Sorry to deviate from the topic, but I'm "traveling" to my boyfriend's boss's Christmas party in stuffy Boston. The invitation says to wear "cocktail attire"--
Can someone please decode this term for me. Thanks!!!

A nice, sexy black dress. One that you might wear to a nice restaurant, or a "night on the town". Keep it classy, not tacky. You can wear other colors as well, but you can never go wrong with black! Hose and heels as well.

Could be wrong on this, but I think it means heels, short black skirt, loose low cut top and no bra.

Just under black tie apparel. Some may be dressed black tie others in suits. You could wear a black crape dress and fit right in, at the very least wear an attractive dress. Or a classy jacket & skirt. The black dress would be your best bet.

Is it at someone's home or at a restaurant, hotel, or party house? Usually for Christmas parties at the above, people tend to be a bit more dressed up than a house party ... very nice (but tasteful) evening dress. If at someone's house, nice black dress slacks (satin or velvet are nice) and a dressy top (blouse/sweater). Since it is your boyfriend's bosses party go for a classy rather than sexy look.

Those of you who responded seriously really helped me. Thanks you guys!

You are welcome.... And I vote classy AND sexy!

Have fun!

Black is always safe, so I concur with most other posters. For a boyfriend's boss, however, I'd make sure not to dress too sexy. A classic black dress and a nice piece of jewelry should be perfect.

Forget classy. Go sexy.

Here's your chance to show the boss that your boyfriend has taste. First impressions are very important. If you go classy the boss will think your boyfriend is dating a stuffy prima donna and he'll get nowhere professionally. If you go sexy, flash a little leg here, a little cleavage there, the old guy's eyes will light up like a pinball machine. Next review your boyfriend will get a big promotion and you'll finally have that Audi TT convertible you've had your eye on.

Look at a magazine like Bazaar,check InStyle mag online, look at the "little black dresses"...copy that look, with black high heels, maybe pearls or a tasteful piece of jewelry.If you are young enough-20 something, red would be nice for Christmas parties,but keep it very toned down,the red says it all.

You cannot go wrong with something black and classic, black velvet, crepe, silk, etc. Not too flashy. nothing too risque or revealing, but a little is ok. do not wear jewelry that is too expensive or expensive looking-you don't want to outshine your boyfriend's boss's wife (or boss if she's female) or have them think he's being overpaid and can afford such luxuries. Enjoy.

I have always thought of "cocktail attire" as a formal party dress but not floor/full length for women and a nice dark suit for men. Black tie would be full length formal for women and tux for men. Hence the idea of a "cocktail"
dress . I agree an above the knee dress of silk, crepe, velvet or another dressy material will be perfect. Doesn't have to be black though. The really "in" color for this season is an irridescent pewter, not quite as bright as silver or as dull as gray. Have fun at your party!

I think "cocktail attire" means pretty dressed up but not long. If you have time to shop, which I doubt, and want to--there are things called "cocktail suits" that are suits you could only wear to a cocktail party, made of dressier fabrics; and then you should wear somewhat flashier (costume probably) jewelry.

I think of the "cocktail suit" as a part of the wardrobe of a woman of a certain age, I don't think young women have them.

For boss' party--you want to look pretty, with the maximum amount of makeup you would wear (if you never wear any, you never wear any), but not the absolute sexiest you can make yourself look. Maybe 70% of our total sexiness potential!!! (like, sexy shoes but a bit of modesty in the dress, for example) Oh, also, Boston isn't very sexy I don't think.

Audi TT convertibles are very last century, "Trust Me".

TrustMe -

So is your assumption that her boyfriend's boss is a man.

First of all Kristal, Boston is not stuffy. Those Edwardian days are long gone. Your guy's boss may be stuffy, but is that what he says?? Black does not rule here.But good taste does.
Cocktail means a dressy dress and heels if you wear them, I don't. But the surprise here is that people will show up in anything .

The real answer we need is what industry does your boyfriend work in? As a lawyer here in Boston I can tell that it makes a difference. Also is the party in Boston or out in the suburbs? If downtown then more dressy, if suburbs less so.

If your boyfriend is in high tech the attire would be more casual. ie cashmere twin set with black skirt. If in law or finance, black dress with underwear and sheer black hose would be perfect. If in education then a more interesting look is acceptable. Dressy pumps safer than strappy shoes. Pearls - no gold chains. You want to look polished and classy. Not trampy or you'll be mistaken for someone from Revere (definately not going to help your boyfriend). Definately no big hair. Sleek is better. Makeup should be present but not overly done. If you are familar with the catalog/store Talbots you'll known what I mean.

And of course the best accessories are a big smile and a lot of confidence. Have fun.

bennie: Talbots = June Cleaver = boring.

Agree Coco, Talbots = Frump. For reasonable prices and lots of stylish attire, I suggest Ann Taylor. I was there yesterday and they had lots and lots of great party wear. Silk orlace pants, mules and a silk blouse or sleeveless top would also look great and a bit more up to date then a black dress.

Okay. Miss Emily Post would define attires as casual, cocktail, or formal. Formal is floor length, cocktail is knee-length but dressy and elegant, casual is --- casual but business attire. Your boyfriends boss?? Look as attractive and classy as you possibly can. Forget sexy. Wear that on New Years with him. You want to do your boyfriend prood. Just look smashing, and have a wear a beautiful smile - that always works.