The best cocktail dresses are the middlemen of the formalwear world. From fancy dinners to work celebrations to, yes, even weddings , the appeal of these party dresses lies in their versatility: With the right accessories, that sequin mini dress you’ve been eyeing works just as well for your friend’s courthouse celebration as it does an upcoming birthday. So why not add a few extra pieces to your closet? Think of it as manifesting more festivity, one lace-trimmed slip dress at a time.

Vogue’s Favorite Cocktail Dresses: Featured in this article

The Mint Mini Cos fluid halterneck mini dress SEE MORE $139

COS

The Ombré Slip Dries Van Noten printed ombré silk dress SEE MORE $735

MYTHERESA

The Moody Florals Khaite Sicily dress SEE MORE $1,280

KHAITE Show

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