A cocktail dress or cocktail gown is a woman's dress worn at cocktail parties, and semi-formal occasions. The length of cocktail dresses varies depending on fashion and local custom. The length ranges from just above the knee to touching the ankle. When it is about 5 cm (2 inches) above the ankle it is called tea length and when it is almost touching the ankle it is called ballerina length, although ballerina length dresses usually fall into the evening dress category. Read on to learn how to buy cheap cocktail dresses.

1 Get cheap cocktail dresses online. If you are lucky enough, you can even get a beautiful cocktail dress at only $50 from some formal dress websites. The online stores usually present a large collection for you and you can find one that is going to flatter you. FashionInTheBox.com has really beautiful collections from famous designers worldwide for your choice. Though most are just replica, but it is really worth every penny you paid for.

2 Look for seasonal sales. During prom and wedding season, you'll find cocktail dresses at very high prices. Instead, shop for cheap cocktail dresses in the summer or fall after the formal season has ended. Sometimes, the boutiques will sell the last year’s design at extremely low price to spare more room for the new trend.

3. Purchase used cocktail dresses. Browsing through some auction websites, maybe you can find a real bargain. Though the cocktail dresses have been worn before, but most are in good conditions. Ask the provider to provide more detailed pictures to you, and then make the decision. Older gowns of great quality can be cleaned and restored with relatively little money. You can make cocktail dresses that were previously top-dollar into cheap cocktail dresses by recycling them in this fashion. It is crucial that the cocktail dresses are of timeless appeal. One rule of thumb; less is more. Cleaner, simpler dresses travel better through time.

4. Call at the thrift shops. Although the thrift shops always cast a disgusted feeling on you, some stunning clothing offers will bring a big surprise to you. Go through the racks to find beautiful and cheap little white dresses.

Whether you want a brand new cocktail dress or whether you want to restore a timeless beauty, you have some options. Cheap cocktail dresses don’t have to look inexpensive at all. In fact, you can find designer little black dresses for a fraction of the retail price if you do a little homework.