If you’re facing a slew of events this season, the best cocktail dresses are essentials for dressed-up affairs. Whether you’re traveling to a destination wedding, have an evening work dinner on the horizon, or plan to attend a semi-formal party, we took the guesswork out of finding beautiful party dresses that fit all the upcoming soirées on your calendar. Find editor-approved options, all within our eveningwear edit, ranging from floral minidresses, ideal for outdoor parties, silky slip dresses, which can be worn to that next charity event, or ruffled maxidresses, fit for dancing the night away at a summer wedding. Below, shop our favorite styles, fit for every special occasion.
Glamour’s cocktail dresses wish list
The best mini cocktail dresses
Don’t be afraid to show a little leg. Although minidresses might not be black tie-approved, they are perfect for dress codes calling for cocktail attire. From easy, A-line silhouettes with an off-the-shoulder neckline to floral prints with plenty of romantic accents and slinky slip shapes that hug the figure just so, these mini cocktail dresses are simple, sweet, and oh-so easy to accessorize. Minimalist jewelry like dainty necklaces goes well with shorter dresses or go bold with statement earrings. Plus, we found some Amazon dresses under $50 that will fit your budget like the pearl beaded option (LBD anyone?).
The best midi cocktail dresses
You can never go wrong with a midi cocktail dress. The length feels very elegant and can work for event like a rehearsal dinner or an engagement party. These options all hit mid-calf, offering a touch of instant sophistication that will ace party dressing every time. Choose from cowl-neck slips with a floral print or a square-neck frock with a little more structure, or even a draped silhouette, which feels fitting when searching for the perfect wedding guest dress option.
The best maxi cocktail dresses
When dress codes are semi-vague, always err on the side of caution, with the best maxi cocktail dresses that can be worn for both semi-formal and formal occasions, such as black-tie soirées. Inject some playfulness into your evening garb with a bold red slinky halter dress that is floor length or a drop-hem design, which feels very on-trend currently.
The best cocktail dresses with sleeves
When arm coverage is your first prerequisite, lean on these cocktail dresses with sleeves to help you get ready for any upcoming evening events. Find a variety of silhouettes, including fitted bustier dresses with flutter sleeves, billowing maxis with long sleeves, and ruffled midis with statement-making puff sleeves, making dressing up all the easier, depending on the event’s mood.
The best plus-size cocktail dresses
We found the best cocktail dresses for plus-size women—flattering, comfortable, and designed with curvy body types in mind. Whether you prefer something with extra-special detailing, like a flutter-sleeve midi-dress, a ruched satin option, or a no-fail black dress, you can rewear these time and again. Outfit planning for parties is easy with these dresses, all available in sizes above extra-large and including summer dresses from Amazon.
The best petite cocktail dresses
If you’re on the hunt for petite cocktail dresses, find our editor favorites below, all tailored perfectly to accommodate smaller frames. Lean on styles that elongate the figure, like V-necks, which create the illusion of height, or fitted styles that define the waistline. Although simple and sleek silhouettes are always encouraged, prints can still be worn when the garment has been cut specifically for petites.
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