Shop some of our favourite cocktail dresses in Australia

Attending a birthday party, wedding or a business event where the casual pants and top isn’t going to cut it? A cocktail dress is vital to any wardrobe – you never know when you need to get dressed up!

But don’t mistake a cocktail dress for a normal dress. A cocktail dress is normally donned for more formal events, paired with elegant heels and other accessories. However, a regular dress is worn for more casual events and typically mini.

Everyone needs a cocktail dress in their wardrobe. (Image: Getty)

To save you the hassle of finding some of the best cocktail dresses in Australia, we’ve listed them below.

The best cocktail dresses in Australia:

01

Karis Drop Waist Maxi Dress

from $300.00 at The Iconic

Stand out among the cocktail dressed party with this elegant drop waist maxi dress from Minima Esenciales. This cocktail dress screams effortless charm it a black bodice and flowing maxi skirt. Continue with the black and white theme of the dress and accessorise with black heels or add a pop of colour to spice up the outfit.

Sizes: 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16

Colours: Black Neutral.

Materials: Main Bodice: Polyester, Elastane. Skirt: Viscose, Polyester.

Key features:

• Length: 122cm (size 8)
• Back zip closure
• Drop waist design

02

Aletta Maxi Dress – Cowl Cross Back Dress in Aletta Burn Out Floral

from $159.95 at Showpo

If your the flirty, charming, life of the party type of girl, this Aletta Maxi Dress from Showpo is the perfect thing to wear to a cocktail party. Cowl neckline, combined with a thigh high split means you’ll be snatching all the compliments. The stunning floral print continues all over the dress as it falls into a straight sheer mesh skirt.

Sizes: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20

Colours: Aletta Burn Out Floral.

Materials: Nylon, Rayon, Polyester

Key features:

• Cowl neck
• Thigh high split
• Invisible zipper on the centre back
• Velvet burn out detail
• Partially lined to hip
• Length: 147cm (Size 8)

03

Chyna Midi Dress

from $139.00 at The Iconic

With Runaway the Label always being on trend, it should come as no surprise this Chyna Midi Dress made the best cocktail dress list. Adding a touch of style to the dress is the asymmetrical neckline with one twisted strap. The waist is complimented by the ruching on the sides. If navy isn’t your colour however, the dress does come in red.

Sizes: 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16,

Colours: Navy, Red.

Materials: Polyamide, Lurex, Spandex, Polyester.

Key features:

• Asymmetrical neckline with one twisted strap
• Side leg split
• Ruching on the sides
• Length: 128-130cm (Size S)

04

Madelyn Maxi Dress

from $169.00 at The Iconic

Nothing quite stands out among the crowd like cobalt – especially if its your colour! However, if this isn’t your colour of choice, this Madelyn Maxi Dress from Madison The Label does come in black and yellow. This style features a seductive v-neckline with thin straps, and adding some texture to the design with ruffle detailing.

Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL

Colours: Cobalt, Yellow, Black.

Materials: Polyester.

Key features:

• Thin straps
• V-neckline
• Length: 160cm
• Ruffle details

05

Envy Midi Dress in Black

from $299.95 at Myer

A simple black dress is a necessity for any wardrobe, but something about the gold metal chain at the waist is capturing our attention – and it will definitely grab others. The Envy Midi Dress shows timeless sophistication, but with edge! A form-fitting silhouette with a flattering square neckline and front split.

Sizes: 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16

Colours: Black.

Materials: Polyester, Elastane.

Key features:

• Square neckline
• Metal chain waistline detail
• Fully lined
• Front side split

06

Eliam Dress

from $229.95 at The Iconic

Get ready to turn heads at your next cocktail party with this stunning red dress from Azzurielle. Straying away from the traditional neckline with a stunning off-the-shoulder asymmetrical drape neckline. The dress accentuates the waist by ruching at the hit and an elasticated waist seam. The Eliam Dress is versatile – perfect for a night out in the city or attending a beachside party.

Sizes: 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18

Colours: Wine, Navy.

Materials: Viscose.

Key features:

• Length: 142.4cm (size 8)
• One shoulder
• Elasticated waist seam
• Concealed side zip
• Straight cut
• Partially lined

07

Barcelona Strapless Dress in Black

from $132.97 (usually $189.95) at Myer

If your looking for a timeless cocktail dress that can be worn for any occasion, this Barcelona Strapless Dress from Review was made for you! This strapless dress with a fitted silhouette can speak for itself or can be glammed up with accessories. As an added bonus, the strapless neckline features internal boning and gripper tape for support.

Sizes: 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18

Colours: Black, Ink, Ivory

Materials: Polyester, Elastane

Key features:

• Strapless dress with boning
• Centre back invisible zip
• Split at the centre back
• Fully lined
• Barcelona stretch crepe fabric with stretch satin
• Gripper tape at top of neckline