What is a cocktail dress?

Cocktail attire is a delicate balance between formal and casual, as well as elegant and comfortable. For ladies, that typically equates to a midi, knee-length, or mini-length dress and heels.

What is an appropriate dress length for a cocktail dress?

Knee length is great, though it can vary. As a general rule, try to avoid wearing anything that's too short, tight, or low-cut. While cocktail attire offers more freedom to play with colors, prints, materials, and length, it's still nice to find something classy and elegant for a formal wedding . You can even wear a maxi, but in this case, it’s best to opt for a more casual fabric.

Can I wear a cocktail dress to a black-tie wedding?

A black-tie dress code tends to be more formal than cocktail attire, and therefore typically requires floor-length gowns .

What's the best color for a cocktail dress?

While you can never go wrong with basic black, we also like deep, rich shades of navy or magenta for a cocktail dress. Depending on what season the wedding takes place in, a pastel shade can also be nice.

The 17 Best Cocktail Dresses for Wedding Guests of 2024

People wearing cocktail dresses on a white background — Brides / Amelia Manley

If cocktail attire is the requested dress code for an upcoming wedding, that leaves a lot of room for interpretation as a wedding guest. Cocktail attire falls between formal and casual and often translates to midi and knee-length dresses. Yet, depending on the venue, season, and even time of day of the wedding, you can get by with different lengths and fabrics.

To help you find an outfit you love and feel confident showing up in, we researched the best cocktail dresses available online. We ensured our list covers all wedding destinations, seasons, and themes. We also looked for wide size ranges, fabrics, silhouettes, and sleeve styles. Most importantly, we looked for versatile designs you can—and will want to—wear again.

Our Top Picks

Best Budget:

Lulus Off-the-Shoulder Maxi Dress at Lulus $45

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Best Wrap Dress:

Zimmermann Silk Wrap Mini Dress at Revolve $625

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Best Bodycon:

Norma Kamali Diana Gown at Revolve $215

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Best Floral:

Reformation Kourtney Dress at Reformation $278

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Best Pastel:

Camila Coelho Aaliyah Midi Dress at Revolve $180

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Best Two-Tone:

Hutch Bow Tie Dress at Anthropologie $218

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Best for Petites:

Bronx & Banco Megan Mini Dress at Revolve $396

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Most Comfortable:

Staud Dolce Dress at Staud.clothing $275

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Best Jumpsuit:

Lulus Strapless Jumpsuit at Lulus $59

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Best Slip:

BHLDN Cali Satin Midi Dress at Anthropologie $90

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Best Budget

Lulus Off-the-Shoulder Maxi Dress

Lulus Floral Print Off-the-Shoulder Maxi Dress

PHOTO: Amazon

$45 at Lulus

This floor-sweeping dress in a rich berry hue, complete with a tiered hemline and frilled detailing along the neckline and sleeves, is striking for an early fall evening wedding. Tonal accessories in red and tan will help maintain an autumnal feel.

Size range: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester | Colors: Black floral, blue floral | Length: Ankle | Sleeve style: Off-the-shoulder

Best Wrap Dress

Zimmermann Silk Wrap Mini Dress

PHOTO: Revolve

$625 at Revolve

For a late spring or early fall wedding, we love this copper-colored mini dress with a flouncy hemline. The color of the dress is practically made for transition seasons, and you’re guaranteed to make an impression in this on the dance floor. The shorter length and draping details make it a perfect cocktail dress. It's also available in five other colors.

Size range: XS-L | Materials: Silk | Colors: 6 | Length: Mini | Sleeve style: Long

Best Bodycon

Norma Kamali Diana Gown

PHOTO: Amazon

$215 at Revolve $215 at Bloomingdales $215 at Zappos

Despite being form-fitting, this dress is not too revealing thanks to expertly placed ruching. It is also designed to hit below the knee, making it an appropriate length for all kinds of ceremonies. Coming in a range of colors, there's a shade for all weddings year-round.

Size range: XXS-XL | Materials: Polyester, spandex | Colors: 8 | Length: Tea | Sleeve style: One-shoulder

Best Floral

Reformation Kourtney Dress

PHOTO: Reformation

$278 at Reformation

We love the romantic feel of this floral print. The thin straps and leg-baring slit make this dress feel sweet yet bold for any wedding guest. Plus, its cornflower blue hue is equally appropriate for spring, summer, and fall weddings.

Size range: 0-12 | Materials: Viscose | Colors: 7 | Length: Tea | Sleeve style: Spaghetti strap

Best Pastel

Camila Coelho Aaliyah Midi Dress

$180 at Revolve

For the daring minimalist, this sleek and sexy dress is a lovely choice for an evening summer wedding. Style the skin-baring design and pastel hue with strappy metallic sandals and minimal jewels to make it an especially great look for a destination or beach wedding. The vibrant hues pop and flatter many different skin tones.

Size range: XXS-XL | Materials: Polyester, elastane | Colors: Periwinkle blue, yellow | Length: Midi | Sleeve style: Spaghetti strap

Best Two-Tone

Hutch Bow Tie Dress

PHOTO: Anthropologie

$218 at Anthropologie View on Renttherunway.com

For the fashion-forward wedding guest, this two-tone dress is gorgeous for a city wedding. With unique design details, we suggest clean and simple accessories so the dress can remain the focal point. Although it's tea length, the cotton and spandex blend makes it casual enough for a daytime or evening ceremony.

Size range: 00-26, petite | Materials: Cotton, spandex | Colors: Blue, rust | Length: Tea | Sleeve style: Strapless

Best for Petites

Bronx & Banco Megan Mini Dress

PHOTO: Revolve

$396 at Revolve

The perfect dress for a spring, this ultrafeminine mini style is complete with a pretty floral print, flounced hemline, and tunic silhouette. It's an excellent option for petite sizes, thanks to its plunging neckline and short hemline, which creates the illusion of longer legs. Overall, you can't go wrong with such a whimsical style that hits above the knee for any cocktail event.

Size range: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester | Colors: Rose | Length: Mini | Sleeve style: Long

Most Comfortable

Staud Dolce Dress

PHOTO: Staud

$275 at Staud.clothing $72 at Matchesfashion.com

If comfort is key, look no further than this black and white cutout dress. We love it for an afternoon wedding in the summer as it's casual enough for a daytime affair and has cutouts to help keep you cool. It looks beautiful on any body type, making it a universal winner. Accessorize with bright colors such as neons or pastels for added oomph.

Size range: XS-XL | Materials: Viscose, nylon | Colors: Black, navy, coral | Length: Ankle | Sleeve style: Sleeveless

Best Jumpsuit

Lulus Strapless Jumpsuit

PHOTO: Lulus

$59 at Lulus

For those that really want to get down on the dance floor, a stylish jumpsuit is ideal. Though this style is quite simple, it's the fluttering bodice and plunging neckline that elevate it enough for a wedding. A high fitted waist and wide legs also elongate your silhouette. From classic black to bold magenta, Lulus has all the shades to suit your mood.

Size range: XXS-XL | Materials: Polyester, spandex | Colors: 7 | Length: Floor | Sleeve style: Strapless

Best Slip

BHLDN Cali Satin Midi Dress

BHLDN Cali Satin Cowl-Neck Midi Slip Dress

PHOTO: Anthropologie

$90 at Anthropologie

You can't go wrong with a slip dress, especially when it comes in 14 colors to suit different seasons and locations. Not to mention, the dreamy satin fabric and body-skimming fit are ultra-flattering. Dress up this minimalist slip with a fun pair of wedding guest shoes or a statement clutch.

Size range: 00-26 | Materials: Polyester | Colors: 14 | Length: Tea | Sleeve style: Spaghetti strap

Best All-Over Sparkle

Retrofête Sequin Mini Dress

PHOTO: REVOLVE

$675 at Revolve View on Fwrd.com

This dress is how you do sequins when the dress code calls for cocktail attire. We recommend this look for an evening wedding with minimal accessories (but don't forget the boob tape). We love how the blouson sleeves and tie waist balance the shorter hem.

Size range: XXS-XXL | Materials: Viscose | Colors: 4 | Length: Mini | Sleeve style: Long

Best Little Black Dress

LPA Aurora Dress

PHOTO: Revolve

$56 at Revolve $72 at Revolve

Take your classic little black dress to the next level with this head-turning feathered number. We recommend this look for an evening wedding with minimal accessories to let the dress do all the talking!

Size range: XXS-XL | Materials: Polyester, elastane | Colors: Black | Length: Midi | Sleeve style: Strapless

Best Maternity

Show Me Your Mumu Smocked Dress

$228 at Showmeyourmumu.com

With a stretchy smocked bodice, this dress is perfect for those expecting. The adjustable straps offer a better fit for all chest sizes. Even those who aren't pregnant can't resist this vibrant floral design.

Size range: XS-XXL | Materials: Polyester | Colors: Pink floral | Length: Tea | Sleeve style: Spaghetti strap

Best Mature

Adrianna Papell Short Sleeve Beaded Cocktail Dress with Popover

PHOTO: Adrianna Papell

$199 at Nordstrom $199 at Adriannapapell.com View on Dillards.com

This dress has plenty of glitz but in a modest cut. The hem hits just above the knee, and the lovely blouson-style overlay on the top keeps you covered and comfortable. Keep in mind the sizing runs a bit small, so order up if you're between sizes.

Size range: 0-20 | Materials: Unlisted | Colors: Midnight | Length: Midi | Sleeve style: Short

Best for a Destination Wedding

Favorite Daughter The One That Got Away Floral Dress

Favorite Daughter The One That Got Away Floral Slipdress

PHOTO: Nordstrom

$268 at Revolve $268 at Nordstrom

If you’re heading to a summer or destination wedding, this vibrant floral maxi from Favorite Daughter is the dress to pack. The yellow dress has a fitted bodice, spaghetti straps, and smocking in the back with an all-over floral print. It has a scoop neckline with an adjustable tie in the front and a hidden back zipper. This flattering and lightweight dress is ideal for casual, warm-weather gatherings.

Size range: 0-14 | Materials: Viscose, ecovero | Colors: Pink floral | Length: Maxi | Sleeve style: Sleeveless

Best Strapless

Amanda Uprichard Ivy Dress

PHOTO: Revolve

$188 at Amazon $268 at Revolve

This strapless jacquard Amanda Uprichard dress has a classic look that is ideal for any gathering. Paired with your favorite strapless bra, this dress is fully lined with a hidden zipper closure and features smocked elastic panels with a boned bodice and a dramatic thigh-high slit. The yellow and white midi dress hits at the mid-thigh and has an elegant square back.

Size range: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester blend | Colors: Yellow | Length: Midi | Sleeve style: Strapless

Best Halter

Alexis Saab Pleated Satin Backless Halter Dress

PHOTO: Neiman Marcus

$650 at Revolve $487 at Neiman Marcus

This stunning asymmetrical halter dress from Alexis has an open back and an A-line silhouette. The light yellow dress features a scoop neckline, cutaway shoulders, and ties behind the neck. Fully lined, the dress flows effortlessly with a smooth satin bodice and a pleated skirt. Style it with a colorful clutch and silver sandals.

Size range: XS-XL | Materials: Viscose, polyester | Colors: Light yellow | Length: Full, asymmetrical | Sleeve style: Sleeveless

What to Look for in Cocktail Attire

Season: Cocktail attire is usually worn to semi-formal and formal weddings, so you’ll want to consider a few things. First, what season is the wedding? If it’s in the spring or summer, bright colors, playful prints, and pastel shades are idyllic. Cotton fabric will keep you cool during a summer wedding. For the fall and winter, you can gravitate towards heavier fabrics and jewel tones.
Venue: Next, consider what type of venue it is. For an outdoor wedding, you can easily get away with light, floaty fabrics such as cotton, eyelet lace, jersey, or chiffon. If the wedding is in a banquet hall or a historic building, elegant fabrics like satin, velvet, and taffeta are perfectly polished. A classic slip dress is also ideal for these indoor weddings. Beading and sequins in a shorter length can also work well for a classy cocktail look.
Time of Day: Lastly, think about the time of day the ceremony will be held. In the morning or early afternoon, a slightly more casual dress is entirely appropriate. For an evening ceremony, you can step up your little black dress with feathered accents or beading.

FAQ

What is a cocktail dress?

Cocktail attire is a delicate balance between formal and casual, as well as elegant and comfortable. For ladies, that typically equates to a midi, knee-length, or mini-length dress and heels.
What is an appropriate dress length for a cocktail dress?

Knee length is great, though it can vary. As a general rule, try to avoid wearing anything that's too short, tight, or low-cut. While cocktail attire offers more freedom to play with colors, prints, materials, and length, it's still nice to find something classy and elegant for a formal wedding. You can even wear a maxi, but in this case, it’s best to opt for a more casual fabric.
Can I wear a cocktail dress to a black-tie wedding?

A black-tie dress code tends to be more formal than cocktail attire, and therefore typically requires floor-length gowns.
What's the best color for a cocktail dress?

While you can never go wrong with basic black, we also like deep, rich shades of navy or magenta for a cocktail dress. Depending on what season the wedding takes place in, a pastel shade can also be nice.

Why Trust Brides

Contributing writer Laura Lajiness covers fashion, accessories, and fine jewelry. Her work can be seen across various outlets, including ELLE, InStyle, Glamour, Refinery 29, The Zoe Report, Popsugar, Well+Good, and Barneys New York, among other titles and brands. She was the senior fashion editor at The Zoe Report and Popsugar with additional experience as a copywriter and fashion publicist.