Casual or Cocktail Attire. What the?

[lurker17260]

We have received a written invitation to an evening drinks do from someone we don't really know all that well.  In fact we have never met Mrs, only Mr.  The invitation says "Casual or Cocktail Attire"?  What the heck does that mean?  The two terms seem to contradict themselves to me.

HELP!!

[lurker17260]

I just googled and got:

Cocktail Attire means short, elegant dresses for her and dark suits for him. The little black dress is the ultimate cocktail dress and appropriate for most special occasions.

Casual generally means anything goes (including jeans, sneakers, etc.) If the host or hostess wants a more dressed-up approach, it would be dictated on the invite.

Now I'm even more confused 😞

[purplecarrot-top]

I would be confused as well. Should be one or the other.

[twinkles**stars]

Maybe it should read smart casual or cocktail

[the_bob_delusion · Accepted solution]

It means some will be casual some more formal but both are OK. However you'll find the majority will be more formal. .

[i-need-a-martini]

I agree with TS - I reckon it's a typo and was meant to read smart casual.

[Anonymous]

In this instance I'd be donning the little black dress with understated, stylish accessories... then my male partner in a good quality, open neck shirt, belt and pleat front black pants (slacks).  

[cherry*135]

Maybe the idea is, if someone has a cocktail dress wear it, but for those that don't have one, they don't need to go out and buy one, just wear some other smartly dressed clothes? Dress pants, nice top?

[j*oono]

I agree with Twinkles.  I'd go with smart casual.  A nice dress would be good or dressy pants but not formal.

[lurker17260]

Yep, that's how it turned out bob. Most were "dressed up". I wore a sparkly black top and black pants, with heels. Most were about the same level of dressiness.
A step up from smart casual I would call it.