With the increasingly warm weather of spring and summer comes a sizable spike in our social calendars—party (dress) season is officially upon us.
Not only are we making our way into the festive period, full of end of year soirees and Christmas parties, but we’re also navigating the wedding season rush that typically spans from October to March.
After months spent hibernating from the cold and sticking to a stylish rotation of jeans, trench coats and boots, ditching our layers for a party dress or three is enthusiastically welcomed.
It’s not always easy however, finding the perfect party or cocktail dress—particularly if you do, in fact, have three or more events to shop for.
So, we’ve done the hard work for you to find some of the best party and cocktail dresses of the season, that will not only make you the best-dressed partygoer, but have the potential for re-wear and longevity in your wardrobe.
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What Is Cocktail Dress?
When it comes to a cocktail dress code, the rules are relatively broad. Short, midi and maxi dress, matching sets and jumpsuits are all acceptable. Think chic and polished, dressier than your everyday attire but not quite black-tie glamour.
The Best Party & Cocktail Dresses This Season
Christopher Esber Distorted Quartz Split Tank Dress, $745 at THE ICONIC
Gretta Bow Back Mini Dress, $455 at Aje
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By Johnny. Johnny Feather Mini, $266 at THE ICONIC
Cosmic Zodiac Doily Mini, $2,750 at Zimmermann
Micro Weave Off Shoulder Dress, $699 at Manning Cartell
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L’IDEE Renaissance Split Gown, $359 at THE ICONIC
Taylor Sequin Low Back Maxi Dress, $899 at LEO LIN
Kate Spade Feather Trim Top, $799 and Satin Feather Trim Pant, $559 at Kate Spade
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Atmos&Here Fritzi One Shoulder Midi Dress, $99.99 at THE ICONIC
Embroidered Crepe Couture Dress, $8,500 at Valentino
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Shona Joy Luxe Twist Front Halter Midi Dress, $295 at THE ICONIC
Mach & Mach Crystal Bow Cut-Out Dress, $1,238 at FARFETCH
04 Diamond Dress, $768 at Paris Georgia
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Eco Green Nature Print Cassandre Mini Dress, $189.95 at Guess
Shopping December
After studying a Bachelor of Journalism at The University of Wollongong and Fashion Business at FBI Fashion College, Maddison began her now decade-long career in the media industry. She’s worked across print, digital and affiliates at some of Australia’s biggest entertainment, lifestyle and fashion titles (ELLE, Marie Claire, The Australian Women’s Weekly, Who, Girlfriend and more) covering the latest trends, cultural moments and celeb news. Currently the Senior Shopping Editor at Marie Claire and ELLE, she combines her digital expertise and ability to scroll through endless online shopping sites without tire to help fashion-devotees like her find the perfect item. From trying on countless pairs of jeans in the name of research to dissecting the latest runway shows and trawling through TikTok trends for hours on end, her obsession with finding the next must-have buy—whether it be in fashion, beauty, travel or homewares—knows no bounds.