What does cocktail attire refer to?

Cocktail attire is a dress code that refers to semi-formal clothing appropriate for social events such as cocktail parties, evening receptions, and semi-formal dinners. For women, it commonly includes a short dress, skirt and blouse, or dressy pantsuit. For men, it typically involves a dark suit, either a two-piece or a three-piece suit, often paired with a dress shirt and tie, pocket square, and dress shoes.