Nothing beats shopping for a new dress, especially cocktail dresses. A new cocktail dress usually means its time to party, dance and have fun!

Let’s be honest, shopping for any new dress is many a woman’s favorite reason to treat ourselves,  but the range in style, shape, colors and fabrics makes shopping for cocktail dresses the most enjoyable!

When is wearing a cocktail dress suitable you may ask? Here are a few tips and guidelines to help you find the right dress for the occasion. A cocktail dress is usually a short dress, meaning knee-length or above the knee, and is appropriate for a wide range of events such as cocktail parties, a semi-formal or after five party, an evening wedding or other special event. These dresses however would be overdone at a casual or business formal event.

A cocktail dress is suitable for formal dances and parties but not for balls or white tie events, in which ladies would wear long gowns or ball gowns. Since the late 1960s-early 1970s, a shorter length cocktail dress is viewed as acceptable attire at black tie events as well. Most cocktail dresses fall between a cut a few inches above the knee to a tea-length dress ending at the shin.

Whatever your preference, there is and seemingly endless sea of dresses to choose from in quite a wide range of prices. You can snap up a pretty cocktail dress from as low as $34.99 or treat yourself to a gorgeous BCBG cocktail dress from $79.99 – about $500, depending on your budget.

If you really want to treat yourself to an unforgettable night in an unforgettable dress then try a Nicole Miller on for a classic chic style. If you love made in New York then try on a bebe dress for contemporary sophistication.

Our favorite pick is this gorgeous BCBG Max Azria Gravel silk satin panel cocktail dress for only $109.95! Another gorgeous steal is this Chiffon Satin Cocktail Dress on sale at only $59.99! We also love Jessica Simpson in Chadwicks amazingly affordable range of cocktails dresses. Our featured Chadwicks One-shoulder dress is a steal at $69.99 (originally priced at $169.99!)

A plethora of cocktail dresses for maternity, plus size or juniors is also available at affordable prices, so no matter what your shape and size you can find a great deal on a stunning dress for your upcoming special event!

Below are some more of our favorite Cocktail Dresses