A lot of women usually make the mistake of thinking that party dresses should be, more often than not, black and comfortable to wear. While there’s nothing wrong with that notion, it sometimes pays off to NOT be on the “safe side.” Just check out these 33 sexiest party dresses and you’ll know what we mean!
1. Marchesa Layered Ruffle Dress
Ruffles are certainly not “out” just yet. This red dress by Marchesa looks soft and dainty. Perfect for that one party where you want to be the belle of the ball.
2. Isaac Mizrahi Candy cocktail dress
Who doesn’t want to go green when you have this Isaac Mizrahi creation on?
3. Roberto Cavalli Cross front mini dress
Don’t be afraid to show some cleavage with this very attractive Roberto Cavalli dress. Not only is the color eye catching, you yourself will “catch” a lot of attention, too!
4. Hervé Léger Paillette covered bandage dress
Shining, shimmering, splendid indeed! I love the silhouette of this bandage dress. The material looks “expensive” and for sure you’ll feel like a million bucks in this one!
5. Matthew Williamson Albertine floral dress
If you want to tone your look down, this floral dress by Matthew Williamson Albertine is the great way to go.
6. Emilio Pucci Sequined tank dress
Leave it to Emilio Pucci to come up with attention grabbing tank dresses that can hug your body and your curves. Don’t you just love the color combination?
7. Vera Wang Silk taffeta dress
Taffeta is taffeta and Vera Wang has a black cocktail dress made out of taffeta just for you. Really, the fact that it’s black is just the icing on the cake.
8. Donna Karan Sequin embellished halter dress
Who’s afraid of sequins if you have a beautiful body hugging dress like this?
9. Miu Miu Bustier prom dress
This one is a pretty dress reminiscent of good ol’ days. Simple but elegant fashion. Miu Miu strikes 5 stars from me because of this beautiful prom dress.
10. Nina Ricci Ribbon detail dress
The accents of this Nina Ricci creation look nice. I especially like the extra cloth at the sides!
11. Aquascutum Pippa cocktail dress
Spaghetti straps, style true to size and the fact that it’s red (one of the important colors for fall!) makes thePippa a great buy.
12. Temperley London Mini Queen dress
Wear this purple mini queen dress and you’ll definitely feel like royalty! Yes, the dress reminds me of the Queen’s crown, thank you very much.
13. La Petite S***** Corsage cocktail dress
Okay, so I have a soft spot for corsage one shoulder cocktail dresses that can pass off as a bubble dress, too. Love this one!
14. Marchesa Ruffle bustier dress
The cut, the pencil skirt and the white ruffle details are what makes this Marchesa number a winner.
15. Hervé Léger Bandage pencil dress
Flaunt those curves with this bandage dress, honey!
16. Emilio Pucci Nelion print dress
This dress by Emilio Pucci is so attractive it can be a conversational piece. Seriously.
17. Issa Strapless corseted gown
The ruched detail on the bustier part is lovely.
18. Burberry Romy cotton dress
This black dress is so versatile you can wear it in other occasions. Not just cocktails!
19. Philosophy Di Alberta Ferretti Lace silk babydoll dress
This dress may be called “babydoll” but there’s nothing baby about you anymore once your guests see you in this sexy, lacy number.
20. Camilla and Marc Piper mini dress
Soft elegance are just two words that come to mind when you see this one shoulder beauty. Don’t you just love the soft blend of browns?
21. Hervé Léger Bandage mini dress
This sexy crimson bandage mini dress is the perfect choice if you want to flaunt your curves and your cleavage.
22. See by Chloé Silk V-neck mini dress
This dress by Chloe is the perfect example of not sticking to the rules. Don’t just limit yourself to wearing black and white cocktail dresses. This striking blue hue is one you should consider. It’s just gorgeous!
23. D&G Dolce and Gabbana Large paillette dress
This black and shiny outfit reminds me of the swinging 60’s.
24. Behnaz Sarafpour Ombré silk dress
I love the hues on this one. The tie string detail at the waist is perfect for those who want to show the world they’re part of the lucky few who still have tiny waists!
25. Issa Oversized sequined cape dress
Cocktail dresses need not be dresses per se. You can also show up wearing a sequined top just like this one by Issa and then you pair it off with skinny jeans or very tight leggings. Again, this is a perfect example of “not playing safe.”
26. Diane von Furstenberg Victoire silk dress
Oooh I love this wrap around dress! Don’t you? The color is just so pretty you want to eat it!
27. Zac Posen Silk twill slip
Now don’t be scared. This is a “legitimate” cocktail dress, mind you. The material may look thin, yes, but that’s where your creative juices should kick in! Accessorize and glam up your look!
28. Moschino Cheap & Chic Bandeau fan dress
The lovely red strap around the waist of this Moschino garment is a nice contrast to the notoriously boring gray.
29. Roberto Cavalli Animal print ruffle dress
This Cavalli garment reminds me of the Spice Girls…and that’s a good thing, don’t get me wrong! I like this ruffle dress. The fact that it’s a halter dress and the hem’s well tailored are just extras.
30. Rebecca Taylor Lace panel dress
The lace feature of this dress makes it very sexy. Any woman will love to don this Rebecca Taylor outfit.
31. Matthew Williamson Tapestry scarf dress
This Matthew Williamson number is a winner! Love the print and the style.
32. D&G Dolce & Gabbana Ruched corset dress
The workmanship of this corset dress is exceptional! Do you agree?
33. Phillip Lim Fan pleat dress
I like the color of this Phillip Lim creation and of course, the fan details. Simple but elegant.
Which ones are your faves?





































the vivenne dress is nice… n the red one is absolutely gorgeous… but the other ones nt so much… n if you are going to put together a list of the must have dresses where is the reliably seductively, and daring, yet flattering clinging little black dress??!!!!
The Roberto Cavalli V-Neck Chiffon Dress looks very glamorous. Id love to have that dress.
these dresses are so dang ugly you neeed to do something about these dresses
I think these dresses are STUNNING!!! I’m getting paid tomorrow & I was looking to do some shopping for the perfect dress. Thanks for these lovely ideas!!!
Thank you Khanyo for your kind words :)
Our Editor Tania and the author of the post Irene will be happy to hear that you found these picks pretty and helpful :)
The Miu Miu prom dress is exquisite.
Several of the desses are displayed with lovely high heeled slingbacks–wish they would have been identified.
GREAT pictorial!
Adrienne
Dear Adrienne,
If you click on the name of the dress, you will be directed to the Net-a-Porter page, where the Editors’ Notes say what shoes/bags the model is also wearing.
I am sure you will find the shoes you loved in those Notes :)