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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.
Christopher Kane floral midi dress
Nackiye Juniper floral dress
Dries Van Noten Deban floral dress
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.
Wynn Hamlyn Friday halter maxi dress
Johanna Ortiz Cultural Roots fringed maxi dress
Frame x Julia Sarr-Jamois midi dress
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).
Christopher John Rogers pailette-embellished midi dress
Jason Wu sequined midi dress
Self Portrait crystal-embellished midi dress
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.
Sir. Aries lace gown
Stella McCartney embroidered gown
Rodarte floral maxi dress
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.
Zeynep Arcay twist-front midi dress
A.L.C. Nora midi dress
Totême strapless midi dress
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.
Clio Peppiatt embellished midi dress
La DoubleJ fringed jacquard midi dress
Rachel Gilbert Dallas floral-print dress
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.
Beaufille Baes dress
Anna October Tulip maxi dress
Jacquemus La Robe Bikini midi dress
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.
Simkhai Jade draped mini dress
Cult Gaia Bryn asymmetric mini dress
Bottega Veneta beaded mini dress
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.
JW Anderson zip slip dress
Reformation Salamanca midi dress
Vince halterneck maxi dress
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.
Markarian Dawn vine-print midi dress
Cara Cara Karene dress
Mara Hoffman Leonara midi dress
Bernadette Rupert floral-print midi dress