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 (hello, New Year’s Eve), 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 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.
Click to jump to a specific category:
- Best Budget Cocktail Dresses
- Best Long-Sleeve Cocktail Dresses
- Best Mini Dresses
- Best Midi Dresses
- Best Plus Size Cocktail Dresses
- Best Cocktail Dresses Worth the Splurge
Before you shop, check out some of our favorite destinations for cocktail dresses: Amazon, Abercrombie, Lulus, Petal & Pup, Windsor.
Best Budget Cocktail Dresses
PRETTYGARDEN Satin Sleeveless Mock Neck Cocktail Dress
- Size options: S-XXL
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.
Simply Vera Vera Wang Ruffle Hem Cocktail Dress
- Size options: XS-XXL
We can’t believe the Simply Vera Vera Wang Ruffle Hem Cocktail Dress is less than $40, either. This dainty option is both flattering and affordable, helping you feel your best with its tiered silhouette. Even better, it’ll elevate your little black dress collection.
Connected Cape-Overlay Ruched Velvet Dress
- Size options: US 4 to 16
Embrace your velveteen dreams with the Connected Cape-Overlay Ruched Velvet Dress. We love the dimension it brings and the flattering bodycon fit that’s available in both cranberry and black. Oh, and did we say it’s perfect for a wintertime or cold-weather wedding?
Best Long-Sleeve Cocktail Dresses
BTFBM Ruched Bodycon Long-Sleeve Cocktail Mini Dress
- Size options: S-XL
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.
Petal & Pup Blaire Long Sleeve Mini Dress
- Size options: S-XL
The Petal & Pup Blaire Long Sleeve Mini Dress is one of our favorites (just look at that open-back, statement bow detailing! With ruched, peek-a-boo sleeves and a velveteen fit, it’s your best LBD for any occasion.
Dress the Population Nadia Long Sleeve Scoop Back Midi Dress
- Size options: XXS-XXL
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.
Best Mini Dresses
bebe Square Neck Flare Dress
- Size options: XS-XL
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.
Lulus Meant to Be Together Satin One-Shoulder Mini Dress
- Size options: XS-XL
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.
For Love & Lemons Poppy Mini Dress
- Size options: XS-XL
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.
Best Midi Dresses
Lulus How Much I Care Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress
- Size options: XS-XL
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.
Abercrombie Satin High-Slit Midi Dress
- Size options: XXS-XXL
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.
Windsor Sleek and Smooth High Slit Midi Dress
- Size options: XS-L
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).
Best Plus Size Cocktail Dresses
Floerns Satin Spaghetti Strap Cowl Neck Wrap Cami Dress
- Size options: XS-XXXXXL
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
- Size options: 0X to 5X
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
- Size options: 14W to 24W
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.
Best Cocktail Dresses Worth the Splurge
The Somerset Collection by Anthropologie Mini Dress: Velvet Edition
- Size options: XXS-XL
Your next social event just got better, if and when you decide to flaunt the The Somerset Collection by Anthropologie Mini Dress: Velvet Edition. We truly can’t get over its sapphire blue and gold detailing, warm texture and versatility. Simply put, it’s beyond.
HELSI Jackie Sleeveless Striped Sequin Midi Dress
- Size options: XS-XL
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
- Size options: XS-XL
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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