The best cocktail dresses are the middlemen of the formalwear world. From fancy dinners to work celebrations to, yes, even ...

First, let’s define a cocktail dress. More casually known as party dresses, the best cocktail dresses “are short and sweet,” says Caroline Maguire fashion director at Shopbop.

Crossbody bags are also welcome, but leave the casual satchels and slings behind. Something with a chain strap or thin strap and structured shape will match the dress code nicely. Feel free to add ...

For women, glitzy dresses of any length are appropriate — just not a gown." In other words, cocktail attire is a dress code that falls somewhere between casual and black tie.

A simple cocktail dress is a must-have for evening festivities, and if you need one in a pinch, Amazon has some highly affordable options. This stretchy midi dress has a rosette decal that ...