Ok, so you just got invited to a loved one's wedding, and you're super excited to celebrate the happy couple. The dress code says "cocktail attire"—sounds simple enough, right? Well, with so many different styles and levels of formality in cocktail dresses, chances are that you may be having a difficult time finding one that suits you best.
What do you wear to a cocktail style wedding?
There's a big spectrum for cocktail attire, but you'll want to start with a dress that's either knee or midi-length. Then, you of course want to prioritize being comfortable, according to stylist Grace Thomas. You'll also want to think about the venue the wedding will be at—a beach wedding will have a different vibe than one that's in someone's backyard or at a restaurant, for example.
Peep some of the best cocktail dresses for weddings here:
1
Best Maxi Cocktail Dress For Summer
Halter Maxi DressSTYLEWORD
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2
Most Comfortable Cocktail Dress For Summer
Off-ShoulderHigh Low Cocktail Dress Sarin Mathews
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3
Best Midi Cocktail Dress For Summer
Sleeveless One-Shoulder DressKIRUNDO
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4
Best Bodycon Cocktail Dress
Slit Hem Bodycon Tank DressVerdusa
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5
Most Elegant Cocktail Dress
Short Sleeve Embellished Sequin GownR&M Richards
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What kind of cocktail dress do you wear for each season?
What you want to shop for depends on the season in which the wedding you're going to is. For example, Thomas says that organic materials like linen and cotton are great for summer weddings, because they're super breathable and lightweight. For a fall or winter soirée, wedding stylist Lesley Brickman says you'll want to opt for thicker fabrics such as lace, velvet, silk, or satin.
Don't stress too much about the outfit, though—weddings are about having fun, after all! "Confidence is beautiful on a woman, no matter what your dress looks like," says Brickman. "Pull your look together with fun accessories, like a bold shoe, earring, or bracelet."
See below for the 23 best, most elegant cocktail dresses for every type of wedding and season:
1
Best Maxi Cocktail Dress For Summer
Halter Maxi Dress
The halter neckline on this lightweight cotton dress provides the perfect silhouette for those of you who want to prioritize comfort. Brickman recommends the halter style for its ability to pull the eye upward and draw attention to your shoulders if you want to show them off, too.
Sizes: XS-2X
Length: Maxi
2
Most Comfortable Cocktail Dress For Summer
Off-ShoulderHigh Low Cocktail Dress
The off-shoulder neckline on this cocktail dress is a little detail that makes it extra special. It's made with stretchy cotton, so it'll be a comfortable option, and the ruffled asymmetric hem adds a touch of fun.
Sizes: XS-2X
Length: Mini-Knee Length
3
Best Midi Cocktail Dress For Summer
Sleeveless One-Shoulder Dress
"A midi dress helps show off the legs and is a better option than an above-knee dress for a cocktail dress code," says Brickman. The one-shoulder sleeve and cinched waist add an elegant touch to this, too.
Sizes: XS-2X
Length: Midi
4
Best Bodycon Cocktail Dress
Slit Hem Bodycon Tank Dress
Brickman loves a good sheath dress for those of you who really want to show off your gorgeous frame. This one boasts a form-fitting bodycon fit with a side slit that'll make it a bit easier to move around on the dance floor.
Sizes: XS-XL
Length: Midi
5
Most Elegant Cocktail Dress
Short Sleeve Embellished Sequin Gown
For an ultra elegant dress you can wear year-round, go for one in classic black. This sequined one features a cinched waist, fluttering sleeves, and some intricately embroidered designs.
Sizes: 4-22 (Petite options available)
Length: Maxi
6
Most Versatile Cocktail Dress
Satin Silk Slip Backless Maxi Dress
Brickman encourages her clients to take advantage of the cutout trend. Paired with an equally-trendy slip dress, this is definitely going to be one you can wear any season—simply pair it with a cardigan for the fall or winter wedding you RSVPd to.
Sizes: XS-XL
Length: Maxi
7
Best Cocktail Dress For A Garden Wedding
Puff Sleeve Color Block Maxi Dress
For a modest garden wedding, Brickman suggests going big with your color, texture, and embellishments. "Modest does not mean boring," she says. Think flirty florals, vibrant colors, sparkly beads and sequins. This wrap dress features puffed sleeves for volume and a bold color palette that'll have heads turning.
Sizes: XS-L
Length: Maxi
8
Best A-Line Cocktail Dress
A-Line Scalloped-Hem Dress
The square neckline is super trendy right now, according to Brickman. A great way to show off a little collarbone, this dress also features a stretchy polyester fabric for all-day comfort, and the A-line shape is going to look gorgeous while you twirl around on the dance floor.
Sizes: XS-2X
Length: Knee-Length
9
Most Elegant Maternity Cocktail Dress
Maternity Mermaid Dress
For moms-to-be who want to highlight their growing belly, Thomas recommends a bodycon dress, because the snug fit will hug your body while accentuating your gorgeous curves. This one even features a fun, flirty mermaid hemline in a classic silhouette that'll work in any season and practically any dress code or venue.
Sizes: XS-XL
Length: Maxi
10
Best Cocktail Dress For A Beach Wedding
Shoulder Tie Maxi Dress
Cocktail attire for a beach wedding can feel a little confusing—do you go full boho vibes or more formal? That's why Thomas always loves a maxi-tiered dress in a fun floral print. You can't go wrong with it, and this one can easily be dressed up or down with the right shoes and jewelry, too.
Sizes: XS-3X
Length: Maxi
11
Best Cocktail Slip Dress
Satin Cowl Neck Dress
This classic slip dress has a super sexy cowl back and side slit that make it just a little bit unique—and at a super affordable price, too. Just don't forget the boob tape!
Sizes: S-XL
Length: Maxi
12
Best Cocktail Wedding Dress For Fall
Off-Shoulder Fishtail Dress
What's more classic than some ruffles and a fishtail hemline? This chic, elegant dress is super versatile and can work for nearly any type of wedding for years to come, but the thick polyester fabric and off-shoulder neckline are going to make it a perfect fit for a fall wedding.
Sizes: S-XL
Length: Midi
13
Best Summer Cocktail Dress
Linen Cotton Midi Dress
As mentioned before, Thomas is a huge fan of linen and cotton for a summer wedding. While the airy, lightweight fabrics usually come in baggy pants and flowy shirts, Anne Klein designed this uber elegant midi made with a linen-cotton blend. It's going to look amazing at that bougie beach wedding you're going to.
Sizes: XXS-3X
Length: Midi
14
Best Winter Cocktail Dress
Batwing Sweater Dress
Idk about you, but sweater dresses usually make me think of big, baggy, oversized loungewear, only to be paired with some fuzzy socks and a holiday movie. This batwing dress is definitely not that (though it's comfy enough to be). Just check the sexy v-neck and cute tie-waist. Pair with some cute booties and your winter wedding-ready.
Sizes: S-XL
Length: Knee-Length
15
Best Cocktail Dress With Pockets
Catalina Fit and Flare
Don't want to carry a purse? No problem. This gorgeous fuschia fit-and-flare dress features pockets so you can focus all your attention on the dance floor without worrying about your belongings. It even comes in 14 colors, so you have tons of options.
Sizes: XXS-2X
Length: Knee-Length
16
Best Black Cocktail Dress
The LBD
"An LBD (little black dress) is a staple everyone should have in their closet," says Thomas. "It's extremely versatile and you'll pull it out of your closet for so many occasions." She recommends getting one in a cotton fabric, like this one from Vince, so you can comfortably wear it year-round. Sure, it's a bit pricey, but it's one of those classic pieces you'll wear forever.
Sizes: XXS-3X
Length: Knee-Length
17
Best Cocktail Dress For An Outdoor Wedding
Puff Sleeve Floral Maxi Dress
Cottagecore is a style that celebrates the rustic beauty of the countryside, and according to Thomas, it's super popular right now. "A dress that speaks to this trend would be one with bold statement sleeves, is tighter in the bust, and has a looser skirt." The pink color, floral pattern, and off-shoulder sleeves make it great for an outdoor summer wedding.
18
Best Wrap Cocktail Dress
Floral Wrap Dress
Thomas loves a good wrap dress, and this one features a removable tie-waist so you can customize your look with one of your favorite belts. Pair with sandals for a casual vibe, or some pumps and jewels for a more elegant look.
Sizes: S-2X
Length: Maxi
19
Best Cotton Cutout Dress
Cold Shoulder Cutout Cotton Midi Dress
"If you're intimidated by the cutout trend, I suggest starting with a dress with micro cutouts." The super small under-boob cutout on this dress is a great way to play with the trend, while the cotton fabric and off-shoulder sleeves make it a great summer option.
Sizes: XS-L
Length: Midi
20
Best Silk Cocktail Dress For A Winter Wedding
Blouson Satin Cocktail Midi Dress
"Silk and satin are so chic and timeless that dresses made with them will never go out of style." The puff sleeves add a touch of elegance, and the crisscross back is super trendy, too.
Sizes: 0-14
Length: Midi
21
Best Fuschia Cocktail Dress
Short-Sleeve V Neck Dress
Bold fashion lovers are going crazy over the vibrant neon hues that are on-trend right now, and Thomas is loving the pinks and neons she's been seeing a lot of lately. This v-neck short sleeve dress can easily be dressed down for daily wear, too. Bonus: It has pockets!
Sizes: S-2X
Length: Knee-Length
22
Best Midi Cocktail Dress
Asymmetrical One-Shoulder Wrap Dress
This dress is filled with trends, from the asymmetrical hemline to the tie-waist and one-shoulder design. It's available in 15 colors, too.
Sizes: S-XL
Length: Midi
23
Best Floral Cocktail Dress
Vintage Floral Print Maxi Dress
A floral print makes a foolproof choice for wedding celebrations, and can easily double as a staple for casual wear outside of the parties you're attending. The halter neck shows off your shoulders, but the flowy silhouette will keep you cool and comfy.
Sizes: XS-2X
Length: Maxi
Vivian ChungVivian is a Vancouver-based freelance writer who covers a wide range of topics, ranging from travel and outdoor adventure to food, and mental health and wellness.
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