Top Brands for Stunning Cocktail Dresses

Cocktail dresses are a staple in every fashion-forward individual's wardrobe, serving as a go-to option for myriad social occasions. The market is brimming with designers and brands that craft exquisite pieces, each offering unique styles that cater to various tastes and preferences. Factors such as quality of fabric, design innovation, and fit play a critical role in determining the cream of the crop in cocktail dress fashion. To help you navigate this stylish realm, we've compiled a list of the best brands that promise to elevate your cocktail dress collection. Discover the details below.

Illustration of cocktail dresses

Best brands of cocktail dresses in 2025

Reformation

Reformation is renowned as one of the top producers of cocktail dresses, particularly favored by millennials and celebrities like Selena Gomez and Kaia Gerber. Founded in 2009, the brand has seen significant growth, with sales projected to hit $140 million, more than five times its 2015 figures. Known for its sustainable practices, Reformation dresses are made with environmentally friendly materials and have a lower carbon footprint. The brand offers a wide range of styles, including midi, mini, and silky dresses, and caters to various body types with extended and petite sizing. Each item is detailed with a RefScale, highlighting its environmental impact.

BCBGMAXAZRIA

BCBGMAXAZRIA, renowned for its exquisite and elegant cocktail dresses, was launched by Tunisian designer Max Azria in 1989. The brand's name is inspired by the Parisian slang "B.C.B.G," meaning authentically classy, reflecting the label's commitment to quality and glamour. BCBGMAXAZRIA dresses are often favored by celebrities and fashion editors for important events, known for their frilly and fabulous designs that follow fashion trends without succumbing to fads. The brand offers a wide range of styles, including sleeveless, pleated, and embellished designs, available in various colors and lengths. With discounts up to 76% off on select items, BCBGMAXAZRIA provides luxury fashion at accessible prices. Discover their glamorous collection of cocktail dresses.

Zimmermann

Zimmermann, founded in 1991 by sisters Nicky and Simone Zimmermann, is renowned for its exquisite and feminine cocktail dresses, which have become a staple in the wardrobes of fashion influencers, celebrities, and style enthusiasts. Known for their impeccable craftsmanship, luxurious fabrics, and attention to detail, Zimmermann's dresses offer a blend of classic A-line silhouettes and contemporary designs, often featuring bold prints, vibrant colors, and playful details. These dresses are designed to make a statement, whether for a night out or a formal event, and are available in various styles, including mini, midi, and maxi dresses. With prices ranging from around $500 to over $2,000, and occasional sales offering discounts of up to 70%, Zimmermann's cocktail dresses are a timeless investment for any special occasion. Loved by icons like J.Lo, Beyonce, and Kate Middleton, Zimmermann's dresses are a testament to the brand's commitment to style and quality.

Alice + Olivia

Alice + Olivia, founded in 2002 by Stacey Bendet, is renowned for its feminine and eclectic designs, making it a top choice for cocktail dresses. The brand offers a wide range of party-ready dresses with intricate embellishments and vivid patterns, ensuring bold and confident styling. You can find these dresses at various price points, with some items available at up to 60% off during sales. The brand's commitment to quality and style is evident in its best-selling pieces, such as the Delora and Chara collections. Whether you're looking for maxi dresses, midi dresses, or mini dresses, Alice + Olivia has something to flatter every individual style. Explore their vast selection of night out dresses to find your perfect fit.

Aidan Mattox

Aidan Mattox is renowned for its exquisite and sophisticated cocktail dresses, offering a wide range of styles including one-shoulder, off-the-shoulder, and halter necklines. Their collections feature bold sequin dresses, elegant gowns with romantic details, and chic, clean lines that elevate and accentuate the wearer's features. With discounts of up to 72% off on some designs, Aidan Mattox makes high-fashion accessible. Their dresses are perfect for various occasions such as proms, weddings, and date nights, ensuring a glamorous and memorable look. The brand's attention to detail and use of high-quality materials like crepe georgette, velvet, and metallic fabrics make their dresses stand out. You can explore their stunning collection of Aidan Mattox dresses on Bloomingdale's website.

Oscar de la Renta

Oscar de la Renta is a renowned brand celebrated for its exquisite and sophisticated cocktail dresses, continuing the legacy of the late designer who was a staple in American fashion. The brand, now led by designers Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia since 2016, offers a wide range of stylish and elegantly constructed dresses, often featuring playful prints and fresh silhouettes. Oscar de la Renta's designs are favored by socialites and celebrities, and the brand is known for its high-quality materials such as silk, satin, and velvet. With discounts of up to 80% available on some pieces, the brand remains accessible to a broader audience while maintaining its luxury appeal. Oscar de la Renta's cocktail dresses are available in various colors and fabrics, ensuring there is something for every special occasion. For more information, explore their collection on Moda Operandi.

Marchesa

Marchesa is renowned for its exquisite and high-end women's cocktail dresses, offering a range of stylish and sophisticated designs. The brand is known for its intricate details, such as embellishments, fringes, and sequins, as seen in their clearance collections where prices are reduced by up to 81% off the original price. Marchesa Notte, a subset of the brand, specializes in ready-to-wear eveningwear, including cocktail dresses with vibrant colors and dynamic silhouettes. Their designs are highly sought after, contributing to the growth of the global party dress market, which is expected to reach USD 20.88 billion by 2032. With complimentary shipping and 14-day returns, Marchesa ensures a seamless shopping experience for its customers. For more information, visit their official website.

Self-Portrait

Self-Portrait has established itself as a leading brand for cocktail and party dresses, known for its elegant, structurally intricate designs that appeal to a broad spectrum of women. Founded in 2013 by Han Chong, the brand has achieved significant commercial success, with revenues doubling each year since 2020 and reaching £28.5 million in 2021. Self-Portrait's expansion into China through a joint venture has made the country its largest market, accounting for 37% of sales. The brand's direct-to-consumer channels drive 65% of its sales, and it maintains an EBITDA margin between 25 and 32%. With a presence in key markets including London, China, Taiwan, Bangkok, and Hong Kong, Self-Portrait continues to grow, including plans to open an additional 80 stores in China over the next two years. For more insights into Self-Portrait's global business achievements, visit the Business of Fashion article.

Diane von Furstenberg

Diane von Furstenberg is renowned for producing some of the most iconic and empowering cocktail dresses, particularly her legendary wrap dress, which debuted in 1973 and has since become a symbol of female liberation and elegance. This design has endured for over 50 years, with its versatility and flattering cuts making it a staple for women of all body types. The wrap dress has been worn by influential figures such as Michelle Obama, Kate Middleton, and Madonna, cementing its status as a timeless fashion piece. The brand's use of high-quality Italian and French fabrics, along with bold and daring prints, has contributed to its enduring popularity. In 1999, sales of her wrap dresses exceeded $20 million, highlighting the brand's significant impact on the fashion industry. For more insights into Diane von Furstenberg wrap dresses, visit their blog.

Needle & Thread

Needle & Thread is renowned for its exquisite and ultra-feminine contemporary women's wear, particularly its stunning cocktail dresses. The brand offers a wide range of styles, including voluminous tulle, statement ruffles, and show-stopping evening gowns available in sizes US 0-20. Their new season collections feature elegant midi dresses, chic minis, and floor-length gowns, perfect for any special occasion. With up to 50% off on select items during their sale, customers can indulge in high-quality, fashionable pieces at discounted prices. The brand's festive styling suites and collaborations with iconic venues like The Savoy Hotel highlight its commitment to luxury and style. Explore elegant midi dresses for a refined touch to any wardrobe.