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Shopping for cocktail dresses may be one of our favorite pastimes. Paired with a sultry red lipstick (or nude!), a designer clutch and beautiful accessories (not to mention: comfortable heels), finding a new dress is a good serotonin boost.

But, that perfect dress may be difficult to find. Sure, there are plenty of department stores and Instagram-discovered boutiques you can venture off to, but sometimes, you can never beat that tried-and-true dress in your closet.

Think again.

While doing some shopping for parties, weddings, vacations and other formalities, we cherry-picked some of the best brands and designers to pull cocktail dresses from — from petite to plus size.

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Below, find the top styles to browse from — a curated effort on our part to help you “say yes to the dress” based on your preference and budget. From mini to midi (and everything in between), we covered all the bases so all you have to do is rock it the day of your occasion and take some Instagram-worthy photos.

We’ve attended quite a few weddings in recent months and never fail to stop at Windsor for all of our dressing needs. That’s why we recommend the Pure Perfection Satin Wrap Dress that’s so elegant and flattering, it’s unbelievable it’s less than $50. The satin-like material always gives us compliments and we love pairing it with a pair of nude heels.

Size options: XS-L | Color options: Black | Material: 92% Polyester, 8% Spandex

Among all Amazon private fashion labels, PRETTYGARDEN is one of our favorites. Its Mock Neck Cocktail Dress is truly a sight to be seen, much ado to its riveting, draped detailing at the top and elegant, to-the-body silhouette at the bottom. From head to toe — literally — it’s a wonderful cocktail dress to pick up for your next event.

Size options: S-XXL | Color options: 31 | Material: 97% Polyester, 3% Elastane

The Michael Costello x REVOLVE India Midi Dress has caught our attention from the minute we’ve seen it — and never left. With a modest fit and elegant ruching throughout, it’s a splurge worth making.

Size options: XXS-XL | Color options: 3 | Material: 70% Nylon, 22% Lurex, 8% Spandex; 95% Polyester, 5% Spandex (lining)

When it comes to shopping for plus size fashion, Amazon does it right. The Pinup Fashion Lace Chiffon Midi Dress is a fairly priced yet wonderfully elegant option that comes in a buffet of colors to choose from and will keep you comfortable the entire evening. More than 6,500 Amazon shoppers love it, too.

Size options: 14 Plus to 28 Plus | Color options: 21 | Material: 90% Polyester, 10% Spandex

We can’t stop glossing over the Petal & Pup Mattie Long-Sleeve Maxi Dress. Not only is it embossed with flattering, wintertime flair, but the plum shade is a perfect hue for any occasion. Not to mention, it photographs well, and we love the cozy, versatile charm.

Size options: XS-L | Color options: 2 | Material: 45% Rayon, 27% Nylon, 28% Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT)

Shopping for maternity clothing can be a difficult feat, but that’s why we love the V for City Maternity Sweater Dress, hailing directly from Amazon. Available in a roster of lovely shades to choose from, it’s both chic and comfortable for your bump.

Size options: S-XXL | Color options: 5 | Material: 43.3% Viscose, 29% Nylon, 27.7% Polyester

Simply put, the Lulus Alluring Glam Velvet Off-the-Shoulder Mini Dress is quite unstoppable. Fairly priced at less than $75, this bold color and elegant shoulder detailing are enough to turn heads for your next wintertime wedding or vacation. Not to mention, we love Lulus, especially for its true-to-size fit.

Size options: XS-XL | Color options: 2 | Material: 95% Polyester, 5% Spandex; 100% Polyester (lining)

For a classic midi, you can’t go wrong with the Mac Duggal Off the Shoulder Beaded Chiffon Midi Dress. It’s a spin off the classic little black dress, wonderfully etched with sequined details throughout. Yes, it’s giving MET Gala.

Size options: US 2 to 14 | Color options: 1 | Material: 100% Polyester

When shopping for florals, the Tuckernuck Baroque Floral Maria Dress is another style we can’t stop clicking on. It’s perfect for any time of year — whether you’re off to a bridal shower or weekend dinner — and its comfortable material and styling power is quite unmatched.

Size options: US 0 to 16 | Color options: 1 | Material: 97% Polyester, 3% Spandex (body and lining)

Sophisticated, chic and timeless is the name of the game for the PRETTYGARDEN Satin Sleeveless Mock Neck Cocktail Dress. It comes in a roster of shades and looks incredibly luxe with its satin-like fabric.

Size options: S-XXL | Color options: 18 | Material: 97% Polyester, 3% Elastane

Looking for a fitted cocktail dress that’ll be on you can style in a variety of ways. Naturally, the BTFBM Ruched Bodycon Long-Sleeve Cocktail Mini Dress is one you can wear time and again, thanks to its glamorous neckline shape and slightly flowy sleeves. Yes, please.

Size options: S-XL | Color options: 19 | Material: 90% Polyamide, 10% Elastane

Ideal for any age, the Dress the Population Nadia Long Sleeve Scoop Back Midi Dress comes in a wealth of colors, is fit for virtually any formal occasion and is well-made to last for years of well-worn use. Its slide slit adds a subtly sexy flair to it, too, and its deeply scooped back makes for a seamless updo moment.

Size options: XXS-XXL | Color options: 6 | Material: 97% Polyester, 3% Spandex

Turn heads with the For Love & Lemons Poppy Mini Dress. As one of our favorites from Revolve, this cutesy, flattering and sexy option has a feminine flair we can’t get enough of. With your most chic clutch and block heels, you’re golden.

Size options: XS-XL | Color options: 1 | Material: 60% Polyester, 40% Nylon; 100% Recycled Polyester (lining); 97% Recycled Polyester, 3% Spandex (contrast fabric)

We love off-the-shoulder midi dresses (there’s just something about them that adds an extra elevated feel). The Lulus How Much I Care Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress is one we anticipate selling out quickly, much ado to its classic, versatile silhouette to serve you well during your next formal event.

Size options: XXS-XL | Color options: 5 | Material: 67% Rayon, 28% Nylon, 5% Spandex; 100% Polyester (lining)

The best length for a cocktail dress largely depends on the formality of the event, your personal style and your body shape. Generally, a cocktail dress falls knee-length or just above the knee. This is the most traditional and universally flattering length for most occasions — the perfect marriage between elegance and fun.

A dress that is slightly above the knee can give a more playful or modern vibe. This length works well for more casual or semi-formal cocktail events and can be flattering if you’re comfortable with showing more leg.

A bit retro and modest, a tea-length dress, which hits around the mid-calf, is a great choice if you want something a bit more vintage. It adds sophistication and can be especially flattering for women with longer legs. It’s also perfect for a more formal cocktail event or evening party.

For a supremely elegant fit, opt for a cocktail dress that falls just below the knee can be a great choice. It offers a classic, refined look while still maintaining the festive feel of a cocktail dress.

There’s no right or wrong answer here; whatever color makes you feel your best is what you should go for when shopping for a cocktail dress. However, you can’t go wrong with a little black dress (LBD). As the ultimate cocktail dress staple. It’s timeless, elegant and versatile. Black can be dressed up or down with accessories, and it works for virtually any occasion, from a formal gala to a semi-casual gathering.

Metallics (like gold, silver and rose gold) are eye-catching and can add a touch of glamour to your look. Gold and silver are classic choices, while rose gold offers a modern twist. These colors work well in both formal and semi-formal settings, especially for evening events.

Additionally, blush tones — like baby pink and lavender — offer a more darling, feminine vibe. Forest green and navy, on the flip side, offer a glimmer of sophistication and an understated look. As a whole, shop by season: lighter shades in spring and summer and moodier shades in fall and winter. But, feel free to “break the rules,” so to speak, to cater to your event and what you feel most confident in.

Dress codes can seem like a never-ending etiquette book, which is why we crafted an expert-backed guide on what to wear for every wedding guest code. But, you don’t have to attend a wedding to rock a cocktail dress. Here’s what to know:

Cocktail dresses are generally fitted but can vary in silhouette. A classic option is a sheath dress, which fits closely to the body, but you could also opt for A-line, fit-and-flare or more flowy styles, depending on your preference and comfort.

Black is a timeless choice, but jewel tones (emerald, sapphire, ruby), metallics (gold, silver), and deep hues like navy are all great options for cocktail events. As for shoes, heels (pumps, stilettos or block heels) are typically the go-to for cocktail attire.

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