Shopping for cocktail dresses may be one of our favorite pastimes. Paired with a sultry red lipstick, a designer clutch and beautiful accessories (not to mention: comfortable heels), finding a new dress is a good serotonin boost.
But, that perfect dress may be difficult to find. Sure, there are plenty of department stores and Instagram-discovered boutiques you can venture off to, but sometimes, you can never beat that tried-and-true dress in your closet.
Think again.
Amid doing some shopping of our own for upcoming weddings, vacations and other formalities, we cherry-picked some of the best brands and designers to pull cocktail dresses from — from petite to plus size. (Related: Best white dresses and best jumpsuits).
Below, find the 18 top styles to browse from — a urated effort on our part to help you “say yes to the dress” based on your preference and budget. From mini to midi (and everything in between), we covered all the bases so all you have to do is rock it the day of your occasion and take some Instagram-worthy photos.
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Before you shop, check out some of our favorite destinations for cocktail dresses: Amazon, Abercrombie, Lulus, Petal & Pup, Windsor.
Sophisticated, chic and timeless is the name of the game for the PRETTYGARDEN Satin Sleeveless Mock Neck Cocktail Dress. Right now, you can score the style for less than $25, with its smooth-to-the-touch silky fabric being on you’ll want to wear on repeat.
More, several other hues are available to grab on a discount.
We can’t believe the Nine West Cowlneck Maxi Dress is less than $20, either. This dainty option is both flattering and affordable, helping you feel your best with its tiered silhouette. Even better, it’s available in black to elevate your little black dress collection.
Embrace your garden party dreams with the BCX Off-the-Shoulder Ruffled Asymmetrical-Hem Tie-Waist Jacquard Dress. Its high-low design is always one that garners plenty of compliments, and it’ll look incredible with your finest nude heels.
Looking for a fitted cocktail dress that’ll be on you can style in a variety of ways. Naturally, the BTFBM Ruched Bodycon Long-Sleeve Cocktail Mini Dress is one you can wear time and again, thanks to its glamorous neckline shape and slightly flow-y sleeves. Yes, please.
OK, we’re beyond obsessed with the Petal & Pup Hilary Pleated Maxi Dress. It’s a long-sleeved option that has peekaboo shoulders (and for that, we love it). Not to mention, half of our wardrobe is filled with the brand — you should see it — and its comfortable material paired with its stunning floral pattern is beyond compare.
Ideal for any age, the Dress the Population Nadia Long Sleeve Scoop Back Midi Dress is one that comes in a wealth of colors, is fit for virtually any formal occasion and is well-made to last for years of well-worn use. Its slide slit adds a subtly sexy flair to it, too, and its deeply scooped back makes for a seamless updo moment.
We love the bebe Square Neck Flare Dress because it can be dressed or down but, if worn to a wedding, would look incredible with some statement jewelry. Not only that, but it’s one of the most comfortable options on this list that’ll serve you well for a fancy date night, too.
Hello, Lulus, we love you — simply because you always have the sweetest dresses that complement any body shape or complexion. Its Meant to Be Together Satin One-Shoulder Mini Dress is no exception, accentuated with the cutest bow-wrap detailing we’ve seen. With flattering one-shoulder strap detailing and other colors to choose from, it’s a worthwhile pick that’s less than $75.
Turn heads with the Line & Dot Golden Hour Dress. As one of our favorites from Revolve, this off-the-shoulder, jewel-toned number makes a statement without the need for sparkle or glitz. With your most chic clutch and block heels, you’re golden.
We love puff-sleeved midi dresses (there’s just something about them that adds a “Bridgerton”-inspired, feminine feel. The & Other Stories Puff Sleeve Midi Dress is one we anticipate selling out quickly, much ado to its classic silhouette and beautiful floral pattern to serve you well during your next formal event.
That’s right — Abercrombie is a hotspot for more than just its jeans (though we love them, and practically the entire brand). Its Satin High-Slit Midi Dress is one we’ve been eyeing for months, much ado to its alluring color options, seamless fit and confidence-inspiring look. It has one of the most eye-catching necklines we’ve seen, too.
For more options, check out our full brand review.
Adrianna Papell is one of our top recommendations for bridesmaid dresses (spoiler alert: we wore one and still love its dash of glam). If you’re a wedding guest or looking for that perfect midi dress to style for your next calendar function, pick up the Floral Mock Neck Midi Dress — one of the most adorable options to pick from (and one we anticipate gathering lots of, ‘where’d you get that?‘ questions.
As one of the most popular plus-size styles on Amazon, the Floerns Satin Spaghetti Strap Cowl Neck Wrap Cami Dress is one we wholly recommend, too. Not only is it offered in plenty of dazzling shades but its ruching and simplistic head-to-toe fit is incredible for less than $50. Sign us up.
If you’re looking for a lace, A-line cocktail dress, we recommend the Kiyonna Mademoiselle Lace Cocktail Dress. It’s offered in plenty of other options, too, but comes in one of the most generous size ranges we’ve seen and doesn’t look frumpy. What’s not to love (not to mention, that lace detailing?!)
Mac Duggal has been a coveted destination for prom dresses and the like, so it’s only fitting we include its Long Sleeve Jersey & Lace Cocktail Dress as one of the very best — especially if you’re seeking a plus-size option that is both flattering and will fit like a glove. Though a splurge, it’s well worth it.
Golden hour just got better with the V. Chapman Vera Ruffle-Strap Corset Side-Slit Midi Dress. Our jaws nearly dropped upon seeing this completely divine number on Anthropologie’s site that features a vintage-inspired corset bodice, is finished with ruffle straps and has a completely sensational silhouette that’ll make you sparkle at your next formal occasion.
Just as good, more options are available (though this sunny-side hue is our favorite).
This wouldn’t be a splurge section without an Oscar de la Renta cocktail dress. Yes, spending upwards of $5,000 is an investment — but you’ll never have to worry about finding the perfect match-all, statement or subtle-pop-of-color dress ever again; it’s all three, in the best way possible.
Simple yet statement-driven, the Chiara Boni La Petite Robe Malva Jersey Strapless Mini Dress has a bodycon design with a ruched rose at its bodice. Not only do we adore this dusty mauve color but we know nobody is going to have a dress quite like this one.
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