Turn Heads in the Season’s Best co*cktail Dresses (2024)

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The best co*cktaildresses check off all the boxes for a festive wardrobe investment—versatile yet striking, timeless while still of the moment. And because the best way to bask in summer’s exceptional weather is through a lively get-together, it feels timely to survey the season’s most energetic dress options for any upcomingparties,weddings, or formal gatherings you may have on the calendar.

What to shop? Unsurprisingly, floral and bright colors will be major players, with standouts from print masters like Markarian and Bernadette in the mix. Clever cutouts and sorbet-hued sequins will also dominate, as will tactile design details such as beading, crystal, and feather embellishments from need-to-know names like Rachel Gilbert, Olivia von Halle, and Wales Bonner. Also be on the lookout for optimistic color combinations crafted in body-celebrating silhouettes (cue Christopher John Rogers!). There’s a lot to take in, so get a head start and continue below for 40 of the season’s best co*cktail dresses.

The Fresh Floral

Taking cues from IRL blooms, the season’s best floral co*cktail dresses offer a kaleidoscopic burst of color. These fresh prints translate to all of summer’s best occasions, from weddings and dinner parties to a long-haul getaway somewhere by the sea.

Turn Heads in the Season’s Best co*cktail Dresses (1)

Christopher Kane floral midi dress

Turn Heads in the Season’s Best co*cktail Dresses (2)

Nackiye Juniper floral dress

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Dries Van Noten Deban floral dress

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Emilia Wickstead Melina floral midi dress

The Vacation Piece

Cement your summer travel wardrobe with a vacation-ready co*cktail dress. Look to textures such as crochet, macrame, or fringe to elevate the silhouette, or even an exquisite tie-dyed silk in evening shades of green and blue.

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Wynn Hamlyn Friday halter maxi dress

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Johanna Ortiz Cultural Roots fringed maxi dress

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Frame x Julia Sarr-Jamois midi dress

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Zimmermann Vitali fringed mini dress

The Shimmer and Shine

As a category, the co*cktail dress is innately festive. Commit to this celebratory theme and slip into one that shimmers and shines in the light (we’re especially taken with those crafted in sorbet hues to mimic the sunset’s palette).

Turn Heads in the Season’s Best co*cktail Dresses (11)

Self Portrait crystal-embellished midi dress

Turn Heads in the Season’s Best co*cktail Dresses (12)

Massimo Dutti strappy dress

The Boudoir Lace

The lasting appeal of delicate lace can’t be overstated, and this season’s boudoir-inspired co*cktail dresses from favorites like Sir. and Rodarte solidify the attraction. Often in a slip silhouette, this one’s for the elegantly seductive type.

Turn Heads in the Season’s Best co*cktail Dresses (13)

Sir. Aries lace gown

Turn Heads in the Season’s Best co*cktail Dresses (14)

Stella McCartney embroidered gown

Turn Heads in the Season’s Best co*cktail Dresses (15)

Rodarte floral maxi dress

Turn Heads in the Season’s Best co*cktail Dresses (16)

3:1 Phillip Lim denim slip dress

The Little White Dress

Introducing summer’s counterpart to the timeless LBD, the little white dress enters the co*cktail category with ease. Go for one that’s sleek and minimal (as seen at Toteme), or try an energetic piece like Olivia von Halle’s fringe-adorned slip.

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Zeynep Arcay twist-front midi dress

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A.L.C. Nora midi dress

Turn Heads in the Season’s Best co*cktail Dresses (19)

Totême strapless midi dress

Turn Heads in the Season’s Best co*cktail Dresses (20)

Olivia von Halle Zoya fringed slip dress

The Festive Texture

The co*cktail dress is a piece that’s made to move, so slip into one that makes it easy to. Beads, feathers, sequins, or crystals—whatever your preference for festive texture may be, a tactile embellishment will always set a celebratory tone.

Turn Heads in the Season’s Best co*cktail Dresses (21)

Clio Peppiatt embellished midi dress

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La DoubleJ fringed jacquard midi dress

Turn Heads in the Season’s Best co*cktail Dresses (23)

Rachel Gilbert Dallas floral-print dress

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Wales Bonner Java dress

The Clever Cut-Out

Serving a dual purpose of breathability and uniqueness, the dress cutout hits its stride for warm summer outings. There’s Beaufille’s bralette-shaped cutout for the bold at heart, or Mara Hoffman’s subtler take that's equally as appealing.

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Beaufille Baes dress

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Anna October Tulip maxi dress

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Jacquemus La Robe Bikini midi dress

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Mara Hoffman Kimiko midi dress

The Halter Mini

A little bit retro and a whole lot of fun, the halter mini is ideal for summer co*cktail parties by the pool. Lean into the nostalgia with a scarf-printed pick, or go timeless in a striking ivory option crafted in satin.

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Simkhai Jade draped mini dress

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Cult Gaia Bryn asymmetric mini dress

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Bottega Veneta beaded mini dress

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Deveaux Reed mini dress

The Silk Slip

A silky slip dress is a perennial favorite, particularly for those last-minute soirées. Throw yours on, slip into a pair of strappy sandals, and layer on (or off) jewelry to match the mood of the evening.

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JW Anderson zip slip dress

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Reformation Salamanca midi dress

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Vince halterneck maxi dress

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Norma Kamali Maria midi dress

The Romantic Shoulder

For an air of romance and whimsy, a puffed-up sleeve that reveals a flash of shoulder is always a safe bet. This silhouette reads especially chic in floral, but can also translate to a solid palette like classic black or a pale rose hue.

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Markarian Dawn vine-print midi dress

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Cara Cara Karene dress

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Mara Hoffman Leonara midi dress

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Bernadette Rupert floral-print midi dress

Turn Heads in the Season’s Best co*cktail Dresses (2024)

FAQs

What is co*cktail best dress code? ›

When an event calls for a co*cktail dress code, that means you've got permission to look a little more polished and put together. The idea is to look dressed up without going full-blown black tie. This generally translates to wearing well-fitted slacks with a crisp button-up.

How do I find the perfect co*cktail dress? ›

How to Find Your Perfect co*cktail Dress
  1. Step 1: Choose Your Budget. ...
  2. Step 2: Think About What Makes You Feel Confident. ...
  3. Step 3: Consider Material. ...
  4. Step 4: Consider Color and Pattern. ...
  5. Step 5: Start Shortlisting. ...
  6. Step 6: Select Your Accessories Carefully.

What is not acceptable for co*cktail attire? ›

Opt for dress shoes or heels instead of sneakers, and steer clear of shorts, as they're too casual. Additionally, formalwear, such as tuxedos or floor-length ball gowns, is not acceptable co*cktail attire. Blending casual and formal pieces can help ensure your outfit is co*cktail attire-appropriate.

What to wear with a co*cktail dress in winter? ›

What To Wear Over a co*cktail Dress
  • Dress Coats. While it may seem counterintuitive to wear a coat over a dress, the winter months are nothing to mess with. ...
  • Jackets. Depending on the material, a jacket can be a nice alternative to a full coat. ...
  • Shawls. ...
  • Wraps. ...
  • Shrugs.

What is the co*cktail dress code for ladies? ›

What is the dress code for co*cktail wear? co*cktail wear invites you to blend sophistication with your personal style flair. For women, this usually means dresses that hit around the knee, tailored pants with a dressy top, or standout jumpsuits. It's all about looking polished and poised.

Can a woman wear pants for co*cktail attire? ›

The co*cktail Pant

Are trousers acceptable co*cktail attire? Absolutely!

Can I wear a short dress for co*cktail attire? ›

It's called a “co*cktail dress” for a reason. Length doesn't matter: a mini can be just as appropriate as something that skims the floor. The trick is to choose fabrics and or patterns that look refined — and more elegant than a basic cotton dress you run errands in.

Can you wear flats with a co*cktail dress? ›

Wear ballet flats or a chic pair of flat sandals with your co*cktail dress. They will look sweet, chic, and most importantly — appropriate. Get yourself a nice comfortable pair and some nice cushy inserts to make them even more comfortable. Go for a pair that is satin or jeweled for a dressier look.

Can you wear a maxi dress to a co*cktail wedding? ›

For a summer wedding with a co*cktail attire dress code, opt for light and airy fabrics such as chiffon, linen, or organza. A floral maxi dress, a pastel midi or knee-length dress, as well as a jumpsuit, are all great options.

What jacket can you wear over a co*cktail dress? ›

Formal Jackets: According to Johnson, a bolero jacket in a luxe fabric can “be very chic and dressy over a co*cktail or formal dress.” Johnson also says that a “cropped blazer can be super chic over a formal dress.” A bolero in a floaty fit and fabric is appropriate for formal occasions without any danger of overheating ...

What makes a dress a co*cktail dress? ›

co*cktail dresses come in various lengths, but they're generally shorter than floor-length formal gowns. The most common length is just above or just below the knee. However, you can also find co*cktail dresses that are mid-thigh, tea-length (around the calf), or slightly longer.

Can I wear boots with a co*cktail dress? ›

co*cktail events are a great chance to elevate the look with a pair of pumps, kitten heels, dress flats, or ankle boots. For casual or summer co*cktail attire, mules, sandals, or ballerina flats are also appropriate.

What is the dress code for a co*cktail session? ›

A co*cktail dress code is a blend between casual and formal. It's a gray area, along with semi-formal attire, where your look should be elegant yet comfortable. In general, co*cktail dresses, suits, and ties are the stars of the moment. The best part about co*cktail attire dress codes is that they're flexible.

What is co*cktail wear for a man? ›

co*cktail attire is, essentially, a suit and tie. It's elegant and elevated, but not stuffy. It's not as fancy as black tie, but it's fancier than business casual.

Is co*cktail attire short or long? ›

It's called a “co*cktail dress” for a reason. Length doesn't matter: a mini can be just as appropriate as something that skims the floor. The trick is to choose fabrics and or patterns that look refined — and more elegant than a basic cotton dress you run errands in.

What is co*cktail theme attire? ›

Given that co*cktail party events took place in the hours between day and night, the time was ripe to come up with a fresh perspective on dressing. Now, we understand co*cktail dress as semi-formal attire that bridges the gap between casual daywear and the formalities of black tie and even the rarer white tie.

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