We love the cocktail dress length simply because it is universally flattering. A short cocktail dress tends to be well-fitted up top while more relaxed on the bottom half. This naturally draws eyes upward and away from problem areas like thighs. A short dress will also play down a pear-shaped figure and help your shape to look more balanced.

There’s and seemingly endless variety of short cocktail dresses available on the market. Here are our favorites!

First, we chose this Strapless Stretch Satin Dress cocktail dress by Jax. The detailing and cut are stunning enough for the red carpet, and will especially flatter a petite frame or  those looking to add some curves. Another absolutely stunning dress is this purple jewelled dress, also by Jax. The detailing on the neckline is stunning and will definitely draw all eyes up and away from any problem areas on the lower body.

If you’re looking for a short cocktail dress as by Jax as stunning as the above two but in a wider range of sizes, then we chose this Women’s stretch Satin dress, available in Peony or azul blue. The capped shoulders create an hourglass silhouette, while the clean and simple cut of the dress keep it sophisticated, fuss-free and easy to accessorize.

If you’re looking for a ultra trendy short LBD then our favorite pick is this Guess by Marciano Ellie Studded Dress. The gorgeous neckline along with the hemline keeps this cute number classy yet fun. This stunning cocktail dress is available in sizes XX small to large.

Guess by Marciano also offers this ultra chic corset cocktail dress. The color block style will flatter any figure, and the clean lines of the dress make is an extremely versatile piece for your wardrobe.

Finally, we chose this Strapless Satin Bubble Cocktail Party Dress not only because its super fun, but also is discounted 39%! This short womens cocktail dress is only $66.99 but it will look like you broke the bank on it! We love the fun length of this dress, as well as the trendy sash at the waist. This dress will definitely get you into party mode and make you stand out on the dance floor!

Regardless of where you’re off to this 2010 season, a vast array of short cocktail dresses await to make your prom, wedding reception, semi-formal, cocktail party or other special event a night to remember!

Yellow cocktail dresses are now super trendy and have made their way onto the red carpet. Gorgeous stars like Eva Longoria Parker are shining in this bold yet beautiful color. Yellow looks absolutely stunning when accented with black, either on the dress itself or with black accessories.Yellow is an often over-looked color when considering the purchase of a party or prom dress, but whether you want to go ultra trendy or vintage, here are a few gorgeous picks to make you reconsider the yellow dress!

Our top pick is definitely this Yellow Lace Cocktail Dress by Ynes with black detailing. The cut and pattern are absolutely stunning, and will flatter any body shape. This dress is the definition of style and elegance if you’re looking to stand out at the prom, a wedding reception, a cocktail party or any special event. This dress also comes in 5 other colors, ranging in size from small to extra large.

We also love this All Dolled Up Yellow Prom Dress by Odette christiane. This dress is similar to the above dress but is strapless and offers an uber cute hemline in tea length. If you really love the dress but not the color, this trendy frock is also available in a variety of other colors.

If you’re really looking for something unique, this Yellow Party Dress by Sean is a perfect choice. The fitted boddice is figure-flattering, and the detailing on the lower half will hide unwanted problem areas. This style is especially fun, and perfect if you’re looking for something unique and trendy. Its also 52% off! At such an amazing discount, this fabulous frock is a steal!

Perhaps you’re on a tighter budget? No worries! We found this Pleated Cocktail Length Yellow Dress for only $50.99! This shade of yellow is beautiful and will keep you looking fresh and fuss-free this summer 2010 season. The dress is trendy yet has a modest subtlety that makes it suitable for almost any occasion. This adorable yet affordable piece also comes in 6 other colors, and ranges from sizes X small to XXX large.

Our final pick is this ultra cute Great Lengths Prom/cocktail Dress, also by Odette Christiane. This yellow number definitely offers great style with a youthful flair! The ruffled hemline is fun and perfect for the dance floor!

There are more cute and classy yellow cocktail dresses out on the market than we could’ve imagined! This fashion hot colour is surely worth considering for your upcoming prom, cocktail party, wedding reception or any special event. If you want to stand out in the crowd in styled sophistication, then try an ultra trendy yellow cocktail dress!

If you’re looking to dazzle the crowd on a discount at your upcoming prom, cocktail party, semi-formal, wedding reception or night out on the town, there is a dress to fit your budget!

We’re all feeling the squeeze of the credit crunch, but have no fear, you can still get to your special night looking great without stressing over price.

Here are a few of our favorite cocktail dresses for

those of us on a tighter budget. This champagne metallic halter style cocktail dress is stunning! The Empire waist will flatter any body type, and at only $22.99 you can’t lose in this number!

If you’re looking for a cheap LBD (Little Black Dress) that is versatile and looks great, we love this super cute Evening cocktail halter dress with Sarong skirt by Contessa.  Form fitted on top and flowing freely on the bottom, this style draws eyes upward and away from unwanted winter pounds that may still be lingering on the thigh area.

At only $37.99 this piece is a must have staple in any woman’s closet and will serve you well at a wide variety of semi formal events and parties. Another great LBD is this Black cocktail dress with crystal detailing beneath the bustline. Available in Juniors and plus size, this piece will look great at only $29.99 (discounted 40%!)

We also love this pleated Metallic Stretch party dress as it is universally flattering and has an amazing 58% discount! This dress comes in grape/silver or bronze, and is available from sizes small to XXXXXlarge! A wonderful budget-friendly option for any shape and size!

Our favorite pick is this ultra chic yet easily affordable Stretch Jersey knee-length cocktail dress. The detailing on the waist is simply gorgeous and adds eye-catching sophistication for only $32.99!

We personally LOVE this dress in red, but it also comes in other vibrant colors such as royal blue and purple. Yes, of course its also available in black if you’re looking for something a little more subtle.

If you’re looking to play around with a retro look or to attend a theme party, then our top pick is this super fun 1950′s inspired satin party dress.   At a 30% discount, this gorgeous frock now falls under $50 and comes in a rainbow of colors and a wide range of sizes.   The sash at the waist is perfect for those wanting to add curves in the right places!

So, regardless of where you’re heading this season, whether its prom, a cocktail party, an evening out with the girls or that special someone, you can dress to impress in cheap cocktail dresses for women under $50!

Click on the picture of the dress you like for the current sale price.  Some dresses start as low as $29.99.  So if you are on a tight budget you have come to the right place.

The Cocktail Dresses shown below were sale priced at under $50 at the time of publishing.

The LBD (Little Black Dress) is probably the most versatile dress staple you own in your closet. This piece will definitely serve you well as its classic and simplistic look leaves a blank canvas for dressing up or down, and accessorizing.

There is a cocktail dress out there for all women, regardless of your body shape or personal preferences. Perhaps you’re not entirely sure when and where wearing a cocktail dress is appropriate and suitable for which occasions? Basically, black tie, black tie optional, cocktail attire, semi-formal, after five party or evening wedding would all call for women to wear this type of dress.

A cocktail dress is usually short (knee length or tea length) and never full formal length (sweeping the floor with your hemline!). A dress that is fitted well around the bust, shoulders and waist will flatter any body type, while a more flowing skirt gives an hourglass silohuette and covers over and bumps and bulges in the lower thigh regions! The knee length or tea length style of a cocktail dress also lets women show off one of their more favored areas – their calves. Couple this length with a stunning pair of heels for legs that go for days! Capped shoulders will also help to balance out a pear shaped figure and draw eyes upward to your face. Or try a halter style to show off toned upper arms and shoulders!

Remember too that women will wear different cocktail dresses depending on the weather. Don’t get frozen out or overheated in the wrong dress. For a summer ‘do, choose a lightweight, breathable fabric to keep you cool and comfortable. For a chilly winter evening reception remember to rbing along a wrap to cover up exposed arms and shoulders.

We love that with cocktail dresses, the colors, shapes and styles are almost endless, so have fun and try something new for your next party or special occasion! We also love that you can look fabulous without breaking the bank:

Check out just a few of our many favorite womens cocktail dresses starting at only $32.99!

A black cocktail dress is usually a short skirt style with a simple cut. The plain and simple neutral quality of black makes this dress the most long-lasting and versatile piece of evening wear in any woman’s closet while screaming traditional elegance, regardless of the occasion.

The Little Black Dress has been a hit right since CoCo Chanel introduced us to it in 1926, and it’s since been labeled the ‘Ford’ of the fashion world (and instant and timeless hit, like the Ford Model-T , although much more fun in our opinion!)

The color and nature of the LBD make it easy to dress up or down depending on the occasion. Dress up yours with diamond accessories, stilettos and long gloves or tone it down in the daytime with shorter heels and a black business jacket. A black cocktail dress will also easily flatter women of all age groups, shapes and sizes. This dress is chic as well as functional, and is available in a range of sizes, from maternity to plus size or junior.

How can we think of the LBD and not be reminded of our favorite first lady of film Audrey Hepburn in her timeless classic dress and string of pearls in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, or her chic Givenchy LBD in Sabrina!

The greatest thing about a black cocktail dress? It’s always in style! Classic styles and cuts such as strapless, halter, off one shoulder, pencil cut, bubble, shift, vintage, you name it…there’s a dress to flatter your body type. Black is naturally a slimming color, so it’s the all-time favorite and safe choice of most women worldwide. A black cocktail dress is like a blank canvas just waiting to be styled to your personal taste. You can also shorten or lengthen the hem to suit the changing seasons.

Having at least one black cocktail dress in your closet is a definite must for every female!

A black cocktail dress basically consists of any semi-formal dress that sits above the knee or at tea-length (hemmed at the shin.) A black dress to the ankle would be a formal gown and not suitable for a cocktail party or semi-formal occasion. Finding the right black cocktail dress for you need not cost a lot of money. Plus, the enduring quality of this dress makes it a solid investment in your wardrobe for years to come.

Remember: the simpler the dress the longer it will last in the closet and the more it can be worn and enjoyed! So rather than choosing a ultra-trendy or complicated style, try a classic cut instead, and dress it up with accessories that can be easily changed to keep the dress adaptable for special occasions and parties to come. Jewelry, wraps, scarves, gloves and more can be interchanged to spice up your LBD without breaking the bank. These accessories, along with a versatile pair of heels will ensure you’re ready for pretty much any party or special occasion.

So no matter what your event, get there in style in the classic and simple sophistication of a black cocktail dress!

Many dresses you see featured on this site are available in small and extra small.  Just click on the image of the dress you like and select your size “s” or “xs”.