Cocktail Dresses

A Toast to the Cocktail Dress

The cocktail dress occupies a distinct place in the evolution of women's fashion and its changing roles in society. It symbolizes a form of self-expression and individual style within the boundaries of formal and semi-formal settings. Rooted in the realm of fashion, the concept of the cocktail dress emerged in the early 20th century, reflecting shifts in societal norms and the evolving role of women in public spaces.

In the early 20th century women's fashion was undergoing a major transformation. Restrictive corsets and long skirts of the Victorian era were giving way to more relaxed styles worn by the “modern working woman.” Women not only worked outside the home but also socialized in public as well. Businesses began holding social events after work for their employees and customers to mingle. The phrase “cocktail hour” was born, and the term “cocktail dress" was first used in the 1920s to describe a dress that was appropriate for just such an event.

A semi-formal garment, this new style of dress was typically more formal than a day dress but less formal than a full-length evening gown. It was meant to strike a balance between elegance and comfort, allowing the wearer to feel stylish and sophisticated while still being able to move and socialize comfortably during the event.

The National Prohibition Act (Volstead Act 1920-1933) shook the world of alcohol consumption and an underground movement developed. Though illegal, the consumption of alcoholic beverages was still popular in speakeasies and nightclubs. The quality of the liquor available during Prohibition was much worse than that of previous decades so various flavorings were added to make the drinks palatable. These foul-tasting mixed drinks became the star of a new type of party, “the cocktail party.”

As an emblem of women's liberation, elegance, and self-expression, the cocktail dress endures as a sartorial symbol offering a lens into the interplay of fashion, culture, and societal transformation. This style of dress provided women with a fashionable alternative symbolizing newfound freedom and asserting agency in a changing world.

A more complete history of the cocktail dress can be found here.

-Valerie Marcus Ramshur