Six of the best: Summer Cocktail Dresses

Cocktail parties are the chicest way to celebrate and meet up this summer – and provide a great excuse for investing in a gorgeous new dress. Stephanie Smith selects.

Blue sequin strapless dress

FROM: Monsoon

PRICE: 160

COMMENT: What with the sequin bodice and the ruffle front skirt, there's a lot going on with this dress, so keep accessories neutral for

a more elegant look.

SUITS: Pear shapes and slim to medium.

KEY ACCESSORY: Chainmail envelope clutch, 25, Accessorize.

Pearl cream cocktail dress

FROM: GIVe

PRICE: 79

COMMENT: Lovely retro Fifties' feel to this dress, and a gorgeous pale colour, which you can tone with in metallics or contrast in rich brights.

SUITS: Slim and pears.

KEY ACCESSORY: Pink bow clutch bag, 6, Marks & Spencer.

Orange strapless cocktail dress

FROM: Jane Norman

PRICE: 75

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COMMENT: Fabulous and unusual dress with the asymmetric strapless cut and the lovely jewel embellishment. A stunner.

SUITS: Slim to medium and curvy.

KEY ACCESSORY: Beige studded clutch, 45, Wallis.

White and nude draped dress

FROM: Monsoon

PRICE: 150

COMMENT: Quite a show stopper, with its fabulous Deco style drapery detail. Perfect for the races too, though needs high heels.

SUITS: Slender and pears.

KEY ACCESSORY: Silver beaded clutch, 25, Marks & Spencer.

Steel grey satin dress

FROM: Ann Louise Roswald at www.collenandclare.

com.

PRICE: 395

COMMENT: Absolutely gorgeous dress with the sequin detail on the waist and straps, and a classy and unusual colour.

SUITS: Slim to medium.

KEY ACCESSORY: Black bow clutch, 12, Marks & Spencer.

Blush chiffon sequin dress

FROM: Evans

PRICE: 35

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COMMENT: Effortless and simple, but with lovely sequin detail, this figure-skimming dress will look and feel elegant and beautiful.

SUITS: Curvy and fuller figures.

KEY ACCESSORY: Pink velvet frill clutch, 10, New Look.