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 ...

It called for a blend of daytime dressing and formal evening attire, with knee-length or just-below-the-knee dresses made from satin, velvet and silk so that partygoers could move with ease.

Corduroy or canvas twill will also be too daytime for after-dark events so choose satin, silk or chiffon - or anything trimmed with sequins, beading or ruffles. Summer cocktail dress code will be ...