Oh well, I posted a reply but it got lost in la la land apparently so here goes again:

Yes, a nice blue dress would be cocktail. I am wearing two dresses to the big night events. For the lesser dressy event I will wear a black and white Liz Claiborn dress with a black bolero jacket and heels, do up my hair and wear black and white pearls, then for the installation banquet (the last night) I am wearing a chiffon-like just above the knee navy dress with a floral crystal necklace and earrings, my hair in an upsweep and heels. I will also carry my beaded turtle bag! LOL.

For arrival I will either wear Not so short black dress capris and a nice button down shirt or my khakis. Skip the jean skirt if it's a mini, but just above the knee is fine
Tracy