Cocktail dresses are the middlemen of the formalwear world. From fancy dinners to work celebrations to, yes, even weddings<\/a>, the appeal of these party dresses<\/a> lies in their versatility: With the right accessories, that sequin mini dress you\u2019ve been eyeing works just as well for your friend\u2019s courthouse celebration<\/a> as it does an upcoming birthday. Why not add a few extra pieces to the rotation? Think of it as manifesting more festivity, one lace-trimmed slip dress at a time.<\/p>\n & Other Stories sleeveless satin midi dress<\/p>\n Jump to review<\/a><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n Givenchy draped cady midi dress<\/p>\n Jump to review<\/a><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n If you\u2019re shopping for a wedding guest dress, the search requirements are a little more stringent. Typically, a \u201ccocktail attire<\/a>\u201d dress code means something knee-length or a midi dress (though shorter styles done in a luxe fabric, like taffeta or silk organza, could also be appropriate depending on the venue). Steer clear of floor-length gowns<\/a> in favor of breezier silhouettes, like an ankle-grazing halterneck or something with an asymmetrical handkerchief hemline.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re shopping more generally, anything goes. A teal midi finished with grey fringe? Absolutely. An electric blue sequined dress\u2014why not? A clingy cowl neck number that looks straight out of a \u201990s fever dream<\/a> (in the best way)? Sure. This sartorial prompt is your chance to go a bit outside of the box and get creative; but if you need a little inspiration to start your search, the below cocktail dresses should offer plenty.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t underestimate the power of a mini dress. Whether worn with sky-high platforms or styled with mod kitten heels<\/a>, shorter shapes can work for special occasions, too. Pick an A-line halter in a luminous electric blue from Bernadette for a late summer reception<\/a>; for something later in the season, a short sleeve style, like this red piece from Carolina Herrera, might be more appropriate.<\/p>\n Bernadette<\/p>\nVogue\u2019s<\/em> Favorite Cocktail Dresses:<\/h2>\n
![\"Image](\"https:\/\/assets.vogue.com\/photos\/6a1ef620bf122a87ee85c287\/3:4\/w_748%2Cc_limit\/7.jpg\"\/)
<\/picture><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"Image](\"https:\/\/assets.vogue.com\/photos\/6a1ef6120b8a4c317b2fcc49\/3:4\/w_748%2Cc_limit\/30.jpg\"\/)
<\/picture><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\nA Mini Moment<\/h2>\n
halterneck mini dress<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n