Final answer:
Cocktail dresses are semi-formal and knee-length, maxi dresses are casual and ankle-length, and formal gowns are the most formal, floor-length dresses. Interview attire is professional, while party attire varies with formality. Respect in a classroom setting is often correlated with professional attire.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference between a cocktail dress, a maxi dress, and a formal gown lies in their style, length, and the formality of the occasions they are designed for. A cocktail dress is a semi-formal dress that typically falls above the knee and is worn for evening events such as cocktail parties. It's elegant yet not as elaborate as a formal gown. A maxi dress, on the other hand, is a more casual, flowing garment with a length that reaches the ankles; suitable for a variety of occasions from casual gatherings to smart-casual events. Lastly, a formal gown is a long dress that often reaches the floor and is the most formal of the three, commonly worn to black-tie and formal events.
What one would wear to a job interview or a party depends on the dress code and the nature of the event or company. For a job interview, professional attire such as a tailored suit is recommended, as it conveys respect and seriousness about the position. For a party, the attire would depend on the formality and theme of the party itself; it could range from a more relaxed outfit to a sophisticated cocktail dress or even formal wear.
The person standing at the front of a classroom likely commands more respect dressed in a tailored suit as opposed to jeans and a T-shirt, as it shows professionalism and preparedness, which are valued in educational and professional settings.