The 22 Best co*cktail Dresses to Wear Year-Round (2024)

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No matter the time of year, the most exciting part about attending a co*cktail-attire event is finding the best co*cktail 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 co*cktail dress, you may ask? First, let’s define a co*cktail dress. More casually known as party dresses, the best co*cktail 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.

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 co*cktail dress that doesn’t match with a clean, white Air Force 1,” she explains for a more casual co*cktail 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 co*cktail dresses for all budgets, occasions, and body types. Plus, these experts share their top co*cktail dress picks to make shopping seamless. Now, you only need a pretty clutch and a pair of dazzling designer shoes.

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ASTR The Label Midi Dress

Best Floral co*cktail Dress

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$89Buy Now AT AMAZON

Staud Irie Dress

Best Expert-Approved co*cktail Dress

“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$395Buy Now at shopbop

Staud Irie Dress$395Buy Now at amazon

Staud Irie Dress$395Buy Now at saks fifth avenue

Rebecca Vallance Nikita Dress

Best Sequin co*cktail Dress

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$565Buy Now AT SHOPBOP

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

Rebecca Vallance Nikita Dress$565Buy Now AT MYTHERESA

Rebecca Vallance Nikita Dress$565Buy Now AT NEIMAN MARCUS

Zyyfly Ribbed Bodycon Midi Dress

Best Amazon co*cktail Dress

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 co*cktail-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$29.99Buy Now at amazon

Peter Dundas Minidress

Best Embellished co*cktail Dress

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$1100Buy Now AT AMAZON

Adriana Degreas Cutout Dress

Best Halter co*cktail Dress

Add a pop of color to your co*cktail 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$720Buy Now AT AMAZON

Brogger Holly Mini Dress

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$695Buy Now at shopbop

Ramy Brook Studded Lulu Mesh Maxi Dress

Best Sheer co*cktail Dress

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$990Buy Now at ramy brook

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

L’Agence Jodie V Neck Slip Dress

Best Black Slip co*cktail Dress

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$495Buy Now AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

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

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

Raey Lace-Trimmed Silk Satin Slip Dress

Best Lace-Trim co*cktail Dress

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$805Buy Now AT MATCHESFASHION

Aje Cantina Mini Bow Back Dress

Best Short co*cktail Dress

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 co*cktail dress for petites, here’s a solid option.

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

Cecilie Bahnsen Camden Dress

Best Smocked co*cktail Dress

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 Dress1250$875Buy Now at net-a-porter

Good American Executive Scuba Knit Blazer Dress

Best Blazer co*cktail Dress

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$159Buy Now AT NORDSTROM

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

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

House of CB Casimira Satin Corset Midi Dress

Best Slit co*cktail Dress

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$255Buy Now at nordstrom

Sergio Hudson Multi-Seamed Mini Dress

Best Colored co*cktail Dress

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$896Buy Now AT AMAZON

Alice + Olivia Katherina Fringe-Trim Mini Dress

Best co*cktail Dress with Sleeves

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$550Buy Now AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

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

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

Jonathan Simkhai Cameron Dress

Best One-Shoulder co*cktail Dress

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$545Buy Now at revolve

Jonathan Simkhai Cameron Dress$545Buy Now AT NORDSTROM

Jonathan Simkhai Cameron Dress$545Buy Now AT FWRD

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

Best Trapeze co*cktail Dress

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$1830Buy Now AT NET-A-PORTER

Coperni Crossover Halter Neck Jersey Mini Dress

Best Bodycon co*cktail Dress

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$650Buy Now AT LUISAVIAROMA

Reformation Frankie Silk Dress$298Buy Now at reformation

Moré Noir Natalia Off-The-Shoulder Cotton Maxi Dress

Best Beach co*cktail Dress

Not all co*cktail 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$655Buy Now at moda operandi

Bumpsuit The Angelina Dress

Bumpsuit makes everyday buttery soft essentials for all stages of pregnancy and beyond. Its long maternity dresshas 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 co*cktail-attire soiree.

Bumpsuit The Angelina Dress$130Buy Now AT REVOLVE

Bumpsuit The Angelina Dress$130Buy Now AT BUMPSUIT

Meet the Experts

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

Caroline Maguirehas been the Fashion Director ofShopbopand 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 Chwattis 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 co*cktail 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 co*cktail dress story with new expert tips and styles to wear through the end of the year into 2023.