Dress to Impress: 8 Best Party Dresses for Different Occasions

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When you get a party invite, skip the “What will I wear?” anxiety by shopping for dresses online. And you don’t even need to browse hundreds of items—we’ve narrowed down your choices so you can shop with ease and focus on enjoying the occasion.

Follow our handy guide to find the best party dress for any event.

8 party dress ideas for your next big night out

There are seemingly endless dresses for parties online, so we’ve sorted the best ones into eight helpful categories. Browse our top recommendations and discover where to get fashionable looks that won’t empty your wallet.

1. Little black dresses

When looking for the right party outfit, ladies often opt for the little black dress. The right black style is suitable for nearly every occasion and stays with you for years when you take good care of it.

Mango is a go-to brand for little black dresses. One of our favorites is the Bow Wrap Dress, a flowy, above-the-knee piece with a loose sash perfect for a casual date night. And it’s more size-inclusive than other Mango products, available in sizes 0–20.

We also recommend River Island’s Black Lace Shift Mini Dress for a more elegant, formal look. This item is available in sizes 6–18.

You can find more little black dresses for any gathering on ThredUp, starting at $2.99.

2. Mini dresses

A mini dress is go-to party wear for celebratory events like dances and cocktail parties.

Amazon’s exclusive brand The Drop offers the striking Hank Square Neck Mini Dress, a curve-hugging mini made of soft vegan leather that comes in sizes XS–XXL.

We also love STAUD’s Mini Ilana Dress, adorned with black sequins for a gorgeous shimmer—and it’s even better paired with a STAUD handbag. This dress comes in sizes XS–XL.

Take it easy on your bank account and thrift mini dresses on ThredUp, starting at $2.99.

3. Midi dresses

Midi dresses may be the most versatile party dress, suitable for office parties, summer get-togethers, and even formal galas.

ELOQUII’s Knot Front Pleated Skirt Dress is among the best plus-size midis, available in sizes 14–32. It drapes elegantly off the waist, providing a casual or elegant look depending on what accessories and shoes you pair it with.

H&M’s Flounced Off-the-Shoulder Dress is a breezy, floral midi perfect for weddings or date nights. The double-layered ruffle hangs delicately above a gathered waist, creating an asymmetric look with a sleek bottom half.

Thrift midi dresses on ThredUp, starting at $5.99.

4. Maxi dresses

When you want a more covered-up look (or just more flowy fabric to enjoy), long dresses are an excellent choice.

Abercrombie’s Plunge Cowl Back Maxi Dress is a lovely combination of sexy and sophisticated. The V-neck complements the plunging cowl-back, giving an elegant, flowing look that’s perfect for a wedding. This gorgeous maxi is available in sizes XXS–XXL.

Discover thousands of beautiful maxi dresses on ThredUp, starting at $5.99.

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5. High-low dresses

High-low dresses offer the best of both worlds—an asymmetrical silhouette that’s mini or midi in the front but maxi in the back. This provides a dramatic look with a wide range of movement, making it the ideal dress for a party with lots of dancing.

Reformation’s Winslow dress, available in sizes XS–XL, is breezy with gentle gathers, boasting a plunging neckline and casual mid-elbow sleeves. This style walks the line between casual and fancy, suiting both formal events and relaxed evenings out. Plus, Reformation is a sustainable fashion brand committed to reducing textile waste, so you can feel great about purchasing your next occasion outfit.

We also love Free People’s Laughlin, a billowing festival dress made of layered satin, lace, and chiffon that comes in sizes 0–14.

Find high-low dresses from these brands and more, starting at $4.99.

6. Long-sleeve dresses

These dresses are ideal for formal affairs, office parties, or colder-weather occasions.

A great choice is Dress the Population’s Nadia Dress, a refined, form-fitting look. The scoop back is a flirty detail, and both the front and back slits feature zippers so you can choose your preferred length.

Find long-sleeve dresses on ThredUp today, starting at $2.99.

7. Slip dresses

Slip dresses are a close competitor for the little black dress, providing endless versatility. Dress them up with a graceful clutch bag and heels, or style them more casually with a jacket and boots.

ALLSAINTS’ comfortable, casual Bryony V-Neck Midi comes in sizes 0–12 and a variety of bold colors. As a bonus, this piece is made of recycled fabrics, so you can feel great about your choice.

For a more formal look, opt for Zara’s Satin Slip Dress, which comes in sizes XS–XL. This piece offers a folded neckline and a fitted waist to create an elegant silhouette and pairs beautifully with a few bangles and strappy heels.

Thrift a variety of slip dresses and assemble versatile looks with ThredUp, starting at $2.99.

8. Bodycon dresses

The Bodycon, short for “body conscious,” is a tight-fitting dress designed to highlight curves. This alluring look is ideal for a cocktail party or sexy date night.

We love Jane’s Long Sleeve Mini from the Bodycon Collection, available in sizes XS–XL. It has an elegant funnel neck collar and a unique wrapped bodice that accentuates the figure-hugging shape. This luxurious dress would look stunning paired with a minimalist Prada bag.

Discover thousands of chic bodycon dresses on ThredUp, starting at $2.99.

Look your best at every party with ThredUp

There’s a dress for every event, and the perfect one should effortlessly enhance your style and confidence.

At ThredUp, you can find the perfect party dress—night or day, formal or casual. Use our detailed filters and improved search to discover dresses in various styles, sizes, colors, and price points. Plus, thrifting on ThredUp is a sustainable way to discover party dresses without contributing to fast fashion, keeping beautiful clothing in circulation.

Explore ThredUp today and start dreaming of your next chance to celebrate.

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