[Dee Sa]

Ialways thought that an evening dress was long and for the evenings , and a cocktail dress was a shorter dress for the "cocktail hour" 5pm - 8pm.

But these days I think anything goes, so choose what u feel good in and have a great time.

[andy hughes]

A cocktail dress is usualy knee length and has thin straps, and is usually of bright material.

An evening dress is more often floor length with a full width skirt - the bodice can be sleevless, short, or long sleeved, but the length, by definition, must be to the ankles.

[rachaelersk]

many thanks guys you have solved my dillema.