No matter the time of year, the most exciting part about attending a cocktail-attire event is finding the best cocktail dress for it. Thanks to many designers, the possibilities are endless as women can now choose between long sleeves dresses, shirt dresses, sweater dresses, and floor-length slip dresses. Indeed, the sky is the limit.

So what makes a perfect women’s cocktail dress, you may ask? First, let’s define a cocktail dress. More casually known as party dresses, the best cocktail dresses “are short and sweet,” says Caroline Maguire fashion director at Shopbop. “My favorite variations are adorned with embellishments for an added touch of glam.” They should make getting dressed easy; they can be fancy, but they should never be fussy or something you’ll need to fidget with all night. You’ll also want to pay close attention to your material of choice. Plus, picking the right color is just as important as the dress itself — it has the power to make you stand out from the crowd.

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For designer Azeeza Khan, the proper party dress needs to be able to work for any time of day. “It would be very hard to find a cocktail dress that doesn’t match with a clean, white Air Force 1,” she explains for a more casual cocktail dress look. “It’s a no-fail pairing that I call on almost every day when I don’t have the bandwidth to think twice about my outfit.” As for times when dressing up is a must, she suggests, “a beautiful, oversized statement earring has never failed me in elevating a look, day or night.”

Scroll on because we did the research and spoke to industry experts for all the tips and tricks on finding the best cocktail dresses for all budgets, occasions, and body types. Plus, these experts share their top cocktail dress picks to make shopping seamless. Now, you only need a pretty clutch and a pair of dazzling designer shoes.

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Best Lace Dresses

Top Cocktail Dresses of 2023

Best Floral Dress: Astr The Label Midi Dress
Best Expert-Approved Dress: Staud Iri Dress
Best Sequin Dress: Rebecca Valance Nikita Dress
Best Amazon Dress: Zyyfly Ribbed Bodycon Midi Dress
Best Embellished Dress: Peter Dundas Minidress
Best Halter Dress: Adriana Degreas Cutout Dress
Best Patterned Dress: Brogger Holly Mini Dress
Best Sheer Dress: Ramy Brook Studded Lulu Maxi Dress
Best Black Slip Dress: L’Agence Jodie Silk Slip Dress
Best Lace-Trim Dress: Raey Lace-Trimmed Silk-Satin Slip Dress
Best Short Dress: Aje Cantina Mini Bow Back Dress
Best Smocked Dress: Cecilie Bahnsen Camden Dress
Best Blazer Dress: Good American Executive Scuba Knit Blazer Dress
Best Slit Dress: House of CB Casimira Satin Corset Midi Dress
Best Long Sleeve Dress: Alice + Olivia Katherina Fringe-Trim Mini Dress
Best One-Shoulder Dress: Jonathan Simkhai Cameron Dress
Best Trapeze Dress: Taller Mamo Piccolo Ubud Dress
Best Bodycon Dress: Coperni Crossover Halter Neck Jersey Mini Dress
Best Prairie Dress: Dôen Lupine Dress
Best Plus-Size Dress: Reformation Frankie Silk Dress
Best Beach Dress: Moré Noir Natalia Off-The-Shoulder Cotton Maxi Dress
Best Maternity Dress: Bumpsuit The Angelina Dress

Related: The Best Slip Dresses for Women

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ASTR The Label Midi Dress

Best Floral Cocktail Dress

Sizes: XS-XL
Fabric: 100% Polyester
Colorways available: Navy, mauve, periwinkle, white, hunter green, buttercream, vivid violet, jade green, light orchid
Notes: runs small

Having racked up hundreds of 5-star reviews, you can be assured that this lace dress will make you feel elegant the minute you put it on. The wide range of color options and sizes means that you can find whatever iteration is best for you, especially if you’re looking for a petite summer dress. To style, consider a nude, heeled sandal and finish with a light summer sweater in case things cool off.

What reviewers say: “This dress fits perfectly and is easy to dress up or down.”

ASTR The Label Midi Dress $89 Buy Now AT AMAZON

Staud Irie Dress

Best Expert-Approved Cocktail Dress

Sizes: XS-XL
Fabric: 60% cotton/40% polyester
Notes: Removable interior sequin bandeau with hook-and-eye closures

“This Staud dress checks all the boxes for me,” says Maguire. “From the plunging neckline to the sequin bandeau, it’s the perfect LBD!” Style it with open-toe stilettos in the summer and with tights and closed-toe pumps in the fall and winter.

Staud Irie Dress $395 Buy Now at shopbop

Staud Irie Dress $395 Buy Now at amazon

Staud Irie Dress $395 Buy Now at saks fifth avenue

Rebecca Vallance Nikita Dress

Best Sequin Cocktail Dress

Sizes: 0-12
Colorways available: Red/Purple
Fabric: 95% polyester, 5% elastane

Want to make a splash the moment you walk into the room? This sequin dress from the party-ready brand Rebecca Vallance is a playful option that can work for a holiday party or a wedding. The polyester and elastane body is stretchy, meaning you can comfortably move around the room and mingle. Let the dress do the talking, and style it with simple black heels and a black satin clutch.

Rebecca Vallance Nikita Dress $565 Buy Now AT SHOPBOP

Rebecca Vallance Nikita Dress $565 Buy Now AT NET-A-PORTER

Rebecca Vallance Nikita Dress $565 Buy Now AT MYTHERESA

Rebecca Vallance Nikita Dress $565 Buy Now AT NEIMAN MARCUS

Zyyfly Ribbed Bodycon Midi Dress

Best Amazon Cocktail Dress

Sizes: S-XL
Colorways available: Black, Brown, Red, White
Fabric: Cotton

Lightweight ribbed cotton may seem a bit casual, but the right silhouette makes it a fit for an evening hour. Zyyfly’s figure-hugging style has a cheeky twist to it, thanks to the V-neck and V-back. For cocktail-attire gatherings, jazz it up with a statement necklace and an embellished bag, and for casual happening style with boots and a long faux fur coat.

What reviewers say: “I loved this dress. The material is somewhat thin but kept me at just the right temp. SUPER stretchy fit really nicely. Bought XL I am 5’10” and 230 at around 36 weeks.”

Zyyfly Ribbed Bodycon Midi Dress $29.99 Buy Now at amazon

Peter Dundas Minidress

Best Embellished Cocktail Dress

Sizes: 4-8
Fabric: viscose, acetate, silk

Consider this stylish mini dress if you’re a fan of adding some sparkle to your look. The crystal beading is perfect if you plan on spending your night under the disco ball. The fringe hem adds an additional playful touch of texture as well.

Peter Dundas Minidress $1100 Buy Now AT AMAZON

Adriana Degreas Cutout Dress

Best Halter Cocktail Dress

Sizes: S-L
Fabric: 97% Cotton, 3% Spandex
Notes: Made in Brazil

Add a pop of color to your cocktail wardrobe with this bright dress from Adriana Degreas. The cotton material and geometric cut-out at the chest will keep you cool and stylish through the night. Because of the bold halter chain, keep your jewelry simple with a pair of gold hoops.

Adriana Degreas Cutout Dress $720 Buy Now AT AMAZON

Brogger Holly Mini Dress

Sizes: XS-L
Fabric: 92% polyester/8% elastane

If you’re looking for a dress that will perfectly accompany a fun night out, then this is the option. It has an asymmetrical flounce hem, a wavy check pattern, and sleeves with pleated puff shoulders. “I love this blue and red retro checkerboard print,” says Maguire. “I would pair this with sheer black tights and my fave open-toe platform sandals for a chic evening look.”

Brogger Holly Mini Dress $695 Buy Now at shopbop

Ramy Brook Studded Lulu Mesh Maxi Dress

Best Sheer Cocktail Dress

Sizes: 00-16
Fabric: 90% polyester, 10% spandex

Ramy Brook is all about party-ready garments that help women feel beautiful and confident. Its Studded Lulu Mesh Maxi dress features a sophisticated silhouette with a breathable studded mesh outer and formfitting slip lining. It’s a fun frock and helps you hop on the sheer mesh trend in a timeless and wearable way. Accessorize with nude heels and gold chunky hoops.

Ramy Brook Studded Lulu Maxi Dress $990 Buy Now at ramy brook

Ramy Brook Studded Lulu Maxi Dress $990 Buy Now AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

L’Agence Jodie V Neck Slip Dress

Best Black Slip Cocktail Dress

Sizes: 0-12
Fabric: Silk

There’s no denying the universal appeal of a sleek black slip dress. But this season, try a new, sleeker aesthetic via the New York-based brand L’Agence. The sophisticated slim straps and midi hem are elevated details that set this dress apart. Pair with crystal-embellished heels and a designer bag for a little oomph.

L’Agence Jodie V Neck Slip Dress $495 Buy Now AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

L’Agence Jodie V Neck Slip Dress $495 Buy Now AT BERGDORF GOODMAN

L’Agence Jodie V Neck Slip Dress $495 Buy Now AT SHOPBOP

Raey Lace-Trimmed Silk Satin Slip Dress

Best Lace-Trim Cocktail Dress

Sizes: 4-16
Fabric: 100% Silk
Notes: optional waist tie

Want to take your slip dress up a notch? Try one with contrasting lace detail, like this style from Raey. The silhouette is inspired by the ‘90s, with a bias cut and waist tie. The body is made of 100% silk, so it will be soft against your skin, too. If you’re the type to prioritize comfort, this slip will surely fit the bill.

Raey Lace-Trimmed Silk Satin Slip Dress $805 Buy Now AT MATCHESFASHION

Aje Cantina Mini Bow Back Dress

Best Short Cocktail Dress

Sizes: 4-16
Fabric: 100% Cotton

Minidresses are always in, no matter the season, so you’ll want to arm yourself with at least one. This poplin-style option from Australian fashion house Aje has a pleated skirt with a ruched top, a square neck, and thin straps. The swingy skirt is fab for dancing, and the additional bow on the back adds a stylish and feminine flare you didn’t know you needed. If you love a dress you can dance in or are looking for the best cocktail dress for petites, here’s a solid option.

Aje Cantina Mini Bow Back Dress $395 Buy Now AT SHOPBOP

Cecilie Bahnsen Camden Dress

Best Smocked Cocktail Dress

Size: UK 6-13
Fabric: 95% cotton, 3% elastane, 2% polyamide

Cecilie Bahnsen is a Copenhagen-based line beloved for its voluminous dresses and tops. This season, the label is putting a twist on its designs with skin-hugging smocking through the chest and hip. This dress is a great place to start when a party on the agenda requires something a tad more formal. Try styling it with thick, gold jewelry for a glamorous finishing touch.

Cecilie Bahnsen Camden Dress 1250 $875 Buy Now at net-a-porter

Good American Executive Scuba Knit Blazer Dress

Best Blazer Cocktail Dress

Sizes: XS-3XL
Fabric: 92% polyester, 8% elastane

Leave it to Khloe Kardashian’s brand Good American to create a staple blazer dress. This black frock has a double-breasted silhouette and a double-knit stretch fabric that holds you in and smoothes you out. If you thought blazers were just for work, think again. Since it’s such a timeless number, you can either keep your accessories simple and sleek or introduce maximalist-loved pieces such as a flower choker.

Good American Executive Scuba Knit Blazer Dress $159 Buy Now AT NORDSTROM

Good American Executive Scuba Knit Blazer Dress $159 Buy Now at good american

Good American Executive Scuba Knit Blazer Dress $159 Buy Now at saks fifth avenue

House of CB Casimira Satin Corset Midi Dress

Best Slit Cocktail Dress

Sizes: Regular= XS-XL, Plus Size=XS-L
Colorways available: Black, red, white
Fabric: 100% polyester

Do you love a dress that shows a little sliver of the leg? Then this is the style for you. House of CB’s Casimira dress comes in a range of fun colors, so you can find the option that best fits your style (and the event). Since the dress also has a corset design, it’s a great option for the shopper who wants to feel snatched.

What reviewers say: “Absolute gorgeous, comfortable and beautifully made! Got numerous compliments and questions to where the dress came from! You have to try it on for breast fitting, but could not be any happier with it!!!”

House of CB Casimira Satin Corset Midi Dress $255 Buy Now at nordstrom

Sergio Hudson Multi-Seamed Mini Dress

Best Colored Cocktail Dress

Sizes: 0-12
Colorways: Magenta
Fabric: 97% Wool/3% Lycra

Sergio Hudson’s Multi-Seamed Mini Dress features everything the brand is known for — immaculate tailoring, sexy silhouettes, and distinctive use of color. It’s sleeveless with vertical multi-seamed tailoring and a square neckline. This cool but edgy piece is meant to be shown off with flirty heels and a mini bag.

Sergio Hudson Multi-Seamed Mini Dress $896 Buy Now AT AMAZON

Alice + Olivia Katherina Fringe-Trim Mini Dress

Best Cocktail Dress with Sleeves

Sizes: 0-10
Colorways available: Black, Primrose
Fabric: Polyester/elastane

For nights when long sleeves are your preferred option, give Alice + Olivia’s dress a spin. The delightful fringe is fun but doesn’t give off over-the-top vibes. Plus, the ruched bodice and round neckline are a nod to the ‘80s without the style ever feeling too nostalgic. Additionally, the stretchy fabric will keep you cool should it be a hotter day out than you expected.

Alice + Olivia Katherina Fringe-Trim Mini Dress $550 Buy Now AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

Alice + Olivia Katherina Fringe-Trim Mini Dress $550 Buy Now at farfetch

Alice + Olivia Katherina Fringe-Trim Mini Dress $550 Buy Now AT BLOOMINGDALES

Jonathan Simkhai Cameron Dress

Best One-Shoulder Cocktail Dress

Sizes: 0-10
Fabric: 89% acetate, 11% polyethylene

This one-shoulder dress is an elegant and sexy take on the little black dress. It’s made of a satin fabric that feels great against the skin and has beautifully draped details throughout. It’s great for those with a more minimalist aesthetic who want to elevate their typical uniform. For your next work event, style with sheer black tights and closed-toe sling-back pumps.

Jonathan Simkhai Cameron Dress $545 Buy Now at revolve

Jonathan Simkhai Cameron Dress $545 Buy Now AT NORDSTROM

Jonathan Simkhai Cameron Dress $545 Buy Now AT FWRD

Taller Mamo Piccolo Ubud One-Sleeve Feather-Trimmed Mini Dress

Best Trapeze Cocktail Dress

Sizes: 36-50
Colorways available: Black, Blue, Light Blue
Fabric: 78% acetate, 22% viscose, 100% Ostrich feathers

Sometimes you don’t want a dress that clings too tightly to the body. Not only will it show sweat marks, but it doesn’t allow your body any room to breathe. Taller Mamo’s swingy trapeze dress will keep you cool and comfortable. The feather trim adds a bit of movement, and the one shoulder is a touch you’ll appreciate.

Taller Mamo Piccolo Ubud One-Sleeve Feather-Trimmed Crepe Mini Dress $1830 Buy Now AT NET-A-PORTER

Coperni Crossover Halter Neck Jersey Mini Dress

Best Bodycon Cocktail Dress

Sizes: XS-L
Fabric: 80% Polyamide, 20% Elastane

Between bags and ready-to-wear, Coperni can do no wrong. This bodycon option comes in a beautiful sage green with a criss-cross neck and elegant flower details. Plus, it’s similar to the white iteration Kylie Jenner wore on the red carpet, so you know it’s worth the purchase.

Coperni Crossover Halter Neck Jersey Mini Dress $650 Buy Now AT LUISAVIAROMA

Reformation Frankie Silk Dress

Best Plus-Size Cocktail Dress

Sizes: 14-24
Colorways available: Polina, Buena, Cafe, Verdigris
Fabric: 100% Silk

Miss the sleek slip styles of the ‘90s and early ‘00s? This is your chance to test the trend out again. The Frankie Silk dress features a flowery print that proves florals can be worn in the fall and winter too. It has spaghetti straps, a center back slit, and a smocked back bodice that provides stretch and comfort.

Reformation Frankie Silk Dress $298 Buy Now at reformation

Moré Noir Natalia Off-The-Shoulder Cotton Maxi Dress

Best Beach Cocktail Dress

Sizes: XS-L
Fabric: 100% Cotton

Not all cocktail hours call for the same wardrobe. If you’re planning on heading to the beach for an all-white evening soiree, you need a dress that has a relaxed feel to it. A cloud-like number like this one from Moré Noir fits the occasion perfectly. Plus, with the off-the-shoulder sleeves and drop-waist full skirt, there are more than enough wanted details to make this dress one of your forever favorites.

<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Moré Noir</span> Natalia Off-The-Shoulder Cotton Maxi Dress $655 Buy Now at moda operandi

Bumpsuit The Angelina Dress

Sizes: XS-XL
Fabric: 97% Polyester, 3% Spandex
Special features: the material is made to stretch with the body through the stages of pregnancy

Bumpsuit makes everyday buttery soft essentials for all stages of pregnancy and beyond. Its long maternity dress has a strapless neck and off-the-shoulder sleeves, but the real standout feature is the velvety and stretchy fabric — it’s like wearing a warm hug. Even better, it’s a versatile piece you’ll feel as comfortable in hanging at a friend’s home for a dinner party as you would at a cocktail-attire soiree.

Bumpsuit The Angelina Dress $130 Buy Now AT REVOLVE

Bumpsuit The Angelina Dress $130 Buy Now AT BUMPSUIT

What to Consider When Shopping for the Best Cocktail Dress

Type of Occasion: When picking out a cocktail dress, it’s important to keep the kind of occasion top of mind. “For black tie events, I recommend pulling out all the stops and leaning into fun fabrics such as tulle and organza or try a dress with beaded embellishments. In terms of silhouette, mini to knee to midi lengths are perfectly appropriate!” says Maguire.

Time of Year: Considering the season is essential to finding the perfect cocktail attire dress for you. Breezy dresses in soft pastels and bright hues work great for summer events, while jewel tones and sequined or velour fabrics are appropriate for fall and winter events. “In the spring and summer, I like to pair my favorite cocktail dresses with denim for a more casual look, topped with open-toe sandals — a chic and easy way to wear your fave dresses year-round,” says Maguire.

Types of Cocktail Dresses

Mini Cocktail Dresses: Mini cocktail dresses have a playful length, making them the ultimate dance floor companion. No matter the season, designers iterate on the silhouette with everything from statement-colored shirt dresses to bubble hem styles. There are also more timeless designs like simple LBDs or long-sleeve sequin dresses. While mini cocktail dresses are delightful spring and summer options, they’re also practical in the fall and winter with tights, boots, and a fun jacket. Experiment with all the different shapes and cuts like ruffled or puff sleeves, babydoll, a line, or the classic wrap-around style to learn which type best suits you. Furthermore, opt for red lipstick and pared-back accessories to complete your dream ensemble.

Midi Cocktail Dresses: The midi dress is what most think of when they hear “cocktail dress” since it typically hits just below the knee and a few inches above the ankle. However, the midi dress can be dressed up or down for a myriad of occasions. It also has a love-forever appeal and feels casual and smart. The best part? Its hybrid length gives designers the perfect blank canvas for experimentation – whether in silhouette, fabric, or color form. Recently, we’ve seen everything from high-shine slip dresses to ruched bodycon iterations.

Maxi Cocktail Dresses: When the invite calls for cocktail attire, you can’t go wrong with a maxi dress. You won’t be overdressed; you’ll just look glamorous. Eveningwear maxi dresses in opulent velvets and silks will let you create your very own red-carpet moment. However, choosing the silhouette and fabric wisely is important. A lightweight maxi dress is perfectly appropriate if you want something with a lot of movement. Fabrics such as satin, velvet, crepe, and organza are generally more suited for black-tie events. Still, you can dress them down with accessories or opt for lightweight silk, cotton, and linen blends that are more fitting for a cocktail maxi dress.

Top Cocktail Dress Trends of 2023

“This season, we are seeing tons of embellishments, shocking colors, and the always classic LBD,” says Maguire. Brands such as Jonathan Simkhai, Kiki Vargas, Brogger, Aje, Retrofete, Azeeza, Zimmerman, and Saloni deliver novelty ideas with prints, color, and volume.” “Expect to see these styles continue to trend throughout the new year,” Maguire adds.

Floral Dresses: While you may consider florals for spring and summer, we’re here to change your mind. The best floral dresses are seasonless, mainly because they’re offered in all sorts of textures and fabrics, such as velvet, satin, and lace. Especially for cocktail events, floral dresses embrace the elegance of the evening.

Dress with Matching Gloves: Dresses with opera gloves have recently taken over our social media pages, proving they’re a glamorous part of holiday dressing. While they can be added to any outfit for a touch of glamour, today we’re talking about the cocktail dresses that come with matching gloves. Cult Gaia, Alex Perry, and SAU LEE are a few brands that dove headfirst into the style and created the ultimate party dresses for everything from winter soirees to weddings.

Bubble Dresses: The bubble-hem dress trend is a far cry from the aughts’ candy-colored, bubbly mini skirts that Paris Hilton was a big fan of. Designers like Ulla Johnson, Khaite, Proenza Schouler, and more have taken an elevated and wearable approach to the design, creating the voluminous pouffy skirts of our dreams. They have also gotten innovative with fabrics such as silk and tweed, delivering unexpected sophistication to an otherwise playful silhouette.

Sequin Dresses: After a hiatus, glitz and glam are back in full force — popping up at brands such as Christian Cowan, Jonathan Simkhai, Valentino, Givenchy, and of course, Rebecca Valance. Whether you have a birthday, an anniversary, or a girls’ night out on the calendar, these sequin dresses are destined for dancing. When searching for the best sequin dresses, we recommend going big and bold; however, if you’re a minimalist dresser, look for neutral-hued pieces with softer sequins.

Feather-Trimmed Dresses: Our editors can’t stop buzzing about flirty feather dresses. Brands such as Taller Mamo and 16Arlington are adding a flutter of feathers to everything from simple LBDs to voluminous trapeze styles. They’re equally formal and fun and let you make memories with equally memorable looks.

Slinky Slip Dresses: Echoing the current trend of the ‘90s revival, slip dresses are back and better than ever. Although some may believe that the slip dress is a timeless frock — and they’re not wrong — the fad we’re discussing leans toward the “underwear as outerwear trend.” While their association with lingerie may leave you hesitant to adopt the look, we assure you that they’re perfectly acceptable for cocktail settings. The slip dress’ minimalist design means it can be worn layered over long sleeves sweaters and turtlenecks in the colder months and worn over white T-shirts or simply alone in the spring and summer.

Meet the Experts

Azeeza Khan is a Chicago-based fashion designer. She founded her eponymous label, Azeeza, in 2013.

Caroline Maguire has been the Fashion Director of Shopbop and East Dane for the past 6 years. Before Shopbop and East Dane, she held Fashion Director positions at Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales. You can follow Shopbop on Instagram at @shopbop.

Meet the Author

Nikki Chwatt is the Style Commerce Editor for WWD and Footwear News, where she both writes and edits stories on the latest clothing, accessory, and shoe must-haves. As a city dweller, she’s garnered a love for dresses, especially cocktail dresses, because they can be worn for different occasions around the city. In her spare time, Chwatt keeps up with street style to understand which garments are highly coveted by the style set. Chwatt updated this cocktail dress story with new expert tips and styles to wear through the end of the year into 2023.

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