Be inspired by ModCloth's EXCLUSIVE collection of vintage inspired, women's cocktail dresses. Discover our most popular styles of cocktail and party dresses, which include darling mini dresses, vintage-inspired swing dresses, babydoll dresses, long cocktail dresses, bridesmaid dresses, sequin cocktail dresses, velvet cocktail dresses, and more.
ModCloth loves carrying a wide variety of silhouettes and a great selection of patterns and solids, but we are most proud of our abundance of sizes. From XXS, XS, S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X, and 4X, our cocktail dresses are for everyone.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF VINTAGE-INSPIRED COCKTAIL DRESSES ? Well, that depends on what era of fashion you feel like channeling today:
40’s Cocktail Dresses: Classic a-line dresses, often with button-up detailing, short sleeves, lapel collars, and stylish belts at the high-rise waist are a timeless staple of 1940s women’s cocktail dresses. For a more formal affair in the forties, over-the-shoulder cocktail dresses with ample swing skirts were quite popular. Cocktail dresses with floral prints, and vibrant solids (especially navy blue cocktail dresses) were all the rage during this era, and silk cocktail dresses as well as velvet cocktail dresses made their appearance.
50’s Cocktail Dresses: Rockabilly style began influencing fashion in the 1950’s, and this is the era when swing dresses, fit-and-flare dresses, and sleeveless cocktail dresses first made their debut! (Think Marilyn in her timeless, white halter-top dress). Tie-neck collars became a fashion must-have, and don’t forget the prints! Polka-dot cocktail dresses, plaid cocktail dresses, and deep emerald green cocktail dresses have been stealing hearts ever since.
60’s Cocktail Dresses: In the 1960’s, all manners of mini dresses became mainstream! The babydoll dress, smocked cocktail dresses, off the shoulder cocktail dresses, belted cocktail dresses, shirred cocktail dresses, and FINALLY cocktail dresses with pockets! Bold floral print cocktail dresses, leopard print cocktail dresses, and colorblock cocktail dresses are still fashion hallmarks of this iconic era.
70’s Cocktail Dresses: Flowy long cocktail dresses and cocktail dresses with bold geometric prints can be traced back to the 1970s fashion era. Tiered cocktail dresses, ruffled cocktail dresses, and babydoll cocktail dresses made a comeback in the 70’s, and the disco era made way for sequined cocktail dresses, metallic cocktail dresses, and ruched cocktail dresses.
80’s Cocktail Dresses: Cute mini dresses reached new heights in the 1980’s, and metallic print cocktail dresses with puff sleeves and tulle overlay took over prom night! Neon cocktail dresses with oversized bows ruled the dance floor, and Madonna made us fall in love with black mesh cocktail dresses as well as cocktail dresses with ruffles upon ruffles.
90’s Cocktail Dresses: Chic black cocktail dresses never go out of style, but the edgy fashion sensibilities of the 1990s fashion era took black cocktail dresses to the next level. Mock neck cocktail dresses and sheer cocktail dresses hit the red carpet. Halter top cocktail dresses had a major comeback from the 50’s and bodycon cocktail dresses made their first appearance. Long, backless cocktail dresses and peplum cocktail dresses also show up in timeless 90’s era fashion.
Whatever era in fashion you seek to inspire, we're here to support you with cute cocktail dresses in every size!
Women’s clothing for our ModCloth community is about variety and creative expression! ModCloth loves representing the perfect fit for every woman, especially in vintage-inspired styles that go above and beyond the status quo. ModCloth makes it fun and easy to express yourself in sizes ranging XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, 1X, 2X, 3X, and 4X.
Yes, we have all our favorite essential clothing basics that include relaxed-fit tees, leggings, tunics, cardigans, and stretchy denim jeans. ModCloth also has you covered with workwear essentials like sophisticated blazers, trousers, dresses, and button-up tops, but here’s how ModCloth goes beyond basic to showcase your retro-chic sensibilities:
Era-based fashion so you can channel the art deco-inspired 1920s, classic pin-up vibes from the 1930’s, the mod 40’s, the rockabilly 50’s, retro 70’s vibes with high-rise, wide-leg pants and psychedelic prints, the neon 80’s, and the pop, punk, and goth movements of the 90’s!
Exclusive collaborations with exciting brands like Hello Kitty, Barbie, Care Bears, Collectif, Princess Highway, and more!
Hard-to-find options for vintage-inspired coats, jumpsuits, overalls, swing skirts, sleepwear, outerwear, and swimwear.
SO MUCH to choose from in women’s dresses! Fit-and-flare dresses, swing dresses, maxi dresses, cocktail dresses, party dresses, mini dresses, babydoll dresses, shirt dresses, midi dresses, sweater dresses…and MOST of them have POCKETS!
Our most popular women’s clothing styles offer exclusive hand-drawn prints that range from elegant to quirky with an emphasis on current trends. Whether you love cats, dogs, books, deep sea creatures, outerspace, moon phases, stars, celestial, dinosaurs, bunnies, bugs, bears, florals, rainbows, or reptiles, our talented design team is always coming up with unique ways for you to express yourself.
Elegant dresses for special occasions including stunning wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, cocktail dresses, and evening gowns that are full of unique, vintage-inspired detailing.
So how do you feel like expressing yourself today? Are you feeling a bit kawaii? Cottagecore? Boho-chic? Feeling your goth streak? Or maybe you just want to wear something that lets everyone know how much you love your cat. Whatever you want in vintage-inspired women’s clothing, ModCloth is with you all the way. Come explore our latest women’s clothing collection now!
