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Wedding season is coming, and with it the eternal quandary of what to wear. With wedding dress codes seeming ever more opaque, the simple act of picking out a wedding guest dress can seem annoyingly fraught, which makes having a standby look you can always rely on feel like a particular treat. And for our money, there's no style quite as well suited to attending a wedding as a co*cktail dress. More formal than a day dress but more subdued than a gown, a co*cktail dress always manages to look just dressed up enough without being overdone, meaning its ideal for everything from a black tie wedding to a beachy nuptial ceremony. Here, some of the best co*cktail dresses around to wear for your next wedding invite.
By Anthropologie By Anthropologie Sheer Lace Mini Dress
By Anthropologie By Anthropologie Sheer Lace Mini Dress
Pros
Arm Coverage- Colorful and Fun
Cons
Lace is always a good choice for a wedding, and this colorful version balances a mini shape with sheer sleeves for those who prefer a bit of arm cover.
| Sizes | 00—16 |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Polyester; polyester, elastane lining |
Reformation Reformation Baxley Flutter Sleeve Midi Dress
Reformation Reformation Baxley Flutter Sleeve Midi Dress
Pros
- Easy to Rewear
Cons
Sure, this black midi, with its fluttering cap sleeves and sultry leg slit, is perfect for a wedding, but it's also perfect for just about everything else you have on your calendar, making adding it to your cart a total no-brainer.
| Fabric | 53% viscose, 47% rayon |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 0—12 |
Pros
- Pockets
Cons
If you're looking to make a statement, the citrusy shade and voluminous skirt of this strapless dress is a show-stopper.
| Sizes | 0—12 |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Shell: Cotton 92%, Polyamide 8% Lining: Cotton 100% |
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Pros
- Classic appeal
Cons
Blue and white has timeless, classic appeal, while a one-shoulder cut keeps this co*cktail dress modern.
| Sizes | 0—14 |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 95% polyamide/5% spandex |
Eliza J Eliza J Sequin Fringed Long Sleeve co*cktail Dress
Eliza J Eliza J Sequin Fringed Long Sleeve co*cktail Dress
Pros
- Perfect for dancing
Cons
For a glitzy affair, opt for this all-over sequined look that not only has sparkle, but also movement, courtesy of fringe.
| Sizes | 4—14 |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 95% polyester, 5% spandex |
Sachin & Babi Sachin & Babi Blaine Bow Mini Dress
Sachin & Babi Sachin & Babi Blaine Bow Mini Dress
Pros
- Statement piece
Cons
The oversized bow-train on the back of this mini dress is its own accessory.
| Sizes | 2—16 |
|---|---|
| Colors | Green, Red, Light Pink, Pink, Black |
| Fabric | Polyester |
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Kay Unger Kay Unger Tatum Floral Lace Midi Dress
Pros
- Modest yet sexy
Cons
Sheer lace at the boatneck neckline and hemline offers a peek of skin while still being appropriate for even a conservative service.
| Sizes | 0—16 |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 100% polyester |
Dress the Population Dress the Population Alicia Mixed Media Midi Dress
Dress the Population Dress the Population Alicia Mixed Media Midi Dress
Pros
- Available in many colors
Cons
Not only is this swingy-skirted V-neck dress flattering on many bodytypes, it comes in eight shades so you'll have plenty of options to choose from.
| Sizes | XXS—XXL |
|---|---|
| Colors | Poppy, Blush, Lavender, Dark Magenta, Bright Fuchsia, Black, Midnight |
| Fabric | 95% polyester, 5% spandex bodice; 100% polyester skirt |
Norma Kamali Women's Diana Ruched co*cktail Dress
Pros
- Figure flattering
Cons
Ruching does double-duty in this elbow-length sleeved co*cktail dress—it hugs the body to show off the features you want to highlight, and also adds some camouflage for the spots you'd rathe distract from.
| Size | XXS—XL |
|---|
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Tadashi Shoji Tadashi Shoji Cold Shoulder Lace co*cktail Dress
Tadashi Shoji Tadashi Shoji Cold Shoulder Lace co*cktail Dress
Pros
- Classic with modern edge
Cons
A split cap sleeve infuses this periwinkle lace dress with an instant dose of cool.
| Sizes | 2—16 |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 60% rayon, 20% nylon, 20% polyester |
Alex Evenings Alex Evenings Sequin Cap Sleeve Sheath co*cktail Dress
Alex Evenings Alex Evenings Sequin Cap Sleeve Sheath co*cktail Dress
Pros
- Elegant embellishment
Cons
For a black tie fete, this sequin-embroidered sheath is equal parts elegant and celebratory.
| Size | 4—16 |
|---|---|
| Color | Mocha, Gunmetal |
| Fabric | 97% polyester, 3% spandex |
Vince Camuto Vince Camuto Halter Tie Neck A-Line Dress
Vince Camuto Vince Camuto Halter Tie Neck A-Line Dress
Pros
- Bust coverage
Cons
The tie neck of this simple silhouette adds interest without showing a ton of skin—perfect for those who prefer a high-necked style.
| Sizes | 0—18 |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 97% polyester, 3% spandex |
| Color | Kelly Green, Blush, Teal |
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TAE CRYSTAL STRAP ASYMMETRICAL MAXI DRESS
Pros
- Loose silhouette
Cons
Take your favorite comfy maxi and make it black tie. That's exactly with this one-sleeved gown does, with a subtle, lush shine and a jewel-studded shoulder strap.
| Sizes | 0—14 |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 80% triacetate, 20% polyester; 100% polyester lining |
Bbonlinedress Red Vintage co*cktail Dres
Pros
- Bargain buy
- Available in many colors
Cons
Available in 40 (yes 40) shades and patterns, there's a version of this reviewer-loved for every occasion—and at this price, you can get one for all of them.
| Sizes | S—XXXL |
|---|---|
| Color | 40 colors and patterns |
| Fabric | 100% Cotton |
Milly Women's Cowl Neck Rib-Knit Midi-Dress
The wedding guest version of the sweater dress you just can't get enough of, this juicy, rib knit dress adds a sophisticated cowl neck for an extra special touch.
| Size | Petite—XL |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 100% rayon |
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Adrianna Papell Adrianna Papell Floral Mikado Dress
Pros
- Pockets
- Bust coverage
Cons
Florals for a wedding? Groundbreaking. Well, at least it is when those florals are laid out on inky black that makes them anything but little girl-ish.
| Sizes | 4—16 |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 100% polyester |
Teri Jon by Rickie Freeman Metallic Floral Off-The-Shoulder co*cktail Dress
Teri Jon by Rickie Freeman Metallic Floral Off-The-Shoulder co*cktail Dress
Pros
- Classic style
Cons
You'll feel Audrey Hepburn-esque in this off the shoulder pink number, and really, who wouldn't want that?
| Sizes | 2—18 |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 48% rayon, 30% polyester, 22% metallic |
Chiara Boni La Petite Robe Chiara Boni La Petite Robe Trina Ruffle Sheath Dress
Chiara Boni La Petite Robe Chiara Boni La Petite Robe Trina Ruffle Sheath Dress
Pros
- Emphasizes the waist
Cons
A wrap effect and ruffle details take this simple sheath dress to the next level.
| Sizes | 2—18 |
|---|---|
| Colors | Iris, Black, Geranium |
| Fabric | Polyamide/elastane |
Lauren Hubbard
Writer
Lauren Hubbard is a freelance writer and Town & Country contributor who covers beauty, shopping, entertainment, travel, home decor, wine, and co*cktails.
