What is a cocktail dress?

A cocktail dress is a semi-formal dress typically falling between the knee and mid-calf. It sits between casual and black-tie on the formality scale and is worn to events like weddings, work functions, birthday celebrations, holiday parties, and evening dinners. The style allows room for personal expression within a polished framework.

What color cocktail dress is most versatile?

Black is the most universally wearable cocktail dress color and pairs with any shoe or accessory. Navy, emerald, and burgundy are strong alternatives that bring color while staying event-appropriate. For weddings, soft pastels and jewel tones are popular choices that complement most settings.

What is the difference between a cocktail dress and a party dress?

A cocktail dress tends to be slightly more polished and refined, with structured fabrics and a hemline at or below the knee. A party dress is often shorter, bolder, and less bound by dress code expectations. Both have a place in your wardrobe, but when an invitation specifies "cocktail attire," lean toward the more tailored option.

Where can I buy cocktail dresses in the US?

Showpo's cocktail dress collection covers every silhouette, color, and occasion in sizes 0 to 16. The Size Guide helps you find your perfect fit, the Returns Policy makes exchanges easy, and fast US shipping (including next-day delivery) means your dress arrives when you need it. Visit the Showpo Blog for more occasion dressing and styling guides.

Women’s Cocktail Dresses | Party, Holiday & Event Styles

Aletta Maxi Dress

Cowl Cross Back Dress in Burn Out Floral

$

126.00

$~~139.95~~

You save 10%

Riley Maxi Dress

Gathered Over Bust Dress in Black

$

54.00

$~~109.95~~

You save 51%

Vivette Maxi Dress

Lace Plunge Keyhole Front Bodycon Dress in Ivory

$

54.00

$~~109.95~~

You save 51%

Clabelle Midi Dress

One Shoulder Ruffle Tulip Hem Dress in Violette Blur Floral

$

54.00

$~~109.95~~

You save 51%

Lila Maxi Dress

Cowl Neck Asymmetric Frill Skirt Dress in Toile De Joie Print

$

68.00

$~~139.95~~

You save 51%

Judai Mini Dress

Lace Off Shoulder A Line Dress in Lemon

$

54.00

$~~109.95~~

You save 51%

Brailey Mini Dress

Strapless Dress in Pink Jacquard

$

99.00

$~~109.95~~

You save 10%

Braelyn Maxi Dress

Ruffle Low Back Dress in Blue

$

68.00

$~~139.95~~

You save 51%

Trish Maxi Dress

Off Shoulder Hardware Trim Bodycon Dress in Black

$

105.00

$~~139.95~~

You save 25%

Alexia Midi Dress

One Shoulder Bust Slip Dress in Fuschia

$

54.00

$~~109.95~~

You save 51%

Runaway The Label - Jordi Mini Dress

Int

$

53.00

$~~109.95~~

You save 52%

Dannika Maxi Dress

Blue Pleated Dress in Blue

$

84.00

$~~119.95~~

You save 30%

Edelyn Midi Dress

Cut Out Balloon Sleeve Tiered Dress in Emerald

$

63.00

$~~129.95~~

You save 52%

Aidia Midi Dress

Off Shoulder Draped Corset Dress in Lemon

$

73.00

$~~129.95~~

You save 44%

Sierra Midi Dress

Sequin Square Neck Bodycon Dress in Green

$

73.00

$~~129.95~~

You save 44%

Andrina Midi Dress

High Low Wrap Corset Dress in Forest Green

$

53.00

$~~119.95~~

You save 56%

Emilee Midi Dress

Side Cut Out Long Sleeve Plunge Dress in Pink Floral

$

63.00

$~~129.95~~

You save 52%

Angie Maxi Dress

Strapless Bias Column Dress with Scarf in Electric Bloom Lemon

$

90.00

$~~159.95~~

You save 44%

Tamara Maxi Dress

Plunge Neck Ruched Open Back Dress in Lemon

$

54.00

$~~119.95~~

You save 55%

Felt So Happy Midi Dress

One Shoulder Drape Dress in Navy

$

63.00

$~~129.95~~

You save 52%

Judee Midi Dress

One Shoulder High Side Split Dress in Pink

$

117.00

$~~129.95~~

You save 10%

Denise Maxi Dress

Halter U Ruched Neck Cut Out Jersey Dress in Chocolate

$

36.00

$~~119.95~~

You save 70%

Brailey Mini Dress

Sweetheart Bustier Dress in Pink Jacquard

$

108.00

$~~119.95~~

You save 10%

Hathaway Maxi Dress

U Shaped Neck Pleated Dress in Chocolate

$

63.00

$~~129.95~~

You save 52%

Alberta Maxi Dress

Spliced Sheer Lace Column Dress in White

$

105.00

$~~139.95~~

You save 25%

Ariella Midi Dress

Strappy Cut Out Back Split Dress in Lemon

$

38.00

$~~89.95~~

You save 58%

Crisanta Maxi Dress

Long Sleeve Contrast Lace Bodycon Dress in Pink

$

79.00

$~~129.95~~

You save 39%

Larson Maxi Dress

Asymmetric Tie Neck Column Dress in Cream

$

79.00

$~~129.95~~

You save 39%

Silvana Midi Dress

Halter Ruched Side Split Dress in Citrus

$

70.00

$~~109.95~~

You save 36%

Miggy Midi Dress

Puff Sleeve Cut Out Split Dress in White

$

75.00

$~~99.95~~

You save 25%