Turn heads at your next semi-formal event in a gorgeous white cocktail dress.
White Cocktail Dress
Cocktail dresses can be the most fun pieces in your wardrobe. Sequin, faux fur, ruffles, plunging neckline—the styles are ready to help you have the best night.
While it’s tempting to wear your usual black, why not switch it up to an equally chic and easy-to-wear white cocktail dress?
Just like your little black dress, your little white dress is easy to match colors.
Style Tip: what is a cocktail dress?
😎An occasion that is a semi-formal social event, between casual and black tie, and usually calls for cocktail attire.
Whereas gowns are formal, cocktail dresses are short and tend to be more fun.
RELATED: 14 Best White Beach Dresses
How to Wear
Throw a black blazer on top, black sandals, and a quilted black chain crossbody; for a timeless black and white look.
From a neon clutch to metallic purple pumps, white creates a clean palette for you to go all out and have fun.
And if fun isn’t the vibe you want, you can easily find a white cocktail dress that is classy, sophisticated, sexy, or a bit more formal.
Black vs White
While black cocktail dresses are more popular, a white cocktail dress is equally appropriate.
So for your next semi-formal event, why not stand out in a sea of black dresses and show up in one of these 14 white cocktail dresses?
RELATED: 24 Best White Midi Dresses with Styling Tips
Our Top Picks
Best Sheath Cocktail Dress
The classic white cocktail dress! Women who love to show off their curves may gravitate toward a sheath cocktail dress.
The fitted silhouette and crepe fabric, along with the sweetheart neckline with darting on the bust, creates an extremely flattering shape.
A back slit makes it easy to walk with strappy sandals.
Material: 97% polyester, 3% spandex
Sizes: XXS-XXL
Best White Cocktail Mini Dress
While most cocktail dresses are shorter in length, this feminine style is mini, hitting above the knee. A dramatic ruffle trim adds a bit of drama for an elegant look.
Pair with any color heel and keep the jewelry to a minimum.
Material: 95% polyamide, 5% elastane
Sizes: 0-14
Best Winter White Cocktail Dress
When an event calls for cocktail attire, bring on the fun in this faux fur trim dress.
The smooth, silky material will feel nice against the skin. The crew neckline is modest and allows you to wear any bra, making it a great white cocktail dress for women bigger on top.
Material: Polyester
Sizes: 0-14
Best One Shoulder White Dress
Flattering, comfortable, and with stretch is why so many people love this dress. In fact, it has over 2,500 five-star reviews.
An asymmetrical long-sleeve on top with a flattering ruched waist makes this a dress that will live in your closet for years.
From business dinners to parties, this is sure to be your new go-to white cocktail dress.
Material: 60% viscose, 30% nylon, 10% spandex
Sizes: S-XL
Best White Cocktail Party Dress
Hosting a cocktail party? This vintage-looking white dress will be perfect for stirring up Martinis and Manhattans.
The cap sleeve, sweetheart neck, and fit-and-flare skirt lend a retro yet timeless look. Play up the swing style with some peep-toe shoes or block heel sandals.
Material: Cotton
Sizes: XS-3XL
Best Casual White Cocktail Dress
What you wear to an evening cocktail party at a hotel or a summer cocktail party on the beach is different. This poplin style is perfect for the latter.
Not only is cotton lightweight, but the swing style allows for airflow. This white dress is a great option for anyone who is looking for a cocktail dress they can wear with flats.
Material: Cotton
Sizes: XS-XL
Best White Slip Dress
While cocktail dresses tend to be short, the transparent bottom and high slit on this sexy slip dress keep it in the cocktail realm.
Satin slip dress creates a sexy and shiny look that will have you glowing all night. Throw on a blazer for chilly nights.
Material: Polyester
Sizes: 0-12
Best Fitted White Cocktail Dress
This white scuba-fitted dress is quite a stunner. One shoulder foldover neckline creates a captivating look.
And for those women who need support on top, it’s a cocktail dress that is strapless bra-friendly.
Material: 94% polyester, 6% spandex; lining: polyester
Sizes: 0-18
Best White Cocktail Dress for a Bride
Made primarily of organic cotton, this short and sweet white dress is great for anyone prioritizing eco-friendly shopping.
Adjustable shoulder ties and ruched skirt give an ethereal and romantic look. Great second look for a bride.
Material: 96% organically grown cotton, 4% spandex
Sizes: 0-12
Best White Cotton Cocktail Dress
A cheerful option, this textured cotton dress has a dynamic embroidered trim to add a hint of color to your look.
An easy-to-wear silhouette with a scoop neckline has a cool, preppy vibe. It’s a perfect option for any outdoor cocktail parties in the spring and summer.
Material: 99% cotton, 1% spandex
Sizes: 00-14
Best White Tea Length Dress
Mini dresses might not be comfortable for everyone, which is why there are cocktail dresses with a long tea length, like this option from Amanda Uprichard.
Adding coverage and sophistication are short sleeves. The flouncy skirt that hits just below the knees adds some flare and takes this from stuffy to sweet.
Material: Polyester
Sizes: XS-XL
Best White Blazer Dress
Menswear trend lovers, check out this white blazer dress. Even though it’s borrowed from the boys, it’s ultra-feminine with a sexy plunging neckline and short mini-length.
Details like padded shoulders, exposed double-breasted buttons, and bell sleeves create a unique and strong look.
Material: 94% polyester 6% elastane: lining: 97% polyester, 3% elastane
Sizes: XXS-XL
Best White Long Sleeve Cocktail Dress
Polka dots can read as quirky, but on this long sleeve mini dress, they read as elegant. Great for anyone who likes arm coverage, the reviews of this dress also commented that the fabric feels high quality.
Other details like the ruffle hem, voluminous sleeves, and a belted waist round this style out as an exquisite option. Pair with flat sandals or high heels.
Material: Polyester
Sizes: S-XL
Best White Lace Cocktail Dress
A boat neckline and a longer tea length make this a refined classy white lace dress perfect for any semi-formal event.
A great wedding or bridal event dress, the swing skirt is flattering and will be amazing spinning around the dance floor.
Material: 95% spandex,5% cotton
Sizes: XS-3XL
Pro Tip
😎Have fun with your accessories. Bright red, bold blue, neon pink, the sky’s the limit.
Next time you are looking for a cocktail-style dress, choose an LWD, a little white dress, over an LBD, a little black dress. White cocktail dresses are just as easy to style, and you’ll subtly stand out.
FAQ
Do you wear a bra with a cocktail dress?
If you need to wear a bra, you can certainly wear one with a cocktail dress. When shopping, pick a style that will appropriately support wearing a bra. You want to ensure your bra won’t be exposed.
Can white be worn for an evening party?
Yes, it works for the evening. The one occasion wearing white doesn’t work is at someone else’s wedding. Only the bride should wear white.
Is a cocktail dress long or short?
Cocktail dresses tend to be short, with a length that hits at the knee.
RELATED
Best White Maxi Dresses with Styling Tips
The 14 Best White Skirts to Add to Your Closet
All products featured on Viva Cabana are independently selected by our editorial team, and the company may earn commission through affiliate links.