Contemporary Cocktail Dresses

A contemporary cocktail dress or contemporary cocktail gown is a woman's dress worn at cocktail parties, and semi-formal occasions.

The length of cocktail dresses varies depending on fashion and local custom. The length ranges from just above the knee to touching the ankle. When it is about 5 cm (2 inches) above the ankle it is called tea length and when it is almost touching the ankle it is called ballerina length, although ballerina length dresses usually fall into the evening dress category. At semi-formal occasions, less elaborate, shorter-length cocktail dresses may be worn.