knee length formal cocktail dresses Red Satin Multi-Straps Dress – Lisposa 24 Occasion Cobalt Blue Satin V-neck Knee-length

Pair it with smart casual pieces like turtlenecks, sneakers and denim shirts to bring down the formality even further

Smooth satin or mikado works especially well for formal evening weddings, black-tie receptions, or historic estate venues where a slightly grander silhouette feels appropriate

Because these are naturally dressed-down they pair best with a relaxed shirt dress

And those fringe tassels on the train

When its time for happy hour just unbutton the top a Lil bit and tie the top at the waist for that relaxed yet stylish look

Need 'em conservative enough for court appearances, but not mother of the bride. (I'm 35.) Slightly fashionable would be a bonus