The Dresses

COCKTAIL

  • DKNY

    DKNY Balloon Sleeve Satin Gown

    $229

    An easy, flattering style with a balloon half sleeve to pump up the drama. The high-low hemline will work especially well for shorter shoppers. Comes in black as well as midnight blue. Sizes 2 to 14. Buy from Macy's.

  • Marina Rinaldi

    Marina Rinaldi Pleated Georgette Dress

    $1,595

    Sculptural. Stylish. Memorable. Like nothing else we've seen, from the delicate pleated fabric to the short raglan sleeves and ruched detail that creates layers of movement with the skirt. Sizes 17 to 33 (which equates to 8 to 24). Buy from Marina Rinaldi.

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  • Sachin & Babi

    Sachin & Babi Taffeta Midi Dress

    $695

    Taking the LBD to a whole new level of ladylike glam. We love the deep V, the edging on the flutter sleeve, the A-line silhouette. Sizes 0-14. Buy from Sachin & Babi.

    Mother Of independently curates the dresses we recommend. When users buy through our links, we may earn a commission.

  • Alex Evenings

    Alex Evenings Petite Sequin V-Neck Gown

    $259

    A great combination of flash and subtlety, from the shimmery sequin pattern to the cap sleeves and fit and flare silhouette. Designed to hit at ankle length and sized for petites, sizes 4P to 16P. Buy from Macy's.

  • Gemy Maalouf

    Gemy Maalouf Strapless Jumpsuit with Cape

    $3,307

    Channel your best Jamie Lee Curtis in this strapless jumpsuit—corset top; trouser style pants; feather cape to fully activate this power look. It's an investment, yes. A stunner, absolutely. Sizes 0 to 20. Buy from Gemy Maalouf.

    Mother Of independently curates the dresses we recommend. When users buy through our links, we may earn a commission.

  • Jenny Yoo

    Jenny Yoo Velvet Open Back Dress

    $295

    Love an open back moment. Especially when it's a bit of a surprise on an understated dress that is just plain pretty, with its flattering v-neck and flutter sleeve. Don't be afraid to show your shape! Sizes 0 to 26. (Comes in other jewel tones.) Buy from Anthropologie.

  • R&M Richards

    R&M Richards Off the Shoulder Long Dress

    $139

    Show some shoulder...with fancy and handy straps that will keep you from hoisting this pretty dress in place throughout the day. The sweetheart neck is soft and lovely; the metallic finish makes it special. The ankle length (versus all the way to the floor) is an especially good choice if you're shorter and worried about being overwhelmed by too much material. Comes in blue as well. Sizes 6 to 16. Buy from Dillard's.

  • Reformation

    Reformation Mock Neck Long Dress

    $348

    You don't need flashy to make a statement. The "Veida" says you're confident, cool, a little bit preppy, and hell yes, the pilates is really paying off. The mock neck and cap sleeve makes this a great option for those with a smaller chest and petites. (Reformation describes it as a Maxi, but we like the ankle length fit.) Available in a coffee color as well as navy. Sizes 0 to 12.

  • Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon

    Teri Jon Jewel Trim Cape Sleeve Dress

    $710

    Real talk: There aren't a lot of days in one's life that call for a cape (although we picture ourselves in one while dodging oncoming carts in the grocery aisles), so go for it. What we love about this particular look is the above the knee silhouette with the cut out cape sleeve, a combination you don't see all that often. And with that jeweled neckline, it's positively regal, day or night. Sizes 2-18. Buy from Neiman Marcus.

  • Mestiza

    Mestiza Strapless Ruffled Floral Midi Dress

    $525

    Pure joy, in the shape of a strapless dress with cascading ruffle detail. We absolutely adore the festive, floral print on the "Eden" dress. And that ruffled midi-length hemline is whimsical and ladylike. The structured bodice and 3% Spandex will add to a flattering fit. Sizes 0 to 14. Buy from Mestiza.

     

     

  • Johnny Was

    Johnny Was Cheetah Print Dress

    $795

    ROAR. Show your edge, balanced with a delicate dose of pretty in one memorable statement. We love the unique asymmetrical floral motif on top of the cheetah print, all woven into a perfectly wearable v-neck silhouette with flutter sleeves. One of the more unique looks we've seen this season! Sizes 0 to 18. Buy from Johnny Was.

  • Betsy & Adam

    Betsy & Adam Metallic Foil Print Gown

    $299

    You want your dress to be memorable, you like a little pattern, but don't want to overwhelm the wedding party photos. This is it! The metallic foil print, the chic navy and gunmetal combination, the flattering wrapped style with semi-sheer flutter sleeves and pockets. The "Evangelina" comes in sizes 4-14. Buy from Von Maur.