Solid-color silk cocktail dresses by Tadashi and conservative sheaths from Elie Tahari up the glam factor at formal business events, while vibrant prints from Nicole Miller beg to be let off the ...

A silk maxi skirt paired with a crisp white shirt and statement ... high-waisted trousers or a jumpsuit would adhere to business cocktail dress codes. Plus, they’re what Gaffey calls “day-to-night ...

Think: A silk long-sleeve shirt, or even a bowed blouse (like Saint Laurent recently showed on the runway). Though black tie veers into strict dress shoe territory, cocktail attire can allow more ...