"Cocktail attire"...what the heck does that mean?

[malkin]

I think it means look nice in whatever you want.
Show as much (or as little) flesh or curve as you are comfortable with. Go over the top if you want.

It gives you broader parameters than any of the Formal Attire permutations (Black tie, white tie, etc.) which are generally more conservative, to my old mind, anyway.

[Jolt]

Well...I went through my closet and here are the options:
1. sleeveless knee-length black dress (not solid black, has an off-white design on it) with black tights, red cardigan and red ballet flats
2. black turtleneck sweater dress with black/gray striped sparkly tights and either black or red shoes
3. ankle-length black velvet skirt with sleeveless sparkly top and some sort of jacket or sweater (really not sure this option is a very good one...may end up looking frumpy)

Option 1 is probably the most appropriate...thoughts?