With the increasingly warm weather of spring and summer comes a sizable spike in our social calendars—party (dress) season is officially upon us.
Not only are we making our way into the festive period, full of end of year soirees and Christmas parties, but we’re also navigating the wedding season rush that typically spans from October to March.
After months spent hibernating from the cold and sticking to a stylish rotation of jeans, trench coats and boots, ditching our layers for a party dress or three is enthusiastically welcomed.
It’s not always easy however, finding the perfect party or cocktail dress—particularly if you do, in fact, have three or more events to shop for.
So, we’ve done the hard work for you to find some of the best party and cocktail dresses of the season, that will not only make you the best-dressed partygoer, but have the potential for re-wear and longevity in your wardrobe.
What Is Cocktail Dress?
When it comes to a cocktail dress code, the rules are relatively broad. Short, midi and maxi dress, matching sets and jumpsuits are all acceptable. Think chic and polished, dressier than your everyday attire but not quite black-tie glamour.
The best party and cocktail dresses 2024
Alemais Diamond Dancer Midi Dress
$895 at The Iconic
Best for: Wear-again whimsy
Playful but still chic, this bright yellow style from Alemais captures a fun-loving spirit that is perfect for cocktail dressing. Add a pair of the brand’s statement earrings to complete your look. You can also style this silhouette with a chunky cardigan across your shoulders for a more casual look.
Sizes: AU6–14.
Colour: Yellow.
Materials: 56% Linen, 44% Viscose.
Also available at:
- $1395 from Mytheresa
Spiral Crystal Tank Dress
$750 at Christopher Esber
Best for: Embellished elegance
Statement cut-outs and gemstone finishes have become signature of Sydney brand Christopher Esber. This maxi style fits with a tank silhouette in a lightweight ribbed fabric that is comfortable and easy to wear.
Sizes: AU4–14.
Colour: Lavender.
Materials: 96% Polyester, 4% Spandex.
Also available at:
- $750 from The New Trend
Ganni Faux-Leather Mini Shirt Dress
$629 (usually $1366) at The Outnet
Best for: Luxe (faux) leather
Take a risk with texture and try on this leather-look mini from Ganni. The fabric gives the T-shirt fit structure that elevates it to evening territory. Style with embellished accessories for an on-brand finishing touch.
Sizes: DE32–42.
Colour: Black.
Material: 65% Polyurethane, 23% Recycled Polyester, 7% Cotton, 5% Viscose.
Remmy Dress
NZD$660 at Paris Georgia
Best for: Bold colour
A slinky satin mini is the perfect way to dial up party fever. The fabric drapes across the body to give a relaxed, flattering look. Lean into Kiwi brand Paris Georgia’s signature styling with a pair of statement sandals to finish.
Sizes: XS–XL.
Colours: Bold Blue, Butter, Clay and White.
Material: 100% Rayon.
Also available at:
- $660 from David Jones
Dahlia Mini Dress
$560 at Sir
Best for: A red-hot winner
Sydney brand Sir masters cool-girl cocktail with its well-executed styles. This mini design is finished with draping details, offering a more demure finish when you stand to one side. Go all in with matching shoes for a red-hot look.
Sizes: OP–4.
Colour: Tangerine.
Materials: 75% Cotton, 22% Nylon, 3% Spandex.
Shona Joy Lani Maxi Dress
$380 at David Jones
Best for: Structured and striking
Shona Joy balances a plunging neckline and artful cut-out detailing with flattering ruching through the body to create this striking maxi. Opt for silver-tone jewellery to add a ’90s touch to your outfit.
Sizes: 6–14.
Colour: Aqua and Sky.
Materials: 49% Cotton, 48% Nylon, 3% Spandex.
Also available at:
- $380 from The Iconic
Best for: Two-piece takeover
Acler proves that sometimes two is better than one with this matching skirt and top. Rendered in a trending brown hue, the cropped top is finished with a statement ruffle floral detail, while the A-line skirt has minimalist appeal. Mix and match these pieces with your everyday wardrobe after the event.
Sizes: AU6–12.
Colour: Dark Coffee.
Material: 100% Polyester.
Also available at:
Lovaan Studios Phillipa Dress
$575 at David Jones
Best for: Festive florals
Crochet trim details amp up the charm on this strapless silhouette. The yellow base is topped with striking floral details that will do the job for garden parties, baby showers and even Christmas season lunches.
Sizes: AU6–12.
Colour: Meadow.
Material: 100% Linen.
Silya Maxi Dress
$200 at Faithful
Best for: Low-key luxury
A simple silhouette is brought to life with a dose of nature-inspired style. Level up this pared-back look with chunky golden jewellery and a pair of ’90s-inspired wedges.
Sizes: XS–XXL.
Colour: Poplar Sage.
Material: 100% Rayon.
Aere One Shoulder Midi
$170 at The Iconic
Best for: Pared-back pastel
Lemon yellow fuels feelings of wanderlust – Aere translates this vibe into a very wearable one-shoulder midi. The organic cotton construction can skew casual when needed but with the right accessories (think pearl-embellished earrings and kitten heel mules) it becomes a seasonal show-stopper.
Sizes: AU6–18.
Colours: Lemon.
Material: 100% Organic Cotton.
Matteau Crepe Strapless Dress
$600 at David Jones
Best for: Tailored timelessness
At face value this black midi dress might not seem all that special. But the wool crepe fabric and expertly tailored fit beg to differ. Lean into refined edge with an updo and pearl finishing touches. You could also style this piece with a shirt layered over or underneath for the office.
Sizes: 1–5.
Colour: Black.
Materials: 98% Wool, 2% Elastane.
Also available at:
- $1038 from Net-A-Porter
Zimmermann Illustration Billow Mini Dress
$1500 at Zimmermann
Best for: Power print
Whether you think of leopard print as a neutral or not, there’s no denying the fabulousness of this billowing mini dress. Made from a linen and silk-blend fabric, it has the perfect amount of flounce for spinning around a dance floor.
Sizes: XS–L.
Colour: Chocolate Leopard.
Materials: 55% Linen, 45% Silk.
Minima Esenciales Tasnim Maxi Dress
$280 at The Iconic
Best for: Girlish grace
The babydoll neckline and floral finishing touches on this pale blue style deliver girlish charm. This delicate style makes a good choice for weddings or garden parties. But silver-tone accessories and a deep red lip will bring it back into evening territory as needed.
Sizes: AU6–16.
Colours: Blue and Pastel Yellow.
Material: 100% Lyocell.
Florential Textured Midi Dress
$695 at Aje
Best for: Pretty in peach
Another textured style that’s well-suited to events that take you from the afternoon into the evening. Aje is a master of cocktail dressing and the bold sleeve detail and A-line skirt seen here prove why.
Sizes: AU4–16.
Colours: Apricot, Rosewater and Black.
Material: 100% Polyester.
Also available at:
- $695 from David Jones
Toulouse Dress
$699 at Lee Mathews
Best for: Bridal brunch
A white dress is a summertime classic. And this floral embroidered style would even slot effortlessly into a modern bridal wardrobe – we’re thinking of a morning-after brunch or low-key engagement party.
Sizes: 00–5.
Colour: White.
Materials: 71% Rayon, 18% Polyester, 11% Nylon.
Are cocktail dresses long or short?
In general, a cocktail dress code means more casual than black tie but fancier than you’d wear on an ordinary day. In terms of dress length, mini, midi and maxi options are more than okay. Think about the fabric – linen and cotton in longer lengths will feel more dressed up. Meanwhile, sequinned or silky styles with higher hemlines fit the bill.
What colour should a cocktail or party dress be?
There’s no right or wrong when it comes to colours of cocktail dresses. You can definitely pick black, white or neutral options. But don’t be afraid to use the opportunity to embrace brighter hues – yellow, green, blue and chocolate brown are all trending this season.
Looking to save money on dresses? Check out our coupon codes for The Iconic, The Outnet and more.
This article originally appeared on Marie Claire Australia and is republished here with permission.
