The Best Cocktail Dresses
When a party comes calling, you'll need a dress to match. Choosing the right outfit for the occasion is all part of the fun, but if you're looking for some added inspiration in your search for the ultimate cocktail dress, we've got you covered. Whether you have a taste for contemporary minimalism or retro flair, there's bound to be an option here for you. Take a look below and you'll be ready to party in no time.
What to Look For
As we searched far and wide for the finest cocktail dresses money can buy, we had three key questions in mind: Is the material flexible and comfortable? Does it come in a dazzling range of color options suitable for a range of occasions? Is it easy to pair with shoes, jewelry, and other accessories? Our favorite dress overall comes from Ecowish. This understated spaghetti-strap V-neck is a party classic, and the stretchy, breathable material is sure to keep you comfortable. If you’re looking for a new dress for an upcoming wedding, you might want to take a look at the elegant pleated design from BBX Lephsnt. Read on below to browse the rest of our top picks.
Ecowish V-Neck Spaghetti Strap Dress
If spaghetti straps don’t signal that it’s time to party, what does? This fun cocktail dress will elegantly frame your shoulders and collarbones, leaving you free to flaunt your stuff. The cute bow at the waist highlights the free-flowing elegance of this shimmery lace fabric and offers extra support at the bust despite the petite design. Whatever the occasion, this is a sexy, dependable number to have in your wardrobe.
Pros:
- This 100 percent polyester dress is flexible and comfortable for dancing, prancing, and anything in between.
- The fabric is machine-washable, saving you from extra manual labor on laundry days.
- You can choose between a dazzling range of bold colors and floral prints to find the look for you.
Cons:
- There aren’t any pockets for quick storage.
Sarin Mathews Off The Shoulder Cocktail Dress
Fun and free
If you want to free your shoulders, you don’t have to compromise on sleeves entirely. This modern short-sleeve dress from Sarin Mathews brings the best of both worlds with its subtle off-the-shoulder design. Thanks to the elegant high-low hem, this dress will flow gracefully as you take your first steps into the night.
Pros:
- Thanks to the high-quality 60% cotton fabric, this dress is incredibly soft and kind to sensitive skin.
- This dress has thicker material than most, making it comfortable to wear in the cool of the evening.
Cons:
- The front hem is relatively short, so it might not be appropriate for all occasions.
BBX Lephsnt Wrap V-Neck Dress
Nothing calls for a new dress like a wedding invitation, and this glamorous v-neck from BBX Lephsnt is sure to have you looking your finest. This 100 percent polyester dress will work wonders around your waistline thanks to the gorgeous pleated skirt tied off by a delicate belt. The above-the-knee hem means it’s effortless to pair this option with heels, too. With this dress in your wardrobe, you’re sure to be one of the sharpest dressed guests.
Pros:
- There’s a range of whites and light pastel hues to choose from for wedding occasions, with darker shades also available for eveningwear.
- The elasticated waist doubles up with the belt for a comfortable and secure fit.
- These long lantern sleeves are breathable and flexible.
Cons:
- This dress isn’t machine-washable.
BbonlineDress 1950s Retro Cocktail Dress
Time machine
Enjoy a blast from the past with this vintage-inspired design from BbonlineDress. The classic A-line silhouette is an age-old standard for party dresses, and its flattering cut makes it well suited to figures of all shapes and sizes. With a sleeveless top and free-flowing hem, it’s sure to leave you feeling airy and free as you strut your stuff.
Pros:
- This dress comes with a dazzling range of color options, including a range of kooky polka dots and printed patterns.
- The high empire waist makes it easy to add a belt to customize your look.
- With a wide range of sizes available, there’s an option for virtually everyone.
Cons:
- This fabric can wrinkle easily, so you might need to iron it before each wear.
Grace Karin Loose Chiffon Evening Dress
Feel the breeze
While tight-fitting cocktail dresses can sometimes bring out the best in your figure, sometimes you might want to prioritize comfort while still feeling good about the way you look. The light and airy chiffon fabric of this loose-fitting dress make for a fit with unparalleled freedom and flexibility. Graceful three-quarter length sleeves give this design an air of mystique while allowing you to move comfortably and enjoy the breeze. It’s an ideal choice whether you’re mingling in the sun or dancing the night away.
Pros:
- The zip-up, V-back neck makes this dress easy to put on and take off.
- The detailed sizing chart means you won’t be left to guess when selecting the perfect fit.
- We appreciate that the available sizes run up to 5XL.
Cons:
- The airy fabric and loose sleeves mean that this dress won’t do a great job of protecting you from the cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my cocktail dress machine-washable?
Cocktail dresses are made with all manner of fabrics, so there’s no hard and fast rule for washing. Be sure to read the label to check for washing advice before you throw it into the machine with your weekly laundry, as some delicate fabrics are prone to shrinking. Regardless, we recommend air drying your dress to avoid wrinkles and creases.
Where can I find out how long a dress is?
While sizing at the waist and bust is usually clearly displayed on the product listing, it’s not always immediately obvious how long a dress might be. Most of the dresses we reviewed detail their total length in a measurement chart provided. Not all of them scale the length by size, so be sure to check before you buy to avoid disappointment.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
Since 2001, our experts at TheFashionSpot have been providing millions of people with our take on the latest trends. TheFashionSpot is constantly looking for the hottest styles in clothing and accessories for people of all body types. Our team knows that beauty starts well before the closet, so we are also dedicated to finding the best products for your skin and hair.