So, you’re throwing a cocktail party, and you’ve asked friends and colleagues to come. You have some spirits ready—and a lot of ice, too. There’s one thing you lack, however: cocktail bartenders. But, who says you need cocktail bartenders just to spice your party up?

What does cocktail wear mean? Ask any woman in the world and you’re bound to get different answers, from slacks and dressy tops to colorful saris. For me, though,the answer will always be a dressy, …