cocktail dresses for women black & Party This midi features a classic neckline that can be worn slightly on or off the shoulder Black Cocktail Dresses | Ann

Yes, it is a clich, the little black dress

These days, thankfully, our ankles get a little bit of a break (love ya, flatforms) but be on the lookout for huge, colorful heels and '90s-beloved wooden clogs to be your new everyday shoes

Waistcoat or Cummerbund A low-cut waistcoat or a cummerbund can add a touch of elegance to your black-tie attire for men

Bonus: Attach small plastic spiders to your dress for extra creepiness

So after several months of intense debate, we tally the votes, collate the anecdotal evidence, and emerge with a list of what we believe to be the absolute best of the category right now, from the tried-and-true stalwarts to the modern disruptors, the affordable beaters to the wildly expensive (but wildly worth-it) designer riffs

Feel free to check with the couple or the venue if youre unsure about the dress code