Trumpet/Mermaid Cocktail Dresses

A trumpet/mermaid cocktail dress or trumpet/mermaid 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 trumpet/mermaid 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.