A silk corset dress? Sure. A lace bustier under a sleek suit? Absolutely. Cocktail attire is generally a bit more modest than semi-formal, but a little décolletage never hurt anyone (especially ...

The 'cocktail' dress code originated in the 1920s, when women began enjoying more freedoms ... the-knee dresses made from satin, velvet and silk so that partygoers could move with ease.

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 ...