Top 30 Cocktail Dresses for the Breezy Summer Season: Say Yes to the Dress

Say what men will about how beautiful their girlfriends are in sweats and no makeup (and don’t get me wrong – they are), but there’s just nothing quite like a cocktail dress to make me feel pretty and feminine. It’s about the ritual, really. Getting dolled up in a dress (be it the flowy kind you can dance in, a tight number that shows off all the right curves, or a high-fashion statement maker) and smoothing on a new lipstick gives an event a true sense of occasion…and it’s just plain old girly fun! Not to mention that breezy numbers like these are essential to beating the heat; so in honor of the official start of summer – and its cocktail season – I’ve picked out a few of my favorites, a variety sure to suit any taste…

1. Rosie Assoulin Buttercup Cotton-Faille Dress (on MATCHESFASHION.com for $2,859, from $4,086)

2. Erdem Logan Floral-Print Silk-Satin Trapeze Dress (on NET-A-PORTER for $538.50, from $1,795)

3. Issa Silvia Stretch Dress (on My Theresa for $547 from, $913)

4. Roland Mouret Abersley Crepe Dress (on My Theresa for $2,035)

5. Bottega Veneta Crepe Dress With Appliqué (on My Theresa for $2,950)

6. Victoria Beckham Silk-Paneled Floral-Print Organza Dress (on NET-A-PORTER for $1,497.50, from $2,995)

7. Miu Miu Printed Sleeveless Dress (on My Theresa for $1,918, from $2,740)

9. Giambattista Valli Embellished Silk-Blend Dress (on MATCHESFASHION.com for $1,312, from $2,625)

8. Oscar de la Renta Jacquard Wool Dress (on My Theresa for $1,357, from $2,714)

10. Matthew Williamson Embellished Silk-Organza Mini Dress (on NET-A-PORTER for $1,047.50, from $2,095)

Rochas Strapless Dress (on Shopbop for $922.50, from $1,845)
Stella Jean Mantide Funnel-Neck Sheath (at Saks Fifth Avenue for $398.20, from $995)

Christopher Kane Rope-Print Jersey Dress (at Barneys New York for $279, from $695)
Versus Black Asymmetrical Anthony Vaccarello Edition Cut-Out Dress (on SSENSE for $398, from $995)

Halston Heritage One-Shoulder Printed Crepe Mini Dress (on NET-A-PORTER for $255, from $425)
Helmut Lang Ruched Stretch-Jersey Mini Dress (on NET-A-PORTER for $136.50, from $195)

Rachel Zoe Off Shoulder Jersey Dress (on Shopbop for $88.50, from $295)
Free People Dobby Dot & Lace Pieced Trapeze Slip (on Shopbop for $88)

Elizabeth and James Lele Dress (on Shopbop for $365)
Ohne Titel Solid Pleat Knit Dress (on Shopbop for $260, from $650)

Milly Blair Sleeveless Sequined & Feather Dress (at Neiman Marcus for $243, from $695)
Michael Kors Paisley-Lace A-Line Dress (at Neiman Marcus for $1,496, from $2,995)

Marissa Webb Chelsea Check Print Dress (on Shopbop for $488.60, from $698)
Diane von Furstenberg Sarah Denim Dress (on Shopbop for $448)

Mason by Michelle Mason Deep V Dress (on Shopbop for $345, from $575)
L’AGENCE Mid Length Pleated Dress (on Shopbop for $495)

Theory Leather-Trimmed Brindina Shift Dress (at Barneys New York for $345)
Chloé Chambray Shift Dress (at Barneys New York for $1,895)

Lanvin Windowpane Twist-Front Dress (at Barneys New York for $2,250)
Diane von Furstenberg Carrie Dress (on MATCHESFASHION.com for $348)