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The hems of cocktail dresses were lowered to the ankles, and designers advocated for a simple, sleek silhouette and championed accessories

A chic city restaurant might call for a sleek cocktail dress or an edgy jumpsuit, while an outdoor garden party lends well to a romantic maxi dress or a sophisticated mini dress

According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Christian Dior was the first to name the early evening frock a cocktail dress in the late 1940s, and in doing so allowed magazines, department stores, and rival Parisian and American designers to promote fashion with cocktail-specific terminology. Diors New Look collection, which included dresses and blazer sets with cinched waistlines and voluminous skirts, defined a generation of style more versatile than ever before

While it may not be the choice for a black-tie event, its perfect for less formal gatherings where you still want to present a polished image

We earn a commission for products purchased in some of the links in this article To that end, here are some slightly more affordable alternatives to the high-end designer piece:

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