These Affordable Cocktail Dresses Work For Literally Every Type Of Wedding

Ok, so you just got invited to a loved one's wedding, and you're super excited to celebrate the happy couple. The dress code says "cocktail attire"—sounds simple enough, right? Well, with so many different styles and levels of formality in cocktail dresses, chances are that you may be having a difficult time finding one that suits you best.

What do you wear to a cocktail style wedding?

There's a big spectrum for cocktail attire, but you'll want to start with a dress that's either knee or midi-length. Then, you of course want to prioritize being comfortable, according to stylist Grace Thomas. You'll also want to think about the venue the wedding will be at—a beach wedding will have a different vibe than one that's in someone's backyard or at a restaurant, for example.

Peep some of the best cocktail dresses for weddings here:

What kind of cocktail dress do you wear for each season?

What you want to shop for depends on the season in which the wedding you're going to is. For example, Thomas says that organic materials like linen and cotton are great for summer weddings, because they're super breathable and lightweight. For a fall or winter soirée, wedding stylist Lesley Brickman says you'll want to opt for thicker fabrics such as lace, velvet, silk, or satin.

Don't stress too much about the outfit, though—weddings are about having fun, after all! “Confidence is beautiful on a woman, no matter what your dress looks like," says Brickman. "Pull your look together with fun accessories, like a bold shoe, earring, or bracelet."

See below for the 23 best, most elegant cocktail dresses for every type of wedding and season: