If you’re facing down a slew of events this season, the best cocktail dresses are essential. Whether you’re attending holiday parties, fancy dinners, or formal weddings, we took the guesswork out of dressed-up affairs with our edit of beautiful party dresses that’ll fit all your upcoming soirées. Bold sequins, bow details, silky slips, velvet maxis—it’s all fit for celebrating with loved ones or dancing the night away at a winter wedding. Below, shop our absolute favorite styles of the moment, each ready for any special occasion.
The best cocktail dresses, at a glance
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Best cocktail minidresses
Don’t be afraid to show a little leg. Although minidresses might not be black-tie wedding- approved, they’re perfect for cocktail dress codes. From easy A-line silhouettes, to sequins and bows ideal for your holiday party circuit, these mini cocktail dresses are made for fun accessorizing. Minimalist jewelry, like dainty necklaces and understated rings, goes well with bolder short dresses; dial things up with statement earrings or puffy headbands.
Best cocktail midi-dresses
You can never go wrong with a midi cocktail dress. The traditional length feels elegant and can work for milestone events like rehearsal dinners and engagement parties. These options all hit mid-calf, offering a touch of instant sophistication that will ace party dressing every time. Choose from velvet slips with shimmery detailing, square-neck numbers with a little more structure, and draped satin silhouettes. These showstoppers don’t require much more than some heels and an evening bag to feel complete.
Best cocktail maxidresses
When dress codes fall into the vague space between cocktail and black-tie, always err on the side of caution. The best maxi cocktail dresses can be worn for semiformal and formal occasions, from dinner dates to black-tie soirées. Inject some playfulness into your evening garb with a bold red halter dress or a floor-length dress with sleeves, which is ideal for indoor-outdoor winter gatherings.
Best cocktail dresses with sleeves
When arm coverage is your first prerequisite, lean on these elegant dresses with sleeves to help you ace any upcoming evening celebrations. Fitted knit dresses with lace detailing, billowing maxis with cap sleeves, brocade minis with statement-making puff sleeves—these picks make dressing up all the easier. (Plus, they eliminate the need to borrow your date’s jacket if you step outside.)
Best plus-size cocktail dresses
We found the best cocktail dresses for plus-size women—seasonal styles designed specifically with curvy body types in mind. Whether you prefer something with extra-special detailing, like silk straps with bow details, or you’re just looking for a no-fail black dress, you can rewear these gems—all available in sizes above extra-large—time and again.
Best petite cocktail dresses
If you’re on the hunt for petite cocktail dresses, shop editor-favorite styles below, all tailored perfectly to accommodate smaller frames. Lean on short or mid-length styles that won’t look too long on a smaller frame, and keep an eye out for fitted styles that define the waistline. Sequins, shimmer, and fabrics like velvet and brocade are very much encouraged this time of year.
By Kristina Rutkowski, Elena Odulak
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