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

Sweet and simple.

Available in sizes 0 to 12.

Bow-Embellished Halter Dress

Bow-Embellished Halter Dress

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

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

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

This sherbet colored dress has us dreaming of summer weddings.

Available in sizes 0 to 10.

Japanese GoWeave Long Slip Dress

Japanese GoWeave Long Slip Dress

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

Available in sizes 00 to 12.

Sleeveless V-Neck Popover Cocktail Dress

Sleeveless V-Neck Popover Cocktail Dress

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

We can't get over this dress.

Available in sizes 0 to 12.

Off the Shoulder Lace Ruffle Cocktail Dress

Off the Shoulder Lace Ruffle Cocktail Dress

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

Available in sizes 0 to 12.

Soraya Satin Midi Dress

Soraya Satin Midi Dress

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

Available in sizes XS to L.

Floral Ruffle Dress

These ruffles, though.

Available in sizes 10 to 20.

The Violette in Summer Loving Blue

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

Available in sizes XXS to XL.

re: named Polka Dot Slip Dress

Polka Dot Slip Dress

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

Available in sizes S to L.

Contrast-Panel Pleated Dress

Contrast-Panel Pleated Dress

We'll take cotton candy colors any day.

Available in UK sizes 4 to 14.

Ruffle One Shoulder Dress

Ruffle One Shoulder Dress

This dress only looks expensive.

Available in sizes 2 to 12.

Sally Dress

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

Available in sizes XS to 3X.

Silk Slip Dress

Silk Slip Dress

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

Available in sizes 00 to 12.

Pleated One Shoulder Kaftan Dress

This color combination is gorgeous.

Available in sizes XL to XXXL.

pleated ruffled dress

Pleated Ruffled Dress

Ulla Johnson makes some of the most romantic pieces.

Available in sizes 0 to 10.

Striped One Shoulder Ruffle Mini Dress

Turn heads in this one.

Available in sizes XS to 4X.

Long Ribbed Dress

Dress this up with some bold accessories.

Available in sizes XS to XXL.