Cocktail Dresses and
Cocktail Attire For Women

Cocktail dresses may be worn After 5 pm for cocktail parties, dinner at upscale restaurants, semi formal holiday and anniversary parties with friends and family, and for seeing non-opening night theater, ballet, opera, or symphony performances.  (If you're uncertain what's appropriate, this what to wear when guide can help.) 

If you're on a budget, stick with dresses or cocktail separates that have clean lines and simple silhouettes.  That way, you can wear the same thing over and over yet change the look by swapping accessories, adding an evening wrap, wearing your hair and makeup differently, etc.

Red Cocktail Dress
 from Chadwick's

 Cost Guidelines Key: 
  $ = Discount  | $$ = Moderate   | $$$ = Higher End

Avenue

Find cocktail dresses, casual attire, outerwear and more from this trendy plus size retailer.  They also have jewelry, shoes, and boots.  Too cute!  Petite and tall sizes available. $

Catherine's

Chic yet beautiful cocktail attire, evening wear, business, casual, social, and loungewear for the discerning woman size 16W to 34W. Also has petites. $$

Chadwick's

Want great looks at budget-friendly prices? From cocktail attire to outerwear and business apparel to accessories, this popular mail order giant has it all. See why they've been around for years. $-$$

Charlotte Russe

Trendy casual clothes and cocktail attire for the late teen or 20-something crowd. Nice selection of misses, women's, and petite sizes. $$

Couture Candy

Indulge your "passion for fashion" at this disount designer website, where you'll find everything for cocktail dresses and evening wear to jeans and T-hirts.  Beautiful accessories, too! $$-$$$

Fashion Bug

Looking for great style on a small budget?  Fashion Bug can help.  From career and casual to swimwear and cocktail attire, this popular shop has it all -- including petites, plus, and maternity sizes.  $

French Connection

Get trendy, of-the-moment cocktail dresses, casual clothes, accessories, outerwear, and more from this venerable British retailer.  Lots of cute looks, tons of great fashion styling ideas.  $$

Lane Bryant

Looking for great cocktail, casual, business, and swimwear in sizes 14 and up?  Lane Bryant can help.  See why this plus size retailer has been popular for decades.  Also has petite and tall sizes. $$

Macy's

Can't make it to Manhattan to shop this legendary department store?  No problem!  Just click away online for designer business, casual, cocktail, and evening attire from the brands you've grown to trust. Plus sizes also available. $$

Overstock

Find great discount designer party dresses, business attire, casual clothes, accessories, and more at this merchandise liquidation site.  Nice selection that changes frequently.  Shipping always only $2.95. 
$-$$

Promgirl

Looking for a pretty formal that doesn't look like anyone else's?  Check. Promgirl.  Short dresses, long dress, shoes and gloves -- you'll be set from head to toe!  Petite and plus sizes available, as well as dress recommendations for each body type. $$

Roaman's

Chic, classic lines. Beautiful, trendy clothes. If you're a size 12 or more, you may be able to find everything you need-- from cocktail attire and evening wear to business suits and casual wear--at this popular women's size retailer. Also has petite and tall sizes. $

Smart Bargains

This is the home of Loehmann's on the web, and like the legendary retailer, you'll find plenty of unbelievable deals.  The best part?  No dressing room!  Try it on in the comfort of your home.  Lots of petite and plus sizes available.  $ to $$$

Women Suits

Find social and evening suits plus beautiful cocktail and evening attire at this one-of-a-kind site.  P.S.  They also have the most gorgeous Sunday church apparel around.  Plus sizes available.  $$ - $$$

XOXO

Beautiful, trendy casual and cocktail/party clothes, with an emphasis on chic.  While some of the pieces are clearly for the 20-something crowd, there are enough cute tops and jackets to spice up a classic wardrobe for women of any age. Outerwear and accessories too.  Très chic! $$

Zappos

Yes, Zappos sells shoes -- plus a whole lot more!  In fact, it's become one of the best places to shop for discount designer apparel online.  Business attire, casual clothes, outerwear - you name it!  If you like great bargains AND great service, take a look at Zappos.  $-$$$

As you can see, you can shop online for beautiful cocktail dresses and cocktail separates.

Remember, if you need help trying to figure out what to wear when, our Occasion Magic ebook can help.