Short Cocktail Dresses

How to Choose a Cocktail Party Dress

As you shop for cocktail party dresses, you’ll want to keep in mind the venue and the type of celebration you’ll be attending. For example, the cocktail dress style you choose for a work party will likely be different than a short cocktail dress for a friend’s engagement party or a cocktail dress for homecoming. Check out the tips below on how to choose a cocktail dress for popular semi-formal events.

• Cocktail Parties: You’ll want to wear a sophisticated cocktail dress when attending a traditional cocktail party. Timeless little black dresses are among the most popular choices, as are trendy semi-formal party dresses with stylish details, such as corsets and open backs.


• Homecoming: Many cocktail dresses can double as homecoming dresses. If you’re attending a dinner or a dance at school, be sure to check the school dress code for the event first. After viewing the rules, choose from the many cocktail dresses for homecoming available in this assortment. You may want to keep things fun with unique cuts, colors, and embellishments, or choose a cocktail homecoming dress that shows off your shape. If a homecoming dress is what you are looking for, view all of PromGirl’s homecoming dress options here.


• Prom: You can certainly wear a cocktail dress for prom as long as your school dress code allows it. Go fancy with your cocktail prom dress by choosing a sophisticated style with sparkly embellishments that will provide just the right touch of elegance for your dance. If you are looking for a long cocktail dress, or just want to view all of PromGirl’s prom dresses, shop here.


• Wedding Ceremonies: If the wedding invitation calls for cocktail or semi-formal attire, a cocktail dress will be your go-to option. Please keep in mind, unless otherwise specified on the invitation, the bride should be the only person to wear white. Think twice before wearing a cocktail dress in champagne, ivory, or a shade that matches the bridesmaids dresses. Other than that, all the colors of the rainbow are available for your wedding-guest cocktail dress.


• Company Parties: Although it’s a celebration, it’s important that your attire at a work party is dressy, yet professional. Consider wearing a cocktail dress with a modest neckline or sleeves. Knee-length black cocktail dresses are also a great choice.


• Religious Ceremonies: For religious ceremonies like church weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, or Bat Mitzvahs, remember to dress respectfully for the ceremony. Modest cocktail dresses and semi-formal party dresses in bright colors or prints are welcome choices for these types of services. Pro Tip: You can still choose a cocktail dress with details like deep v-necklines, sheer waists, or open backs for the reception or celebration after the service, just be sure to grab a sweater or a wrap for the ceremony.

Beloved for their versatility, cocktail dresses can be worn to a variety of different events. Whatever event you’re attending, shop PromGirl to find short cocktail dresses that are ideal for parties, homecoming, prom, weddings, and more.