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Cocktail Dresses

Babes, we love bringing out the best in you so look no further than Beginning Boutique and shop online with us for your perfect cocktail dress. We have designer outfits and dresses to make you shine at your next party, whether it's formal wear, or evening gowns, you'll be sipping your cocktail in style.

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 Tips to pick the best cocktail dress for you

  1. Body type and measurements. Look your best while enjoying your cocktails! We're here to help you choose the right dress. Accent your curves with a sexy bodycon dress or if you're petite, show off those gorgeous legs in a stylish mini dress.  At Beginning Boutique, with the right measurements and our size guide, your cocktail dress will be the perfect fit! 
  2. Cocktail Party - Formal or Casual. Every party has a theme and when it comes to a cocktail party, a stylish cocktail dress is a must. Elegant and comfortable, cocktail attire is highly popular, and just the dress to wear to a semi-formal or that special occasion.
  3. Set a Budget. Babes, we want to look good without breaking the bank so set a budget for your cocktail dress, dress and accessories. With new arrivals dropping in hot at Beginning Boutique, we have dresses for every price range.

Designer lace cocktail dresses for your next event

Dazzle your party guests in a stunning lace cocktail dress! Nothing spells elegance quite like a strapless lace bardot dress. Opt for the classic LBD and slip into a gorgeous off shoulder dress for a glamorous fashion look for the evening. You'll be the star of the show in these designer party dresses.

Mini, midi and maxi - they are all available 

Achieve your fashion goals and choose from our wonderful selection of mini, midi or maxi dresses. These cocktail dresses are made to impress. 

  • The Mini Dress. Our best-selling outfit. Show off your gorgeous legs in this sexy number, from the halter neck cut out dress to a long sleeve mini skirt, it's guaranteed to turn heads at any party.
  • The Midi Dress. A classic dress style that's here to stay. Choose this highly popular dress and wow your guests in a beautiful bodycon wrap dress to accent your curves. Opt for a shift dress for a different fashion look.
  • The Maxi Dress. For the sophisticated babe. Take the party to the next level with a chic maxi dress. Pick a dress with a slip for that extra touch of glam! 

Shimmer dresses for your next party!

We've got you covered with an amazing selection of shimmer dresses to make you shine like the queen that you are. Choose from jaw dropping sequin dresses, to eye catching glitter cocktail dresses. Steal the limelight in a blue sparkle shimmer dress or be the star of the show with a choice of evening dresses in pink shimmer, oh-so-perfect for that special occasion.

Choosing the best sexy dress from our large range of styles, colours and fabrics

Whatever your style may be, we're here to dress it up! Rock that party in a multitude of colourful and sexy cocktail dresses in a massive range of styles and fabric.

Go bold in fuchsia, with a gorgeous cowl neckline. Wanna make a statement? Why not try on a teal halter neck midi dress, guaranteed to impress. 

Ruched dresses are all the rage now and for good reason! Achieve your fashion goals with a striking red ruched dress with straps for a sexy fashion look. 

On a lighter note, a lilac cut out slip dress makes for a stunning party dress while keeping it sexy and tasteful. Get fun and flirty with a frill off the shoulder cocktail dress especially for a tropical theme cocktail party!

Floaty cocktail dresses to be remembered

When it comes to cocktail dresses, Beginning Boutique does it best. We love showcasing impeccable designer cocktail dresses for the confident babes of today. We want your party to be a night to be remembered and nothing does it more than floaty cocktail dresses. They're fun, flirty, semi casual with just the right touch of girlish charm. 

Make an entrance with a delightful high neck frill dress or captivate your audience with a puff sleeve knit dress. Entice your guests with a floral shift dress with ruffles for that summer cocktail party by the pool. Whichever you choose, your fashion look will be remembered for a long time to come.

Sexy and sleek explains our large range of cocktail dress available 

We got a huge range of cocktail dresses specially designed for the beautiful babes of today. Beginning Boutique cocktail dresses are sexy, sleek, elegant and confident.

Here are our top picks:

  1. The Bodycon Dress. We can't get enough of this figure flattering dress. Made to highlight your curves, opt for a nude or black bodycon for that wow factor.
  2. The Midi dress. The classic option for cocktail dresses. This highly popular dress is a stunner! Try the midi dress in slip style, flaunt those flawless legs to amp up those sexy vibes!
  3. The Halter Neck Mini dress. Possibly our best seller! For the babe who's sexy without even trying.

How to glam up your new dress

Your cocktail dress isn't complete without it's must-have accessories! Style your formal dress with the right jewellery and take your fashion look to the next level. Dress it up with some fine jewellery, zirconia earrings and gold chains to elevate your outfit.

For that touch of elegance, slip into strappy heels or black pumps before heading off to your night out. Watch out world! 

Finding the perfect size and style of cocktail dress for you

Discovering your perfect size and style of cocktail dress is a breeze at Beginning Boutique. We have dresses available in all sizes from 4 to 22 so finding your perfect dress is a cinch. 

Opt for the classic styles, the midi dresses or maxi dresses. If classics aren't your thing, fret not. Get smart in the ever popular jumpsuits for that semi-formal ensemble. Throw a blazer on and show them who's boss! 

Brands we know and trust

We're dedicated to bringing you only the best in fashion, from the brands we know and trust. At Beginning Boutique, we work closely with our brand ambassadors and with ethical fashion to bring you top quality pieces that we know you will cherish forever. We take pride in providing you with sustainable and trendy fashion choices.

Buying your cocktail dress online at Beginning Boutique NZ

Get ready to party and shop for your cocktail dress at Beginning Boutique NZ. We offer express shipping to New Zealand, so you'll be sipping your cocktail in your new outfit within a matter of days. Your shopping cart prices are in NZD for a smooth shopping experience. For selected discounts and Black Friday specials, read our awesome terms and conditions for current promo codes to use at checkout. And with Afterpay, you get to stretch out your payment options for a fuss free shop! Purchase a gift card as an awesome gift for your bestie! Set up your account with Beginning Boutique now and add to your wishlist so you don't miss out on the latest trends and styles!

Frequently Asked Questions

What length is a cocktail dress?

A cocktail dress traditionally falls between the knee and mid-thigh — most commonly a mini or just-above-the-knee length, though a knee-grazing midi also works for many cocktail occasions. The defining feature is that it's shorter and less formal than a floor-length evening gown, but more polished than a casual party dress. The knee-length cocktail dress is the most versatile option, sitting comfortably between dressed-up and overtly formal.

What is the difference between a cocktail dress and a formal evening gown?

The key difference is length and formality. A cocktail dress sits at or above the knee and suits semi-formal events — cocktail parties, dinner dates, smart evening functions, and semi-formal weddings. A formal evening gown is typically floor-length and reserved for black tie events, galas, and very formal weddings. If your invitation says "cocktail attire," a knee-length or midi dress in a luxe fabric is exactly right. If it says "black tie," you need a full-length gown.

How do you accessorise a cocktail dress?

Less is more — the dress is designed to do the talking. For shoes, strappy heels or a polished block heel are the most versatile choices; flat sandals drag down the formality of the look. For jewellery, choose one statement piece and keep the rest minimal — either statement earrings or a standout necklace, not both. A small clutch or evening bag completes the look. For metallic or embellished cocktail dresses, keep accessories muted and let the dress be the focal point.

What cocktail dress styles are most flattering?

A bodycon or wrap-style cocktail dress flatters curves by cinching the waist and highlighting your shape. An A-line or fit-and-flare style is one of the most universally flattering silhouettes — it skims the hips while adding a subtle flare at the hem. For a petite frame, a shorter cocktail dress with a V-neckline elongates the body beautifully. For a curvier figure, a ruched or draped midi is particularly stunning. Fit matters more than style — a well-fitted cocktail dress in any silhouette will always look better than a trend-driven style that doesn't sit right.

What occasions can you wear a cocktail dress to?

A cocktail dress is one of the most versatile pieces in a dressed-up wardrobe. It's appropriate for cocktail parties, semi-formal events, dinner dates, corporate functions, races, and as a wedding guest dress for cocktail-attire or semi-formal weddings. It also works beautifully for birthday dinners, engagement parties, and graduation events. As a rule: a satin or embellished cocktail dress suits more formal occasions, while a floral or printed style works for more relaxed but still dressed-up events.