Best cocktail dresses for weddings, parties and more

Shopping for cocktail dresses may be one of our favorite pastimes. Paired with a fire lipstick, 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.

Amid doing some shopping of our own for upcoming weddings, baptisms, graduation parties and vacations, we cherry-picked some of the best brands and designers to pull cocktail dresses from — from petite to plus size.

Below, find all the top brands and hidden gems to browse the best cocktail dress for 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 bomb photos.

Click here to jump to our favorite brands and designers for cocktail dresses:

The best for a variety of options that’ll ship quickly (thanks, Prime!)

Aside from being one of our top retailers for spur-of-the-moment beauty and home snags, Amazon has an unbeatable (and affordable) selection of cocktail dresses, most of which will ship to your home in two days (we love you, Prime).

Whichever way your style leans, you can take full advantage of what Amazon has to offer, from best-selling swing dresses — like BelongSci’s Shift Dress ($26) — to sexy side-slit styles — like UonBox’s One-Shoulder Dress ($53). For any occasion, it’s worth a shot.

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The best for fairly priced cocktail dresses in an array of colors and cute prints

Lulus has some of the most versatile styles for any occasion. Notably, the How Much I Care Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress ($62) has a flattering fit that makes a beautiful wedding guest dress, dainty pearl straps that will turn heads and is all-around elegant.

Plus, we adore this incredibly flattering Got The Love Satin Square-Neck Mini Dress ($64) for elevated date nights.

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The best for on-trend cocktail dresses that are chic and minimal

Petal & Pup has the dreamiest Instagram-featured styles that’ll sway you to add all of them to your cart. Specifically, the brand has the best petite cocktail dresses, though its size range caters to all body types.

For dresses that are modest for family occasions yet subtly sexy, the Cyprus Dress ($69) and the Mickenna Sweetheart Frill Midi Dress ($89) have a beautiful feel and equally gorgeous fit.

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The best for designer cocktail dresses that are one-of-a-kind

As soon as you hit the Revolve website, you know you’re in for a designer showcase of dress options. From Michael Costello to Superdown, you know whichever dress you choose is going to be the next unique cocktail dress in your wardrobe.

We’re obsessed with Michael Costello’s Jake Gown ($198), which has an as-seen-on-Miss America vibe and will elevate your look for your next wedding or special event.

Though most of Revolve’s pieces are pricier than other retailers, it’s a splurge that’ll stay in your closet for years to come (and more future RSVPs, too).

What’s more, if you’re seeking a new dress to feel your best, Majorelle’s best-selling Daze Maizie Midi Dress ($153) are personal favorites that flaunt your curves, fit well and are super flattering.

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The best for a wide range of designers that won’t break the bank

Ah, Nordstrom. The reliable department store we always come back to, especially for occasion dresses. Though Nordstrom offers designer options, they aren’t as expensive as other retailers and are noticeably more timeless for all types of wear.

Not to mention, Nordstrom offers designers like Mac Duggal, Adrianna Papell, Eliza J and more.

For a go-to option, we love Dress the Population’s Nicole Sweetheart Neck Cocktail Dress ($65) that comes in an array of photo-ready colors and has a classy bodice.

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The best fashion-forward cocktail dresses that are 🔥

Oh, if you’re on the hunt for the best cocktail dress, you should not sleep on Nookie. Its styles are too luxe to handle and will absolutely garner compliments at your next function.

The Melody Mini ($259) is one of our favorites, with gorgeous, shapely ruching and elegant sleeves. Plus, it comes in black, green and white — available for pre-order to ship between December 15 to 30.

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The best fancy cocktail dresses with a little somethin’ something

OK, we’re not going to lie — Sherri Hill cocktail dresses are a splurge. But, if you have a fancier occasion (perhaps a sibling’s wedding or a banquet party), Sherri Hill has the most stunning styles that you’ll be glad you picked up.

Its Lace Pattern Fitted Cocktail Dress ($480) is jaw-dropping, as it comes in a well-detailed mint and nude bodycon. Among other styles, Sherri Hill isn’t just for the prom (although two of my S.H. prom dresses fit like a glove).

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The best fancy cocktail dresses on a budget

No, Windsor doesn’t just have dresses for the prom. The storefront has incredible cocktail dresses with ruched designs, classic bodycons and even floor-length gowns that look like they cost the big bucks, but they’re relatively affordable.

Adoringly, we recommend the Casey Strapless Formal Midi Dress ($57) if you have a wedding coming up (seriously, it’s that good) and the Kaylee Halter Satin Formal Dress ($70) if you’re looking for new formalwear.

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The best variety of cocktail dresses that are also super affordable

What’s great all year round? Formal dresses, of course! Aside from its full suite of unique dresses, SHEIN is stellar for its impressively flattering and quality styles (trust us, we’ve tried them on).

Specifically, we adore the ADYCE One-Shoulder Fishtail Bodycon Dress ($41) that we can’t believe isn’t designer (and, we’ve never met a more spectacular baby blue). We also recommend the Floral Print Puff-Sleeve Organza Dress ($28) as one of our favorites for plus sizes.

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