Shopping for cocktail dresses may be one of our favorite pastimes. Paired with a sultry red lipstick (or nude!), 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.
While doing some shopping for parties, 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.
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Below, find the top styles to browse from — a curated 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.
I’ve attended quite a few weddings in recent months and I never fail to stop at Windsor for all of my dressing needs. That’s why I recommend the Pure Perfection Satin Wrap Dress that’s so elegant and flattering, it’s unbelievable it’s less than $50. The satin-like material always gives me compliments and I love pairing it with a pair of nude heels.
Among all Amazon private fashion labels, PRETTYGARDEN is one of our favorites. It’s Mock Neck Cocktail Dress is truly a sight to be seen, much ado to its riveting, draped detailing at the top and elegant, to-the-body silhouette at the bottom. From head to toe — literally — it’s a wonderful cocktail dress to pick up for your next event.
The Michael Costello x REVOLVE India Midi Dress has caught our attention from the minute we’ve seen it — and never left. With a modest fit and elegant ruching throughout, it’s a splurge worth making.
When it comes to shopping for plus size fashion, Amazon does it right. The Pinup Fashion Lace Chiffon Midi Dress is a fairly priced yet wonderfully elegant option that comes in a buffet of colors to choose from and will keep you comfortable the entire evening. More than 6,000 Amazon shoppers love it, too.
We can’t stop glossing over the Petal & Pup Beckett Lace Midi Dress. Not only is it embossed with feminine, lacy flair but the blush pink is a perfect color for any occasion. Not to mention, it photographs well, and we love its off-the-shoulder charm.
Shopping for maternity clothing can be a difficult feat, but that’s why we love the LAHILO Floral Mesh Bishop Maternity Bodycon Dress, hailing directly from Amazon. Available in a roster of lovely shades to choose from, it’s both chic and comfortable for your bump.
Simply put, the Lulus Unstoppable Stunner Ruffled Mini Dress is quite unstoppable. Fairly priced at less than $75, this bold color and elegant shoulder detailing is enough to turn heads for your next wedding or vacation. Not to mention, we love Lulus, especially for its true-to-size fit.
For a classic midi, you can’t go wrong with the Dress the Population Nicole Floral Cocktail Sheath Dress. It’s a spin off the classic little black dress, wonderfully etched with blue florals throughout. Yes, it’s giving this year’s Met Gala.
Speaking of florals, the Lulus Watch Me Grow High-Low Dress is another style we can’t stop clicking on. It’s perfect for warmer months — whether you’re off to a bridal shower or weekend dinner — and its comfortable material and styling power is quite unmatched.
Abercrombie, we love you, and we also love your Taffeta Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress. With a stunning fuschia color and ballooned-out puff sleeves, it’s a cocktail dress that edges on the more formal side, but will keep you feeling your best all day long.
More cocktail dresses we love
PRETTYGARDEN Satin Sleeveless Mock Neck Cocktail Dress
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.
BTFBM Ruched Bodycon Long-Sleeve Cocktail Mini Dress
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 flowy sleeves. Yes, please.
Dress the Population Nadia Long Sleeve Scoop Back Midi Dress
Ideal for any age, the Dress the Population Nadia Long Sleeve Scoop Back Midi Dress 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.
For Love & Lemons Poppy Mini Dress
Turn heads with the For Love & Lemons Poppy Mini Dress. As one of our favorites from Revolve, this cutesy, flattering and sexy option has a feminine flair we can’t get enough of. With your most chic clutch and block heels, you’re golden.
Lulus How Much I Care Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress
We love off-the-shoulder midi dresses (there’s just something about them that adds an extra elevated feel)l. The Lulus How Much I Care Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress is one we anticipate selling out quickly, much ado to its classic, versatile silhoeutte to serve you well during your next formal event.
Windsor Sleek and Smooth High Slit Midi Dress
Windsor is one of our top recommendations for anything formal (spoiler alert: we have worn the brand to countless weddings!) If you’re looking for that perfect midi dress to style for your next calendar function, pick up the Sleek and Smooth High Slit Midi Dress — one of the most alluring options to pick from (and one we anticipate gathering lots of, ‘where’d you get that?‘ questions).
Floerns Satin Spaghetti Strap Cowl Neck Wrap Cami Dress
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.
Kiyonna Mademoiselle Lace Cocktail Dress
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 High Neck Embellished Flutter Half-Length Sleeve Cocktail Dress
Mac Duggal has been a coveted destination for prom dresses and the like, so it’s only fitting we include its High Neck Embellished Flutter Half-Length Sleeve 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.
HELSI Jackie Sleeveless Striped Sequin Midi Dress
We’re going to be blunt: we want this dress. How stunning and unique, with all of its metallic glory we want to twirl in all evening long. With flattering spaghetti straps and your finest black heels, you’ll be the woman of the hour.
Mac Duggal Sleeveless V-Neck Pleated Midi Dress
Simple yet statement-driven, the Mac Duggal Sleeveless V-Neck Pleated Midi Dress has an extraordinary, grandiose feel (think: “The Great Gatsby,” with a modern twist. With a stunning color and subtle A-line flow, it’s gorgeous with all the frills.
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