Let me guess, you have yet another formal occasion you need to find a dress for. You’ve already worn all the pieces you have in your closet, and you are sick of wearing the same little black dress everyone else is showing up in. You’re not like anyone else…you’re a cool girl.
There are a few different ways you might do your shopping, and I’m sure they are all frustrating. You’re either browsing around your local TJ Maxx through the plethora of mediocre maxi dresses, frantically clicking through Google’s shopping tool only to find clothes far out of your budget, or you are scrolling through TikTok try-on hauls that never have your size.
If you are tired of struggling to find cool formal dress for your next event, keep reading. These one-of-a-kind looks are sure to make a statement at any occasion.
01. Blazer Dress
This tailored option will set you up as the most classy, elegant guest at your next function. Following the oversized jacket trend, this is the next best thing. Pair the Zara Draped Blazer Dress ($70) with calf-high boots and you have yourself a cool girl look.
02. Tweed Dress
Who said tweed was for the average girl? No one. Embrace your inner Coco Chanel and opt for this strong and trusted fabric. Dress up this MANGO Pocket Tweed Dress ($100) with a pair of pumps…and of course layer on the pearls.
03. Corset Dress
Look snatched at your next formal celebration and get yourself a corset dress. This flirty, romantic piece might just give you the confidence to walk up to that person across the room and ask them to dance. The Princess Polly Sarah Corset Mini Dress Champagne ($55) would look incredible with your hair slicked back and a bold lip.
04. Shirt Dress
Keep it comfortable and sophisticated with this flowy, airy choice. Find one in the perfect palette for your event’s season, and don’t be afraid to go for bright colors that will help you stand out as the cool girl you are. Make the H&M Jacquard-Weave Shirt Dress ($30) more formal with striking hoops and a set of bracelets.
05. Feather-Trimmed Dress
Show up in a feather-covered dress and all the other guests might just mistake you for a celebrity. This runway look is achievable and practical while being absolutely dramatic and glamorous. The Nasty Gal Feather Trim Long Sleeve Glove Mini Dress ($28) offers the opportunity for ultimate party girl glam.
06. Quilted Dress
Is your next party coming up this winter? Stay warm with this trending texture during the upcoming season with this outerwear-turned-dress ensemble. The ASOS EDITION Quilted Midi Dress ($135) combines all of the hottest details with puff sleeves and a high neckline.
07. Draped Dress
This style is classic and hugs your figure in a flattering way that shows off your silhouette. The dress’s sleek, striking fit that will have you feeling confident and ready to party. A colorful eye and your favorite high heels would look fantastic with the Princess Polly Party Time Mini Dress ($68).
08. Smock Dress
If you are looking to steer away from the boring trends and really show off your taste for fashion, you need a smock dress. This voluminous and unproportional piece will be all over your Instagram feed in the next few months, so get ahead of the crowd by adding the Nasty Gal Jacquard Mini Smock Dress ($79) to your cart.
09. Balloon Sleeve Dress
Any unconventional, expressive sleeve always catches my eye. Play around with untamed, creative shapes and turn heads when you strut into your formal gathering. This style can be found in a medley of hues, but if you are looking for something plain and simple, shop this Zara Printed Short Dress ($50).
10. Ruffle Dress
You might have hated all the ruffles your mom made you wear as a kid (all the way down to your white ruffle socks) but trust me, this look will have you feeling like the main character in a romance novel. The ASOS DESIGN Ruffle Midi Dress With Lace Up Front And Adjustable Waist Detail ($57) will make you feel like royalty.
11. Poplin Dress
The effortless, crisp appearance of a poplin dress is unmatched by any other fashion. Achieve the soft girl aesthetic with the Urban Outfitters Glamorous Poplin Tiered Midi Dress ($75). If you want to guarantee the label of “cool girl” at your next event, slip on a pair of cowboy boots underneath the roomy skirt.
12. One-Shoulder Dress
What’s better than that go-to one-shoulder dress in your closet? This ready-to-wear, snug cocktail dress is exactly what you need if you are looking for something more on the sexy side of fashion. The Superdown Nava Asymmetrical Mini Dress ($77) comes in kelly green, hot pink, and classic black.
13. Embroidered Dress
You will not have to worry about accidentally wearing the same dress as any of the other guests if you are wearing this MANGO Embroidered Printed Dress ($80). An embroidered dress is unique and timeless and you can style it time and time again.
14. Tiered Dress
Nothing is more fun than spinning around the dance floor in a tiered dress. Whether you’re looking for pastel hues, floral patterns, or rich jewel tones, a tiered dress is right for any season. Shine bright with Lulu’s Glowing Gorgeous Silver Multi Metallic Tiered Mini Dress ($68).
15. Multi Pattern Dress
Set the standard for all the cool girls in the fashion world by patching together mismatched, contrasting patterns and textures in an unexpected, imaginative way. I love the way this Topshop Mix and Match Satin Occasion Midi Dress in Floral ($111) achieves edginess with the combination of floral prints.
Ready to be the coolest girl at your upcoming formals? Next time you get an invitation, make your way back to this article and prepare to steal the show.
Featured image by @allieapplegath.
