Wearing the SELF PORTRAIT black crystal-embellished fishnet midi dress, this individual effortlessly captures the essence of cocktail party attire. With long hair and striking red lipstick enhancing their appearance, they are seen leaning against a white brick wall while carrying a stylish black handbag.

@SELFPORTRAIT / INSTAGRAM

The Dress Edit

Notes From A Fashion Editor: Here’s What To Wear To A Cocktail Party This Season

Feeling overwhelmed and stuck on what to wear to a cocktail party this season? You’re in the right place. With countless dress, shoes, and bag options to choose from, finding the perfect after-dark silhouette and accessories can be tricky. Luckily, I’ve done the hard part for you. After scrolling through thousands of stunning designer dresses for the season ahead, I’ve put the best into this edit. And you can take the stress out of styling too. I have suggestions for evening bags and shoes for every dress!

A woman stands against a white paneled wall, perfectly embodying cocktail party attire in her AMANDA UPRICHARD Magnolia red floral maxi dress featuring a strapless, asymmetrical design with vibrant red and orange floral patterns. She elegantly raises one leg, showcasing gold high-heeled sandals, while a partially visible picture frame graces the right.

AMANDA UPRICHARD Magnolia Maxi Dress

Dressed in the HELSA Faille black halter neck mini dress, a person stands against a concrete wall in a dimly lit hallway, perfectly embodying cocktail party attire. With one arm extended upward, they create an intriguing shadow on the ground.

HELSA Faille Halter Mini Dress

What To Wear To A Cocktail Party In Fall In

Choosing what to wear to a cocktail party all depends on the occasion. For example, parties to celebrate an anniversary might have a different vibe for those celebrating a birthday. With that in mind, I’ve chosen dresses that’ll work for any cocktail party on your calendar this fall and beyond. Firstly, the Magnolia maxi dress by Amanda Uprichard is one of the most beautiful and versatile dresses I’ve ever seen. This must-have midi has it all from the strapless neckline and moody, red floral design to the sultry thigh-high split and structured corset. Style it with statement black heels and a matching bag to complete the look without distracting from the dress. I highly recommend the Alex Riviere 105 cutout leather sandals by Aquazzura and the Calypso mini leather wallet on a chain by Saint Laurent.

Meanwhile, the Faille halter mini dress by Helsa is the ultimate LBD. Firstly it has the most flattering, classic cut. Secondly, it’ll go with countless pairs of heels and bags you already own, plus those you want to buy in the future. So, trust me when I say this dress is destined to sell out. Pair yours with a chic black bag and heels like the Tatooshka 100 spiked leather pumps by Christian Louboutin and the silver Monaco small chain bag by Balenciaga. for  The quintessential all-black evening outfit this cocktail party season.

Shop more Dresses To Wear To A Cocktail Party selected and reviewed by our expert fashion buyers and stylists

  • ISABEL MARANT Maude Long Draped Asymmetrical Dress

    $770
  • HALSTON Sya Deep V-Neck Sequin Midi Dress

    $495
  • DIANE VON FURSTENBERG Lovinia Mesh Dress

    $358
  • NBD Rosabelle Midi Dress

    $258
  • ASTR THE LABEL Golda Dress

    $138
  • GENERATION LOVE Bronte Guipure Dress

    $395
  • LOVERS AND FRIENDS Mary Kate Mini Dress

    $228
  • AMANDA UPRICHARD Alyse Dress

    $370
  • HELSI Leslie Strapless Sequin Midi Dress

    $495
  • MAEVE Puff-Sleeve Keyhole Embroidered Mini Dress

    $178
  • FOR LOVE & LEMONS Della Mini Dress

    $198
  • SUPERDOWN Abigal Mini Dress

    $78
  • ELLIATT Legacy Dress

    $199
  • AMANDA UPRICHARD Magnolia Maxi Dress

    $299
  • AFRM Hazel Bare Mesh Midi Dress

    $78
  • VERONICA BEARD Bixie Stretch-Silk Slip Dress

  • SIR. Sonora Evening Midi Dress

    $520
  • ALEX PERRY Gathered Asymmetric Stretch-Velvet Mini Dress

    $220
  • LOVESHACKFANCY Finta Sequin Mini Dress

    $495
  • SAINT LAURENT Strapless Draped Lace-trimmed Silk-Satin Mini Dress

    $5,150
  • REBECCA VALLANCE Diana Bow-Detailed Sequined Woven Mini Dress

    $790
  • SELF-PORTRAIT Fishnet Gown

    $700
  • GIVENCHY Strapless Asymmetric Bow-Detailed Cady Mini Dress

    $4,450
  • HELSA Faille Halter Mini Dress

    $258

What To Wear To A Cocktail Party: Sequins Addition

When you have sequins in your closet, there’s no question about what to wear to a cocktail party. Especially with party season just around the corner. For example, few dresses can compete with the Leslie strapless sequin midi dress by Helsi. The ultimate after-dark midi silhouette, I’m head over heels for the dark sequins and expensive-looking, golden hue. Simply add metallic heels and a coordinating bag to this dress for a night of endless compliments. The tight crystal-embellished metallic jersey mules by Balenciaga and the Tom Ford Nobile croc-effect patent leather clutch will work perfectly.

Finally, the Finta sequin mini dress by Loveshackfancy couldn’t be prettier. The only short party dress you’ll need in your closet this year, add it to your cart before it sells out. Alongside the gorgeous Bari metallic leather sandals by Schutz and the Loco leather bag by Valentino Garivani to style it with of course!

Shop All Dresses To Wear To A Cocktail Party

A woman with long dark hair elegantly poses in the HELSI Leslie gold strapless sequin midi dress, which reaches below her knees, making it an ideal choice for a cocktail party. Paired with metallic strappy heels, she stands against a plain, neutral background.

HELSI Leslie Strapless Sequin Midi Dress

A person with long, curly hair stands against a soft pink background, demonstrating what to wear to a cocktail party in the LOVESHACKFANCY Finta silver sequin maxi dress, which features thin straps and a lace trim along the neckline.

LOVESHACKFANCY Finta Sequin Mini Dress

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