Top picks
Lace, swing skirts and sleek minis in deep wine: five easy cocktail dresses.
By the Maroon Dresses editors · Updated
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A maroon cocktail dress is the dark-red answer to the little black dress: just as easy to accessorize, but warmer and more festive.
These five are popular Amazon listings. Amazon doesn't let us show its prices or ratings, so use the button to check them.
Best overall
MEROKEETY
A classic, polished party dress that also works for weddings and work events. The listing describes all-over eyelash lace, crew neck, sleeveless and machine or hand wash (brand recommends hand). Travel + Leisure's editor reviewed a different Merokeety style (a lace maxi) and found it lightweight, wrinkle-resistant and lined, though the lace was sheer enough to call for nude underwear. Source.
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Best vintage style
DRESSTELLS
Holiday parties, retro-theme events and modest dress codes. The listing describes cap sleeves, fit-and-flare skirt, detachable decorative belt and double-lined top, per the listing.
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Best off-the-shoulder
Sarin Mathews
Cocktail parties and dances where you want a soft, swingy skirt. The listing describes off-the-shoulder short sleeves, high-low flared hem and medium-weight stretch knit.
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Best casual party dress
PRETTYGARDEN
Showers, dinners and daytime events that run into the evening. The listing describes tank straps, fitted bodice, a-line skater skirt and machine wash.
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Best with sleeves
BORIFLORS
Fall and winter cocktail parties. The listing describes sheer mesh long sleeves, square neck, ruched bodycon fit, ruffle hem and machine wash.
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We started from Azazie's bridesmaid and Atelier ranges and from Amazon's women's dress best-seller lists, then kept dresses offered in a maroon-family color (maroon, burgundy, wine) with clear details on fabric, fit and sizes. We didn't try these dresses on. Descriptions come from each product page and from independent articles or forums where we found them.
Prices and ratings are shown only where the retailer publishes them on its own product page (Azazie), with the date we checked. Prices change, so confirm before you buy. Amazon doesn't allow its prices or star ratings to be shown outside its own tools, so for Amazon dresses we link you there to see them.
Photos are licensed Pexels style photos that show the color and mood, not the exact dress. Always check the retailer's size chart and return policy before an event.
Looking for style ideas? See our Cocktail style guide.