Turn Up the Heat This Season in a Steamy Summer Cocktail Dress

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We're finally at that time of year when we get to wear pretty summer cocktail dresses, folks. (!!!) Gliding through starry nights and spending time with good company while stunting in dreamy 'fits = the perfect scenario, right? So of course you already know we're about to present you with the most alluring options for le season. You're welcome!

But before we get into all of the must-have frocks of summer, let's first break down the anatomy of a cocktail dress. (It'll be quick. Promise.) A cocktail dress, not to be mistaken with a sun dress or a going-out summer dress, is a mix between casual and formal. It's a dress you wear in the late afternoon or evening to a gathering—whether that's a group of friends or a work party. These events typically involve drinks (think: fancy-ish happy hours) and have a fun-yet-sophisticated ambience.

While cocktail dresses work year-round, in the summer, you'll probably see some flirty colors, a few frills, and anything between midi and mini in length. Summer cocktail attire is perhaps a bit less formal than other iterations of this dress code—so if you want a full rundown on cocktail dress etiquette, then I recommend you click here for all the deets. It never hurts to be extra-prepared!

Our top picks for summer cocktail dresses in 2023:

We're certain your upcoming summer plans already involve days spent in swimsuits and picnic outfits—but when the sun begins to go down (and bless us with that golden hour light), you're going to want to grab one of the following 20 best summer cocktail dresses.

Kingsley Dress - Sabo Checkerboard

Summer is all about having fun and this checkerboard print dress is the right pick if you're feelin' especially playful.

Structured Bardot Puff Sleeve Mini Prom Dress

Show off them shoulders and flounce around in this perfect puff sleeve bb!

Always Fits Plissé Mini Dress

Not only is this hot pink mama cute, but plissé is the ideal material to wear in the summer bc it means NO IRONING :)

Rave Review: "This dress hits all the right spots! The material is nice and light. Absolutely love it! Obsessed is an understatement. Please make more colors, Good American!"

Heat of the Moment Orange Asymmetrical Cutout Bodycon Midi Dress

Things are heating up and I ain't talkin' about outside.

Rave Review: "Lovely dress; it's pretty casual and light. Fits very well and is quite flexible. However, I hadn't realized it had an opening on both sides! I really didn't mind as I'd purchased it to wear on vacation. It's gorgeous!"

Celestia Ruched Off the Shoulder Dress

Planning on a night under the stars? Shimmer your own way in this ruched one.

Fringe Dress

Headed to the dance floor? This fringe dress will look so good while you twist and turn all evening. Plus, the gorge hue will ensure all eyes are on you.

V Neck Structured Mini Dress

This cocktail dress brings the summer vibes into full force. I absolutely love the graphic design on this one!

Adriana Lace Inset Satin Minidress

How sultry is this satin mini dress? Oof, you'll be killin' em in this one.

Rave Review: "FEMININE ENERGY ON 100! I loved how delicate and beautiful this dress made me feel and has so much sexiness at the same time. It was perfect for our anniversary night in Vegas. Normally I would buy a small in dresses but this did run a little tight in the torso. Love that they make the larger cup sizes also since I’m a 36C, the D/DD cups were perfect!"

Calliope Satin Tie Front Maxi A Line Dress W. Pockets

This chartreuse stunner is a bit dressier—so if you're attending an upscale event this summer it'll be totally appropriate. Plus, it has pockets!!!

Rave Review: "I loooove this dress.It’s absolutely gorgeous! The fabric is nice and flowy. I just wished I sized down because it’s naturally loose…But otherwise no regrets 🥰🥰🥰"

Netting Dress With Fringe Hem

Yessss, I'm all the way caught up in this netted dress. The fringe hem is a nice touch, isn't it?

x REVOLVE Asymmetrical Mini Dress

This fierce cocktail dress is going straight to the hell yes pile. Accessorize with some gold jewelry and strap heels, and get ready to own the night.

Camila Coelho Zoey Mini Dress

Show up to show out, people! Summer nights can still have a chilly breeze to them, so make sure you have a snug look like this in your closet as well. The cutouts will work great for ventilation LOL.

Halter Satin Midi Dress with Wrap Waist Detail

In case you haven't noticed, we're really loving bright colors this year. Go dancing, sip martinis at a rooftop bar, fall in love... Everything is possible in this coral look.

Rave Review: "I was worried that this color would be too bold for me, but it was stunning in real life. Felt very sexy and received lots of compliments."

Manhattan One Shoulder Gown

You clean up extra nice and this one shoulder baddie easily proves it. PS: Say goodbye to mopping the floor with this gown—a petite version is available if ya need!)

Rave Review: "STUNNING!! Run don’t walk! My sister is wearing this as a bridesmaid dress for my wedding and we can’t wait! Doesn’t need to be altered at all! She’s also 5”8 like the model and we agree it’s very true to size. So excited! Tempted to order everything in white for myself."

Chase The Blues Midi Dress Green

This one has a modern fairytale vibe and I'm here for it.

Rave Review: "Pretty true to size! I’m normally a S but bought a M and had it taken in to fit when the S was backordered. Material is super light and airy. I would recommend a structured strapless bra with it, though, as the top itself isn’t overly structured. I got so many compliments!"

Ruby Edge Of Romance Midi Dress

Prepare for a night of romance with this beaut. It's a bit formal, but has a few spicy details that are sure to leave jaws on the floor.

Gala Dress Midi in Navy Floral

The shoulder straps on this midi guarantee that your bra straps won't come out to play. We love a dress that's considerate and super cute :)

Ovation Dress

If I had to design a Bridgerton dress to fit this modern age, then I would create this exact dress. A sweet, gentle look (that still packs a punch) for a night in the summer breeze.

Carlota Dress

Equipped with a strappy back, ruched detailing on the front, and a gorgeous tie detail, this creamy mini dress is simply iconic.

Rave Review: "This item keeps selling out, so I was able to do a custom order request!" says one customer. "I'm wearing this for my rehearsal dinner (which is more of a rooftop cocktail style) and it fits perfect!"

Maui Mini Dress

There's no better material than linen when it comes to the summer. This flare mini dress is simply jaw-dropping, and you're sure to get sooo many compliments.

So, what's okay to wear to a summer cocktail party?

Figuring out what, exactly, to wear to a summer cocktail party shouldn't be too difficult. There are a few rules you wanna make sure you follow, though. Let's get into it, shall we?

Watch the length of your dresses and skirts.

Cocktail attire typically features shorter dresses and skirts—like midis and minis—but you still want to be aware of how tiny your ensemble is. Most events won't enforce a specific length like a local high school might (IYKYK), but for your own comfort, take a peek at your 'fit before heading out. If you feel like it might be too short for wherever you're going, it probably is. (Pro tip: Make sure you can sit down in a chair comfortably!)

Skip the super casual looks.

Though summer cocktail attire isn't particularly formal, it's certainly not casual. This means leaving the jeans, shorts, sweats, and sneakers at home. If you're not a big fan of summer cocktail dresses, you can always opt for a chic skirt or tailored suiting. Just make sure the fabrics are light and breathable for hot evenings.

Why trust Cosmo:

Cosmo’s team of digital fashion experts—which includes Fashion Features Director Rachel Torgerson and Fashion Editor Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien—have decades of combined experience in the industry. They spot relevant trends on the runway before they even hit your TikTok FYP or Insta Explore Page and conduct research across retailers of all kinds—testing many brands IRL—to bring you the best clothing and accessory picks for every season. Basically, we’ve curated the internet to bring you the chicest options like it’s our job (because it is, heh).

We have pretty high standards when it comes to clothing and accessory recommendations. Each of our shopping articles adheres to the 15 Percent Pledge and includes products for all sizes. Each of our shopping articles adheres to the 15 Percent Pledge and includes pieces for all sizes. And you better believe we read those product reviews (and test many of the brands IRL) so you don't have to. You're welcome!

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