Decades ago, cocktail dresses were considered a staple in the closets of the wealthy and famous. Today, cocktail dresses are semi-formal attire—fancier than a sundress or pants but more casual than a ball gown. 

Cocktail dresses are meant to be worn to late afternoon or early evening events. Typically, floor-length gowns are worn to most formal events that run late into the night. They are transitory dresses in different styles, colors, and fabrics. 

Stylish And Stunning Cocktail Dresses at Pretty Moment

If you have a cocktail party, semi-formal, school reunion, work party, or boat cruise, Pretty Moment has a wide selection of gorgeous cocktail dresses. No event? No problem! A cocktail dress is a staple in every feminine wardrobe, so having one hanging in your closet, ready to be worn, is always a good idea. 

Pretty Moment carries the most beautiful, on-trend dresses, both long and short in length. Before adding a few styles to your online shopping cart, there are some important things to consider. 

Cocktail Dress Styles

Before browsing the different styles of cocktail dresses, consider your body type and what silhouettes make you feel the most confident. Determining a budget will also keep you from aimlessly scrolling through pages and pages of cocktail dresses. 

Here are some of the most popular cocktail dress styles for 2022 and 2023:

- Cocktail dresses made with thicker, curve-hugging knit fabrics are a favorite for the fall and winter months. 

- Cocktail dresses covered in neutral or colored sequins are eye-catching and glamorous. 

- A-line cocktail dresses taper at the waist and flare out around your bottom. This style is excellent for those who want to dance the night away comfortably.

- Bodycon cocktail dresses are perfect for fashionistas who are eager to showcase their curves.

- Asymmetric cocktail dresses are very high-fashion and feature one sleeve or an intentionally uneven neckline.

- Cocktail dresses can have long sleeves, short sleeves, and straps, or they can have no straps.

- Tulle skirt cocktail dresses have full skirts that are playful and make a statement. 

- The LBCD (little black cocktail dress) is a closet must-have, as these will never go out of style.

What's the difference between a cocktail dress and an evening dress?

Cocktail dresses are less formal than evening dresses. They are also much easier to move around in, making them a great option for events where you’ll be moving around or dancing. 

Cocktail dresses also tend to come in trendier patterns than evening gowns. Because cocktail dresses are less formal, they often accentuate the curves of whoever is wearing the dress. Evening dresses are usually less form-fitting, and when they are getting designed, there’s a focus on decency and modesty. On the other hand, if you want to feel sexy and confident while showing a little skin, a cocktail dress will do the trick. 

Both types of dresses are typically made with high-quality fabrics, but it’s expected that evening dresses are made with heavier materials. For example, cocktail dresses can be made from cotton, lace, and chiffon, whereas evening dresses are usually made with taffeta, organza, silk, or velvet.

With cocktail dresses, you can also be a little more creative with accessories. Combine your cocktail dress with plenty of accessories and stylish heels, as everyone will be able to see your feet, unlike when you’re wearing a floor-length down. 

The length of the skirt is also a huge difference between cocktail dresses and evening dresses.

Are cocktail dresses short or long?

Cocktail dresses are always short. Most cocktail dresses have skirts that fall at the knee or mid-thigh area. There’s no real rule about what cocktail dress you should purchase, but you should ensure that it’s a length you feel comfortable with, especially when sitting and bending over. Cocktail dresses with a mid-thigh length skirt are best suited for those with long legs. Dresses that end at the knee are suitable for everyone, no matter their body shape or size. 

Because cocktail dresses are shorter, they should be worn to semi-formal events like birthday and engagement parties, date night with your significant other, and after-work holiday parties. 

Evening dresses and ball gowns typically flow down to the floor, making them most appropriate for formal events and weddings.