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

Jiraye Midi Dress

Flutter Sleeve Tuelle Plunge Dress in White

$

126.00

$~~139.95~~

You save 10%

Judee Midi Dress

One Shoulder High Side Split Dress in Pink

$

117.00

$~~129.95~~

You save 10%

Coming For You Midi Dress

Mesh Dress in White Mesh

$

24.00

$~~79.95~~

You save 70%

Judee Midi Dress

One Shoulder High Side Split Dress in Sage

$

117.00

$~~129.95~~

You save 10%

Carmella Midi Dress

One Shoulder Twist Detail Dress in Grape

$

49.00

$~~119.95~~

You save 59%

Runaway The Label - Chara Maxi Dress

In Black

$

57.00

$~~139.95~~

You save 59%

Lacie Midi Dress

V Neck Bias Cut Ruffle Tie Front Dress in Red

$

70.00

$~~99.95~~

You save 30%

Rory Midi Dress

Embroidered Mesh Dress in White

$

49.00

$~~119.95~~

You save 59%

Roma Midi Dress

Ruched Cowl Neck Dress in Chocolate Lurex

$

63.00

$~~89.95~~

You save 30%

Brailey Midi Dress

Thigh Split Strapless Dress in White Jacquard

$

108.00

$~~119.95~~

You save 10%

Andrina Midi Dress

High Low Wrap Corset Dress in Lilac

$

54.00

$~~119.95~~

You save 55%

Belle Maxi Dress

Tie Shoulder Detail Dress in Wine

$

126.00

$~~139.95~~

You save 10%

Harlen Midi Dress

V Neck 3/4 Sleeve Asymmetric Fringe Hem Wrap Dress in Champagne

$

30.00

$~~99.95~~

You save 70%

Laurie Midi Dress

Plunge Frill Detail Slip Dress in Red

$

54.00

$~~109.95~~

You save 51%

Anziel Maxi Dress

Underwire Off Shoulder Backless Column Jersey Tie Back in Off White

$

30.00

$~~99.95~~

You save 70%

Alexia Midi Dress

One Shoulder Bust Slip Dress in Soft Pink

$

37.00

$~~109.95~~

You save 66%

Blaire Midi Dress

Strappy Ruched Front Column Fitted Textured Jersey Dress in Off White

$

33.00

$~~89.95~~

You save 63%

Adelaide Maxi Dress

Georgette Asymmetric Ruffle Hem Bias Cut Dress in White

$

36.00

$~~119.95~~

You save 70%

Belle Maxi Dress

Tie Shoulder Detail Dress in Black

$

126.00

$~~139.95~~

You save 10%

Flordeliza Midi Dress

Cowl Neck Thigh Slit Slip Dress in Chocolate

$

38.00

$~~89.95~~

You save 58%

Yuna Midi Dress

Halter Twist Detail Drape Lace Dress in Red Orange

$

36.00

$~~119.95~~

You save 70%

Palmer Mini Dress

Plunge Cowl Neck Backless Lace Dress in Ivory

$

27.00

$~~89.95~~

You save 70%

Yuna Maxi Dress

Halter Neck Ruched Cut Out Bodycon Dress in Chocolate

$

30.00

$~~99.95~~

You save 70%

Dalton Maxi Dress

Cowl Neck Tie Back Dress in Black/White Polkadot

$

51.00

$~~89.95~~

You save 43%

Gia Maxi Dress

Straight Neck Fitted Dress in Black White Spot

$

99.00

$~~109.95~~

You save 10%

Bec Maxi Dress

Stretch Lace Strapless Dress in Off White

$

54.00

$~~109.95~~

You save 51%

How Will I Know Midi Dress

Wrap Waist Tie Tulip Hem Dress in Champagne

$

42.00

$~~139.95~~

You save 70%

Selene Maxi Dress

Lace Front Twist Cut Out Bodycon Dress in Baby Blue

$

54.00

$~~109.95~~

You save 51%

Lila Mini Dress

Cowl Neck Asymmetric Frill Skirt Dress in Toile De Joie Print

$

51.00

$~~119.95~~

You save 57%

Frances Midi Dress

Cowl Neck Contrast Lace Slip Dress in Black

$

58.00

$~~119.95~~

You save 52%