The Top 5 Party Dresses

When it comes to finding the perfect party dress, it can be hard to shop online. We get it. You want to find a dress that flatters your body, makes you feel really good wearing it, and suits the occasion. It doesn't hurt to find one that is of high quality, either. That's why we picked these five dresses. You can trust the sizes, trust the quality, and feel totally fantastic all day (or night) long. We've compiled a list that's appropriate for just about every single occasion from an evening out on the town to a fancy dinner party, so whatever you're looking for, you're sure to find the ultimate party dress for your next event.

GRACE KARIN Boatneck Sleeveless Vintage Tea Dress with Belt

Classy, Vintage, and Timeless

There's a reason why vintage-style dresses always look amazing: the timeless fashion of a 50's tea dress flatters everyone.

Best Overall

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Vintage-inspired throwbacks are always in and this GRACE KARIN tea dress is a definite favorite around here. With an ultra-flattering boat neck (seriously…boat necks for the win), this sleeveless dress features a slimming waistline with a belt to draw the eye in. The ball gown style skirt hits just below the knees for a bit of flounce and flair, and with multiple colors and patterns available, you’ll find yourself wanting one in every option. Made out of a cotton-spandex blend (95% cotton, 5% spandex), this is The Dress when it comes to finding the ultimate in party dresses for virtually any occasion.

Pros:

Multiple size options available (from x-small through 22 Plus)
46 unique and gorgeous colors and patterns.
Fits true to size.
Ultra-flattering cut and fabric.

Cons:

If you’re on the bustier side, you might want to order a size up.

ROMWE Party Sparkle Sequin Tank Dress

Understated, Sassy, and Classy

This dress can go either way: dress it up for a more classy affair, or wear it out for a fun night on the town.

Best Dress for a Night Out

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Love the look of a skirt and top combo? This layered sheath dress fits your curves on the bottom, yet contrasts with a flowy tank-style top. The results? An effortless elegance that is at once sexy and classy. The skirt hits a few inches above your knees while the top has a scoop neck and fully enclosed back–you’ll be fully covered, but showing just the right amount of skin. It’s seriously the best look for multiple occasions, which is part of why we love it. It’ll take you from a cocktail event to a night out dancing, and that’s the kind of versatility that we’re here for when it comes to party dresses.

Pros:

Multiple styles and color options available (some even with long sleeves).
Ultra-flattering layered look for any shape.
Forgiving top that’s got some flow, but a curve-hugging skirt on the bottom for results that totally complement each other.

Cons:

The skirt is form-fitting. If you need a little more room on the bottom, it’s recommended that you order up a size.

BELONGSCI Women’s Shift Mini Dress

Flattering and Fun

This beautiful shift party dress number is the ideal dress for your next event.

Best Shift Dress

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We admit it: we have a soft spot for the shift dress. It’s just so flattering, comfy, and pretty. And this party dress from BELONGSCI is no exception. Hitting a few inches above the knees, this dress features a few extra details that take it from ‘casual shift dress’ to sexy, fun, and fashionable. Starting with the 3/4 bell sleeve style, the flattering v-neck, and the high-density chiffon, this dress flatters everyone. We love that the shortness of the dress is balanced out by the shift-style fit and 3/4 length sleeve…it’s part of what makes it work for a more formal party dress occasion.

Pros:

28 different colors and patterns available.
Chiffon material has zero elasticity and extra breathability. It’s a true shift dress.
Cut and style is ultra-flattering.

Cons:

Dress runs a bit small. We wish there were more plus size options available. As is, there are only options from XS through XL.

MEROKEETY Women’s Sleeveless Lace Cocktail Dress

Lovely Lace Details

This flattering lace-overlay party dress has us swooning.

Best Lace Dress

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With a slimming sheath-style shape, this pretty lace-detailed dress is suitable for everything from weddings to cocktail parties to more formal events. With delicate cap sleeves, a crew-neck, and a gentle scalloped edge that hits at the knees, this dress is just so pretty we want it in every color. Love lace but worried about the coverage? This dress is fully lined (ending above the bust and just above the knee), made of soft fabric, and has a full zipper in the back for easy on-and-off. Formal events often come along with the reputation that you have to sacrifice comfort for beauty…with this number, you can feel your best and look your best, too.

Pros:

Fits as a more bodycon style dress.
Knee length is highly flattering.
Lace overlay offers a delicate feel to this body-forming dress.

Cons:

More limited size options available, from XS-XL, or from 4-14.

ZESICA Women’s Bohemian Floral Wrap Party Dress

Beautiful and Fun in One

Boho-inspired, this dress flatters everyone.

Best Boho Dress

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There’s just something about the boho-look that makes us feel extra good. This party dress is about as uncomplicated as they get, yet has all the details that make us feel our best no matter what the occasion. Made of a soft and lightweight cotton-poly blend, this maxi dress features a wrap-front, v-neck design, a frilly, fun hemline, and shorter butterfly cap sleeves.

The patterns are delightful, the fit is perfect. You’ll find yourself feeling feminine and pretty no matter where you’re wearing this dress (and trust us, you’ll want to wear it just about everywhere).

Pros:

Unlined (yet no see-through) for ultra-breathability.
Wrap closure is flattering.
19 different color and pattern choices to choose from.

Cons:

You’ll need to take care when washing this dress. While the fabric holds up, you’ll need to wash it on a delicate, cold-water cycle and hang dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best party dress for my body type?

You wanna get in on a little secret? Your body is perfect just as it is and if you like a dress, wear it. If you feel good in something, it’s the right dress for you. Period. It’s honestly that simple. Maybe those magazine lists of ‘what to wear for your body’ had you thinking you could only pull off certain looks, but we’re here to tell you: if you like something, if you feel good in it if it gives you confidence…it’s the right dress for you. No ifs, ands, or buts.

Don’t believe us? Next time you find yourself loving a dress, put it on without any judgment as to if it’s the ‘right style for your body type’. Put it on with this one simple question: do I feel good in it? If you do, get it. It’s the right one.

What’s the best style of dress for any occasion or dress code?

Unsure of the dress code? It can be tricky to decipher what to wear, and there’s nothing worse than feeling far too casual, or too dressed up, for the occasion. As with the above advice, go with what feels really good and add some accessories. You can always remove certain items if you’re feeling too dressed-up. Or, if your dress is really flattering but a bit on the casual side for the event, your confidence will shine through in how you feel in it, and confidence is something that’ll never go out of style.