A woman standing against a dark grey background, wearing a Shoshanna pink strapless jacquard midi dress. Her right hand is holding the dress, and her left hand is in the dress pocket. She has long, straight dark hair and is looking at the camera.

SHOSHANNA

The Dress Edit

The Bigger, The Better: Voluminous Cocktail Dresses Every Woman Needs

 

Tired of plain, tight party dresses? Me too—and that’s exactly why I’ve added voluminous cocktail dresses to my wardrobe. Whether a full skirt, balloon sleeves, or an embellishment, volume is the most effortless way to make a statement. Plus, when adding in vibrant colors and prints, you’ll want every one on the market. Aje is one of the best brands to shop this trend. The playful label is always the first to put out the poofiest, boldest looks we’ve seen.

 

As for others, Giambattista Valli also does a fabulous job at making voluminous styles, elegant. With fashion-forward shades and floral embellishments, you can’t go wrong with owning at least one gown. And before you think voluminous cocktail dresses one come in longer lengths, think again. These statement pieces also come in minis and midis—keep scrolling to see my favorites.

A person stands outdoors, wearing a Zimmermann Natura neutral floral strapless asymmetric gown. The skirt of the voluminous gown is flowing in the wind. In the background, there are mountains and the sea under a cloudy sky. The person has dangling earrings and a tattoo.

ZIMMERMANN Natura Asymmetric Strapless Floral-print Linen And Silk-blend Gauze Gown

A person stands outdoors against a stone wall wearing an Aje Fallingwater light pink ruched midi dress with a deep V-neckline. The dress is detailed with gathered fabric around the waist and skirt. They are wearing black heeled sandals and have their hair tied back.

AJE Fallingwater Ruched Midi Dress

A Chic Take On Voluminous Cocktail Dresses

 

If you haven’t noticed already, voluminous cocktail dresses make the chicest pieces. And if you’re anything like me, you love chic pieces—like the Zimmermann Natura strapless gown. The brand is by far the best at delivering styles that are not only statement pieces, but also party appropriate. Even if you’re just “looking,” you’ll find that Zimmermann will always catch your eye. This dress in particular always ends up in my basket, and this time, I’m checking out. However, if you do end up snagging this hidden gem, be sure to peek at the Neous Ibor slingback sandals and Cult Gaia clutch bag. Dynamic styles like this one always look better with unique accessories like these to match.

 

On the flip side, the Aje Fallingwater midi dress takes on a longer, bolder approach to volume. With a full skirt and voluminous sleeves, this chic piece is perfect for foodie trips in the city to weddings. After all, that is what Aje is all about. From the brand’s balloon accents to its unique shades, it certainly makes the perfect summertime companion. The Christian Louboutin Condora Queen sandals and Givenchy Voyou shoulder bag make the best accessories for an extra touch of femininity.

  • HELSA Crinkle Pleated Gown

    $348
  • ELLIATT Revolve Enchantment Bow Dress

    $231
  • AJE Arista Tulip Sleeve Midi Dress

    $595
  • ERDEM Gathered Floral-print Cotton-faille Midi Dress

    $1,995
  • COMME DES GARÇONS Bow-detailed Pleated Satin Midi Dress

    $595
  • NINA RICCI Pleated Taffeta Mini Dress

    $1,110
  • STAUD Loren Ruched Taffeta Mini Dress

    $395
  • SHOSHANNA Strapless Jacquard Dress

    $595
  • LIKELY Natasha Dress

    $278
  • OSCAR DE LA RENTA Strapless Cotton-blend Faille Gown

    $6,990
  • ZIMMERMANN Natura Asymmetric Strapless Floral-print Linen And Silk-blend Gauze Gown

    $2,350
  • GIAMBATTISTA VALLI Cold-shoulder Appliquéd Cotton Gown

    $5,800
  • MAISON MARGIELA Décortiqué Corset-style Tulle Dress

    $5,455
  • AJE Soundscape Maxi Dress

    $755
  • AJE Escapist Maxi Dress

    $695
  • ANA RADU Petal-layer Velvet Mini Dress

    $3,214
  • ELIE SAAB Strapless Pleated Appliquéd Embellished Tulle Gown

    $7,625
  • ZIMMERMANN Belted Pleated Printed Chiffon Midi Dress

    $725
  • BARDOT Fleurette Flower Mini Dress

    $209
  • DESSY COLLECTION Corset Ruffle Hem Strapless Satin Midi Dress

    $269
  • OSCAR DE LA RENTA Gardenia Lace Ruffle Halter Gown

    $7,490
  • AJE Energy Midi Dress

    $695
  • ALICE + OLIVIA Chara Tiered Tulle Midi-Dress

    $660
  • SHOSHANNA Alpine One-Shoulder Maxi Dress

    $650
  • SACHIN & BABI Sloane Taffeta Double-Bow Pleated Mini Dress

    $248
  • AS IT MAY Terry Tiered Gown

    $415
  • TALLER MARMO Piccolo Ubud One-shoulder Feather-trimmed Crepe Mini Dress

    $1,925

Floral Embellishments All Summer Long

 

If you’re in search of voluminous cocktail dresses, you might want to turn your attention to floral embellishments. Appliqués are by far the easiest way to incorporate florals into your summer style—all while adding a playful, feminine flair. A particular favorite of mine is the Giambattista Valli cold-shoulder cotton gown for obvious reasons. As if we didn’t all know Giambattista Valli is known for this, the brand has yet again inspired me to buy a gown. But before you think, I don’t need a gown…you do. Like maxis, these powerful statements are perfect for summer galas—yes, even in the summer. Just be sure to style it with the Aquazzura Paris sandals and Loeffler Randall Rayne organza clutch for a play on texture.

 

Hoping for a mini instead? Don’t miss the Bardot Fleurette flower mini dress. You’re not only able to get the same touch of floral appliqués, but also a timeless black canvas. Flirty and certainly trendy for the season, this piece styles well with the Aquazzura Tequila sandals and Balenciaga Crush chain bag. Although, voluminous cocktail dresses speak for themselves—you could also pair it with all-black accessories for a simple look.

Shop All Cocktail Dresses

A model is photographed standing against a backdrop of draped cream-colored fabric. She is wearing a voluminous, floor-length Giambattista Valli maroon cold shoulder appliqués gown. She looks directly at the camera, with both hands in the dress pockets.

GIAMBATTISTA VALLI Cold-shoulder Appliquéd Cotton Gown

A woman is posing with her hands on her head in a Bardot Fleurette black flower strapless mini dress adorned with large fabric flowers on the bodice. She is wearing dangling earrings and has her eyes closed. The background is plain and beige.

BARDOT Fleurette Flower Mini Dress

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