Dresses
Apr 1, 2019

21 Flattering Cocktail Dresses to Pair With Your Margarita

by Dale Arden Chong

Whether you’ve got a wedding to attend in the coming months or have another formal occasion in the books, when something calls for “cocktail attire,” finding the right summer cocktail dress can be a task you’d rather save for someone else.

However, once you’ve learned the official dos and don’ts of the vague dress code, finding an appropriate dress is simple. After all, we know you’d rather be spending that time sipping margaritas and mojitos rather than searching for what you’re going to wear.

The main rules of cocktail dressing are to keep your dress between the mini and midi length and avoid anything that’s too revealing. Combine these two, and you’ll have a stunning look that’ll turn heads while also keeping you within the dress code.

Ready to start shopping for your next summer soirée? We rounded up our favorite cocktail dresses so you don’t have to. Check them out now.

Cassidy Dress

A.L.C. Cassidy Dress ($595)

Sweet and simple.

Available in sizes 0 to 12.

Bow-Embellished Halter Dress

AlexaChung Bow-Embellished Halter Dress ($715)

We're obsessed with this neckline.

Available in UK sizes 6 to 14.

Dailey Floral-Print Cotton Midi Dress

Brock Collection Dailey Floral-Print Cotton Midi Dress ($2990)

Leave it to Brock Collection to create the dreamiest cocktail dress.

Available in sizes 0 to 8.

Axis Singlet Dress in Black

Christopher Esber Axis Singlet Dress ($440)

This dress will never go out of style.

Available in sizes 0 to 10.

Color-Block Gathered Silk-Tulle Dress

Cushnie et Ochs Color-Block Gathered Silk-Tulle Dress ($2195)

This sherbet colored dress has us dreaming of summer weddings.

Available in sizes 0 to 10.

Japanese GoWeave Long Slip Dress

Everlane Japanese GoWeave Long Slip Dress ($88)

A petal-pink dress will be perfect for all your summer occasions.

Available in sizes 00 to 12.

Sleeveless V-Neck Popover Cocktail Dress

Jason Wu Sleeveless V-Neck Popover Cocktail Dress ($1695)

You'll get so much wear out of this dress.

Available in sizes 0 to 10.

Seersucker Solids Handkerchief Bustier Midi Dress

Jonathan Simkhai Handkerchief Bustier Midi Dress ($895)

We can't get over this dress.

Available in sizes 0 to 12.

Off the Shoulder Lace Ruffle Cocktail Dress

Marchesa Notte Off the Shoulder Lace Ruffle Cocktail Dress ($795)

You can't go wrong with a gorgeous black dress like this.

Available in sizes 0 to 12.

Soraya Satin Midi Dress

Nanushka Soraya Satin Midi Dress ($575)

Nanushka is the cool-girl brand you need to know now.

Available in sizes XS to L.

Prabal Gurung Floral Ruffle Dress ($1795)

These ruffles, though.

Available in sizes 10 to 20.

The Violette in Summer Loving Blue

Réalisation The Violette ($225)

Wear this dress to a cocktail party or to a weekend brunch.

Available in sizes XXS to XL.

re: named Polka Dot Slip Dress

Re:named Polka Dot Slip Dress ($63)

You'll be wearing this affordable option every chance you get.

Available in sizes S to L.

Contrast-Panel Pleated Dress

Self-Portrait Contrast-Panel Pleated Dress ($510)

We'll take cotton candy colors any day.

Available in UK sizes 4 to 14.

Ruffle One Shoulder Dress

Silver Bloom Ruffle One Shoulder Dress ($60)

This dress only looks expensive.

Available in sizes 2 to 12.

Sally Dress

Reformation Sally Dress ($198)

A minidress makes for a great and versatile cocktail party option.

Available in sizes XS to 3X.

Silk Slip Dress

Tibi Silk Slip Dress ($550)

Nothing like a gorgeous slip dress that'll keep your look timeless.

Available in sizes 00 to 12.

Tome Pleated One Shoulder Kaftan Dress ($1195)

This color combination is gorgeous.

Available in sizes XL to XXXL.

pleated ruffled dress

Ulla Johnson Pleated Ruffled Dress ($645)

Ulla Johnson makes some of the most romantic pieces.

Available in sizes 0 to 10.

Who What Wear Striped One Shoulder Ruffle Mini Dress ($35)

Turn heads in this one.

Available in sizes XS to 4X.

Zara Long Ribbed Dress ($36)

Dress this up with some bold accessories.

Available in sizes XS to XXL.