Cocktail dresses
Cocktail dresses for the invitations that say cocktail attire, knee length to midi and dressed up without being formal, compared across shops.
Live prices from each shop. We may earn a commission if you buy. Promoted dresses are labelled.
Choosing a cocktail dress
Cocktail sits between smart casual and formal. The hem lands anywhere from just above the knee to mid calf, and the fabric does the dressing up: satin, crepe, lace or a structured knit. It is the most common dress code for weddings and engagement parties, so a cocktail dress you like will be worn more than once. Keep the full length gown for formal and black tie.
What is the cocktail dress code?What is a cocktail dress?
A cocktail dress is a dressy knee length to midi dress worn to semi formal events. It is more polished than a day dress and shorter than a formal gown.
Can a cocktail dress be long?
Yes, within reason. A midi or an ankle length dress in a dressy fabric fits cocktail attire. A full floor length gown usually reads as formal and can look overdressed.