Skip to main content

Summer Cocktail Dresses

3
to
141
409
127
1
1
305
356
1
1
5
34
35
12
63
136
508
331
156
77
76
79
59
49
45
35
645
17
1
Sort By
Christian Lacroix Vintage silk matelasse off shoulder dress with rhinestones
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
. Perfect for summer cocktail dress. Bust: 34"-36"/ Waist: 24" - 28" (stretch) Hip: 36" / Length: 38
Category

1990s French Cocktail Dresses

1950s blue and grey silk polkadot halter cocktail dress
By Daniel Werle
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless and chic vintage 1950s Werle blue and gray polkadot summer cocktail halter a line dress
Category

1950s American Casual Dresses

Geoffrey Beene Vintage Multi color Cocktail Dress with Jacket
By Geoffrey Beene
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Late 1980s Geoffey Beene beautiful cocktail dress in green, blue and light pink. Dress come with
Category

1980s American Summer Dresses

Thierry Mugler Vintage Black Cotton Wrap Dress with Acrylic Belt, 1990s
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
summer cocktail dress. Size: Small Bust:34"/ waist: 24"/ HIp: 32"/ Length: 35"
Category

1990s French Casual Dresses

Zandra Rhodes Vintage Purple Blue Off Shoulder Cocktail Silk Dress
By Zandra Rhodes
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1980s Zandra Rhodes off shoulder purple blue silk chiffon cocktail dress. Fit Size 4 Bust: 34
Category

1980s British Summer Dresses

Jil Sander Bold Blue Fully Lined Silk Crepe Strapless Cocktail Dress
By Jil Sander
Located in New York, NY
This wonderfully elegant Jil Sander strapless cocktail dress in bold blue is enforced with an
Category

20th Century Italian Summer Dresses

Yves Saint Laurent By Tom Ford Tangerine Silk Blouse and Skirt set
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Beautiful summer Yves saint Laurent By Tom Ford. Sleeveless V neck blouse with dozens button and
Category

Early 2000s French Summer Dresses

1970s Adele Simpson Grey Silk Floral Print Halter Top, Pants and Shawl
By Adele Simpson
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
. The set comes with beautiful large silk fringe shawl. Perfect for Summer cocktail party or wedding
Category

1970s American Summer Dresses

Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Purple Silk Blouse and Maxi Skirt Ensemble, 1990s
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
sash belt attached ( it can be removed). Perfect for cocktail party ensemble. blouse and skirt marked
Category

1990s French Summer Dresses

Gucci One-Shoulder Cocktail Dress, Spring-Summer 2008
By Frida Giannini, Gucci
Located in Geneva, CH
In a vibrant sunny yellow shade that really stands out, this Gucci cocktail dress is made from a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cocktail Dresses

Balenciaga Haute Couture Moiré Cocktail Dress, Spring-Summer 1963
By Balenciaga
Located in Geneva, CH
This lovely haute couture watered (moiré) silk taffeta dinner/cocktail dress is the ideal "Little
Category

1960s French Cocktail Dresses

John Galliano Vintage Bias Cut Cocktail Dress Spring Summer 1995
By John Galliano
Located in New York, NY
John Galliano Spring Summer 1995 Bias Cut Cocktail Dress. This is an exquisite piece as it's
Category

1990s Cocktail Dresses

Guy Laroche Haute Couture Silk Dress, Spring-Summer 1967
By Guy Laroche
Located in Geneva, CH
A fantastic piece of haute couture, this Guy Laroche dress is perfect for either daytime events or
Category

1960s French Cocktail Dresses

Oscar de la Renta Summer Late Day Evening Party Dress
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Los Angeles, CA
mylar shapes gives it an original and fresh Summer Look. Dress is beautifully made with strapless
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Dresses

1930s Floral Print Silk Lamé Cocktail Day Dress
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
sleeves with V shape exposure. Dress has snap on button on the side. Perfect for downton abbey summer
Category

1930s French Cocktail Dresses

Documented Emanuel Ungaro Silk Leopard Print Wrap Dress, Spring-Summer 2000
By Emanuel Ungaro
Located in Geneva, CH
From the SS2000 Emanuel Ungaro collection, this wrap dress features a large ruffle on the cleavage
Category

Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses

S/S 1991 Gianni Versace Purple Gathered Ruched Sleeveless Cocktail Dress
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
/Summer 1991 collection, this dress features a crew neckline and button closures at one shoulder. The
Category

1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Vintage Pink Cocktail Dress
By Marldena
Located in London, GB
A chic dress for Spring / Summer. In a pretty textured pink fabric, this dress has spagetti
Category

1960s Unknown Cocktail Dresses

S/S 2002 Gianni Versace by Donatella Red Lace Up Backless Cocktail Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
bright red dress was released with the Spring/Summer 2002 collection, with similar garments displayed on
Category

Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Spring/Summer 2011 Alexander McQueen Folklore Fin Dress
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Whimsical Alexander McQueen Folklore Fin dress from the Spring/Summer 2011 collection. From one of
Category

2010s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Gianfranco Ferre Runway Embellished Dress, Spring-Summer 2005
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Geneva, CH
Made from stretch jersey and snakeskin, this 00's Ferré dress (look n° 78 from the SS2005
Category

Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Spring/Summer 2015 White Embroidered Silk Jacquard and Chiffon Dress
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Beautiful dress from the Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2015 collection by Sarah Burton. The off
Category

2010s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Dolce & Gabbana spring summer 2015 one sleeve black jersey & tassel dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Antwerp, BE
Dolce & Gabbana spring summer 2015 one-sleeve black jersey & tassel dress Unfortunately, all the
Category

2010s Italian Cocktail Dresses

A French Summer Dress In Rayonne Taffeta Fabric Circa 1920/1930
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1920/1930 France Pretty summer dress in pink rayon decorated with roses dating from the
Category

1920s French Cocktail Dresses

A French Summer Dress In Rayonne Taffeta Fabric Circa 1920/1930
A French Summer Dress In Rayonne Taffeta Fabric Circa 1920/1930
Free Shipping
Size: French equivalent size 36
Prada S/S 2007 Gray silky cocktail dress
By Prada, Miuccia Prada
Located in Milano, IT
- Spring Summer 2007 - Sold by Skof.Archive - Designed by Miuccia Prada - Dark gray silk cocktail
Category

Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Gucci By Tom Ford Gathered Stretch-Satin Jersey Dress, Spring-Summer 2003
By Tom Ford, Gucci
Located in Geneva, CH
Designed to complement your shape, this cocktail dress is made from black slinky stretch-satin
Category

Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Spring/Summer 2011 Prada Green and Black Stripe Cherub Print Strapless Dress
By Prada
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Spring/Summer 2011 Prada printed dress. Green and black horizontal stripe with neon green and
Category

2010s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Thierry Mugler Cocktail Dress SS 1995 Black Dramatic Scultural
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Gorgeous dramatic Thierry Mugler Raffia Cocktail dress, Spring Summer Collection 1995 Featured on
Category

1990s French Cocktail Dresses

Roberto Cavalli S/S 2006 Black ruffle cocktail dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Milano, IT
- Roberto Cavalli - Sold by Skof.Archive - Spring - Summer 2006 - Black ruffle cocktail dress
Category

Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses

new ROSIE ASSOULIN SS19 Runway rainbow beaded striped midi summer dress US0 XS
By Rosie Assoulin
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new ROSIE ASSOULIN SS19 Runway rainbow beaded striped midi summer dress US0 XS Reference: TGAS
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Cocktail Dresses

PALMER HARDING 100% cotton white bib front blue striped summer dress UK8 XS
Located in Hong Kong, NT
PALMER HARDING 100% cotton white bib front blue striped summer dress UK8 XS Reference: SNKO/A00125
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Polish Cocktail Dresses

1940s Multicolor Floral Print Rayon Dress
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1940s Multi color floral print in pink, orange, white and green) silk crepe dress. Perfect summer
Category

1940s Unknown Cocktail Dresses

Valentino S/S 2007 Red halter neck chiffon cocktail dress
By Valentino
Located in Milano, IT
- Red halter neck chiffon cocktail dress - Sold by Skof.Archive - Frontal ruffled detail
Category

Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses

1940s Blue and Purple Floral Print Rayon Dress
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage Blue and Purple Floral Print Rayon Cocktail Dress with purple sequins. Perfect dress for
Category

1940s American Cocktail Dresses

1987 Yves Saint Laurent YSL Silk Printed Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
Yves Saint Laurent YSL blue silk dress featuring bow print, boat neck, long sleeves, belted waist
Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

Vintage Ted Lapidus grey silk plissè halter dress
By Ted Lapidus
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1970s Ted Lapidus grey silk plissè halter summer dress with panel at the back. drop waist style
Category

1970s French Cocktail Dresses

A French Pierre Balmain Printed Silk Dress, Circa 1980
By Pierre Balmain Couture
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1980 France Pierre Balmain summer dress in blue silk with polka dots in shades of yellow
Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

A French Pierre Balmain Printed Silk Dress, Circa 1980
A French Pierre Balmain Printed Silk Dress, Circa 1980
Free Shipping
Size: Equivalent French Size 40/42
S/S 2000 Ralph Lauren Runway Black Yellow Floral Strapless Cocktail Dress
By Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Purple Label
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous black floral Ralph Lauren Collection dress. From the Spring/Summer 2000
Category

Early 2000s Cocktail Dresses

S/S 1992 Dolce & Gabbana Stretch Cut Out Ruched Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a gorgeous black formfitting Dolce and Gabbana mini dress. From the Spring/Summer 1992
Category

1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Tom Ford for Gucci Spring-Summer 2000 beaded python print shift dress
By Tom Ford
Located in London, GB
Tom Ford for Gucci Spring-Summer 2000 beaded python print shift dress
Category

1990s Italian Shift Cocktail Dresses

S/S 2001 Roberto Cavalli Liz Taylor Print Silk Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in West Hollywood, CA
gorgeous dress is from the Spring/Summer 2001 collection and is constructed entirely of silk, featuring
Category

Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses

S/S 1989 Valentino Garavani Ad Campaign Black Sheer Panel Bodycon Cocktail Dress
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a beautiful black sheer Valentino Garavani cocktail dress. From the Spring/Summer 1989
Category

1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses

S/S 2003 Dolce & Gabbana 'Sex & Love' Stretch Black Tank Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a beautiful black bodycon Dolce and Gabbana dress. From the Spring/Summer 2003 'Sex
Category

Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses

S/S 2003 Roberto Cavalli Red Chinoiserie Print Silk Slip Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a beautiful red chinoiserie print Roberto Cavalli dress. From the Spring/Summer 2003
Category

Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses

1980s Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche silk floral wrap dress
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in CULEMBORG, GE
This figure flattering, silk, wrap-dress by Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche from 1980* has a
Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

S/S 2003 Roberto Cavalli Floral Abstract Watercolor Silk Stretch Flare Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a stunning cream and multicolor floral Roberto Cavalli dress. From the Spring/Summer
Category

Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses

S/S 2003 Roberto Cavalli Floral Abstract Watercolor Viscose Stretch Charm Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a stunning cream and multicolor floral Roberto Cavalli dress. From the Spring/Summer
Category

Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses

A French Gold Printed and painted Satin Dress Circa 1940-1950
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1940-1950 Europe Amazing little summer dress with flowers on a gold background dating very
Category

1940s French Cocktail Dresses

A French Gold Printed and painted Satin Dress Circa 1940-1950
A French Gold Printed and painted Satin Dress Circa 1940-1950
Free Shipping
Size: Equivalent size 36 frensh
S/S 1999 John Galliano Stretch Knit Sheer Flare Black Sweater Dress
By John Galliano
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a black knit John Galliano sweater dress. From the Spring/Summer 1999 "Ballets Russes
Category

1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses

S/S 1996 Gianni Versace Couture Rhinestone Black Silver Medusa Sleeveless Dress
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Spring/Summer 1996 collection, this knit dress is finished with silver stitching and rhinestone accented
Category

1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses

S/S 2001 Gucci by Tom Ford Baby Blue Ruched Sleeveless Dress
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
/Summer 2001 collection, this chic dress features a high neckline, pinched shoulder straps, a slit at the
Category

Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses

S/S 1986 Azzedine Alaïa Black Knit Halter Neck Bodycon Backless Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous black knit Alaia halterneck dress. From the Spring/Summer 1986 collection
Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

A Jeanne Lanvin Couture Printed Silk Dress with Matched Cuffs, Circa 1985
By Jeanne Lanvin
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1985 France Jeanne Lanvin summer dress in cream satin prints with patterns of roses in
Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

S/S 1996 Dolce & Gabbana Runway Hooded Stretch Black High Slit Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous hooded Dolce and Gabbana maxi dress. From the Spring/Summer 1996 collection
Category

1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses

S/S 2004 Versace by Donatella Runway Backless Cargo Pocket Mini Dress
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
/Summer 2004 collection, this chic dress debuted in vibrant yellow on the season's runway as part of look
Category

Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses

S/S 1997 Dolce & Gabbana Off-White Floral Satin Bralette Cutout Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a stunning silk floral Dolce & Gabbana dress. From the Spring/Summer 1997 collection
Category

1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses

S/S 1997 Dolce & Gabbana Cheetah Print Sheer Brown Bustier Slip Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a brown cheetah print Dolce and Gabbana slip dress. From the Spring/Summer 1997, this
Category

1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses

S/S 1990 Gianni Versace Couture Rhinestone Tuxedo Navy Ruched Blazer Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
. From the Spring/Summer 1990 collection, this fabulous dress features a plunging v-neckline, ruched
Category

1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses

S/S 2002 Gianni Versace by Donatella Purple Lace-Up Eyelet Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Donatella Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
/Summer 2002 collection. The eyelets that cover every inch of this dress give it a flirty sheer effect
Category

Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses

S/S 1996 Dolce & Gabbana Hooded Stretch Leopard Print Hit Slit Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous cheetah print hooded Dolce and Gabbana dress from the Spring/Summer 1996
Category

1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Summer Cocktail Dresses", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Summer Cocktail Dresses For Sale on 1stDibs

Find an extraordinary variety of summer cocktail dresses available on 1stDibs. For summer cocktail dresses, Black is a pretty popular color, but we also have Brown, Gray, Orange and more in stock now. The ideal items for you are waiting among the distinctive accessories we have available, which include versions made as long ago as the 20th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. There have been many classic iterations of summer cocktail dresses over the years, but those made by Yves Saint Laurent, Azzedine Alaïa and Oscar De La Renta are often thought to be among the most stylish.

How Much are Summer Cocktail Dresses?

On average, summer cocktail dresses on 1stDibs sell for $1,290, while they’re typically $308 on the low end and $7,879 for the highest priced versions of these items.

Finding the Right Evening Dresses and Gowns for You

With entire museum exhibitions dedicated to examining fashion designers and their creations, we’re finally recognizing that costuming is art. Fashion is a powerful means of self-expression, and sophisticated vintage evening dresses and gowns by our favorite couturier play no small role in making us feel wonderful but, perhaps more importantly, making us feel like ourselves.

Evening dresses over time have conveyed specific statements about social class, position and beliefs. In the 16th century, dresses and gowns were so important that England's Queen Elizabeth I defined rules about what dresses women could wear — guidance included long skirts and fitted bodices. Forward-thinking designers have responded to this history.

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel reimagined traditionally masculine garments for feminine shapes, and her elegant evening dresses and gowns promoted comfort and grace in women’s wear that had been dominated in the previous century by layers of fabric. French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent introduced innovative and highly coveted dress designs in the 1960s while at the same time challenging sexist stereotypes about which members of society could wear tuxedos. Works by unconventional British designer John Galliano — featured in houses like Givenchy and Dior — redefined limits that dressmakers faced in terms of material, construction and vision during the late 20th century.

Today’s designers target an increasingly broad audience with their boundary-crossing work, and their tendency to play off of each other’s ideas means that every walk down the runway is also a walk through an entire history of fashion design and dress craftsmanship.

Whether you gravitate toward backless maxi dresses or silk charmeuse gowns by Alexander McQueen or embellished, ruffled floral-print designs by Chloe or Versace, there is an extraordinary collection of vintage and designer evening dresses and gowns waiting for you on 1stDibs.

Questions About Summer Cocktail Dresses
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    The difference between a dress and a cocktail dress is mainly the specificity of the term. A dress is any garment that has a bodice attached to a skirt. The term cocktail dress refers to a dress designed for events in the late afternoon and early evening. Many feature hemlines that fall between the knee and calf. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of cocktail dresses from some of the world's top boutiques.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A classic cocktail dress is a garment worn for special occasions that usually take place in the evening. Although its name comes from "cocktail party," the dresses are suitable for other types of gatherings. Designs vary greatly, but most cocktail dresses feature a hemline that falls close to the knee. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of vintage cocktail dresses.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Cocktail dresses usually finish above or at the knees and are paired with high heels. This dress should be party-ready such as dressy separates or a little black dress.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Cocktail dresses first rose to prominence in the 1920s and onward, with each era making its own mark on the practical and fashionable garment. You’ll find a collection of vintage and contemporary cocktail dresses from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.

Read More

Barbra Streisand Channeled Klimt’s ‘Woman in Gold’ in This Shimmering Dress

Costumer to the stars Ray Aghayan brought the famed painting to life with his spectacular design.

A Chanel Obsessive’s Cache Extends Well beyond Her Walk-In Closet

From handbags and heels to jackets and jewels, Sharon Coplan Hurowitz has a deep admiration for (and collection of) all things Chanel.

Behind the 1970s and ’80s Glam of ‘Halston’ with the Hit Show’s Costume Designer

Jeriana San Juan explains how she undertook the intimidating project of designing costumes for the new Netflix series about the New York fashion legend. (Hint: She found vintage Halston on 1stDibs!)

A Short History of Capri Pants, on the 100th Birthday of Their Inventor

Once considered a controversial item of clothing, fashion designer Sonja de Lennart's creation is now a bona fide classic.

How the Chanel Jacket Forever Changed What Women Wear

The classic tweed garment has been a wardrobe staple of chic women around the world since the 1950s.

A Pair of Shoes — Heels or Flats — Can Tell an Impactful Story

Amanda Benchley and Bridget Moynahan teamed up to explore the relationship between powerful women and their most significant footwear.

You Saw It at the Met Ball. Here’s What Camp Fashion Is Really About

This year's Costume Institute exhibition is all about embracing the eccentric.

The V&A Takes a Fresh Look at the New Look’s Pioneering Progenitor, Christian Dior

Ballrooms, Bar Suits and British royals — in a sweeping exhibition, the London museum looks back on 70 years of the French fashion house, as well as its illustrious founder and his fondness for the United Kingdom.