If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, we may receive an affiliate commission. Learn more about our policies and reviews.
It is always a great idea to keep certain pieces of clothing on hand at all times for any last-minute occasions or invites that may arise. One great piece to start with is the bodycon midi dress. These types of dresses especially make sense since they can be worn in an endless amount of ways and take up little to no room in the closet.
Below are some great essential bodycon dresses that make getting dressed for your next night out on the town fun and easy. These dresses are all knee-length or below and vary in silhouette from a modest slim fit to a sleek, form-fitting bandage-style dress that leaves nothing to the imagination.
Our options also come in a ton of great colors and prints, can all be easily layered, and mixed and matched with any of your favorite accessories.
Comparing the Finest Bodycon Midi Dress of 2024
Simier Fariry Midi Dress — Best Overall
Feminine and flattering, this dress is one of those go-with-everything and everywhere dresses that will keep you feeling comfortable and most importantly, looking good. Made of a soft blend of rayon and spandex, this dress has an elastic waistline, a flattering midi length, and side pockets for convenience. Suitable for everyday wear, this dress can be easily dressed up or down and its modest styling makes it perfect for almost every occasion.
Pros
- This dress will not shrink after washing
Cons
- The drawstring at the waist area is for decoration only
Meilun Midi Bandage Dress — Runner Up
If you need an ultra-flattering, look-at-me night-out dress, this iconic bandage dress is an amazing find. Reminiscent of some famous, high-end designer options, this dress is the real deal and made from the same material that was made to keep you tucked in, in all the right places. This dress is very stretchy and meant to have a tight, curve-hugging fit (like a bandage). It is also very flattering and will help mold your body into everyone’s desired hourglass shape.
Pros
- The breathable fabric will keep you cool and invigorated
Cons
- This dress is dry clean only
SheIn Bodycon Midi Dress — Honorable Mention
This sleeveless, leopard print dress is another easy and solid layering piece. Made from a soft, stretchy material, this is a great basic dress that, when layered, can be transformed into a number of stylish options. It has a cami-style, v-neckline that easily pairs with your favorite necklaces or choker and will even look good with a cute lace bralette peeking out. Pair with flip-flops or sandals for a casual day date and layer with a leather moto jacket and booties for a fun night out on the town.
Pros
- This dress is not see-through
Cons
- If you are on the petite side, the length may be slightly longer
Vivicastle Bodycon Midi Dress — Contender
A great basic to own in a few choice prints and colors, this all-occasion dress comes in a classic shape that will never go out of style. This dress is slim-fitting with a flattering, just below the knee length that shows off your curves without being uncomfortable. It also has an uncomplicated design that makes it easy to accessorize and its elastic fabric feels cool, soft, and silky to the touch.
Pros
- Choose from a large array of colors and patterns that are appropriate for all occasions.
Cons
- This dress has no zipper
LAGSHIAN Bodycon Midi Dress — Editor's Pick
This sleeveless body con dress is light-in-weight and has plenty of stretch for extreme comfort. This dress has a tank-style top with a flattering knee-to-midi length and a racer-back. This is a great basic dress that works for many occasions including cocktail parties, date nights, casual weddings, and is a great traveling piece.
Pros
- This dress comes in a large variety of great color options
Cons
- The white color may be slightly see-through
MakeMeChic Bodycon Midi Dress — Also Consider
This sleeveless, tank-style dress makes the perfect layering piece. Pair it with your favorite outerwear from a hoodie, cardigan, denim, or leather jacket for a look that works for almost any occasion. Made from a soft, spandex material, this dress has a slim-fitting design that is perfect by itself during summer with sneakers or flip-flops and will keep you stylish during the winter when layered accordingly.
Pros
- This dress has a flattering square neckline
Cons
- It is advised to review the size chart to ensure proper sizing
Made by Emma Bodycon Midi Dress — Another Option
Ideal for everything from a formal business meeting at the office to a cocktail or black-tie affair, this sleeveless, midi-length dress will definitely make an impression. Made from a stretchy yet comfortable spandex blend, this dress has a flattering deep oval v-neck and zipper back closure for easy removal. Additionally, even though this dress is form-fitting, the spandex helps it move with you, keeping you comfortable for all-day wear.
Pros
- You can easily wear shapewear under this dress without worrying it will show through
Cons
- Depending on your height, you may need an undergarment for the v-neck area depending on the occasion
Buying Guide: Bodycon Midi Dresses
What Is a Bodycon Dress?
Unknown to most, and what might come off as an amusing fact is the origin of the word ‘bodycon’. The word bodycon is an amalgamation of the two words: body-conscious. And as the name suggests, a bodycon dress is any tailored dress that accentuates your figure and curves. Unlike popular belief, bodycon dresses do not necessarily fit your body like a glove. Any dress which is tailored and offers a body-hugging look essentially comes under the umbrella of bodycon dresses.
Bodycon Dress vs. Bandage Dress
Understanding the style and purpose of a particular garment is imperative before you invest in it. Bodycon dresses are easily confused with bandage dresses due to their body-conforming nature and the limited or vague information delivered to readers of magazines or lookbooks. The main difference between the two lies in the fit and fabric. If you cannot differentiate between the two, your style expectations will definitely take a hit if you buy the wrong dress.
Bodycon dresses are tailored so that they trace your curves without providing support or shaping your body. Mainly made of a polyester mix, the fabric of bodycon dresses is light with little to no stretch. Even though a bodycon dress is close-fitting, you will notice slack in some areas due to its rigid fabric.
Made of a mixture of spandex, nylon, and rayon (composite heavy bandage fabrics), bandage dresses fit like a glove while tucking in all your bulges and love handles. Reminiscent of shapewear, bandage dresses are sturdy, stretchable, and tear-free.
Lengths of Bodycon Dresses
Mini
Want to show off your shapely legs? A bodycon mini dress can be the perfect addition to your closet for a fun night out. A bodycon mini dress rests above the knees for a sultry, fun look suitable for parties and date nights.
Midi
The most popular length of bodycon dress, the midi bodycon dress owes its popularity to its versatile nature. The length of a midi bodycon dress is essentially any length below the knees and above the ankles. With a little change in accessories, you can easily go from desk to dinner wearing a midi bodycon dress.
Maxi
Super glamorous and figure-flattering, the maxi length of a bodycon dress drapes over till the ankles over below.
Sleeve Options in Bodycon Dresses
Sleeves are a game-changer when it comes to transforming a dress from casual to dressy. They also play a significant role in your seasonal wardrobe. A full-sleeved bodycon midi dress paired with a chic long coat in the winter should be a staple. A light-colored, sleeveless bodycon midi dress works a charm in the breezy, hot days of summer.
Full
For a sophisticated look, a full-sleeved bodycon midi dress is ideal. For occasions that require you to be dressy and formal at the same time, a full-sleeved, sleek bodycon dress is a perfect choice.
Half
A classic office wear attire, a half-sleeve bodycon midi dress is ornate and formal.
Sleeveless
Perfect for summers, a sleeveless bodycon midi dress can be worn both for a day in the office or for a girls' night out.
How to Style a Bodycon Midi Dress
Matching accessories
A solid-colored bodycon midi dress paired with matching accessories like a stylish belt, handbag, or glasses will elevate a simple look to an extraordinary one with minimal effort.
Blazer
The sultry, satin look of a bodycon dress paired with a crisp blazer is the epitome of balance in fashion. For a fashion-forward look suitable for the office or a formal brunch, go for a bodycon dress, a contrasting blazer, and a pair of heels. You can exchange the heels with a pair of sneakers for a more casual look.
Statement boots
A plain bodycon dress requires accessories to add oomph to it, and there is no better accessory than a pair of statement boots. They are fun, comfortable, and look great. Platform boots or leather knee-high boots are a few of the many boots you can utilize for an amped-up look.
With a sweater or button-up shirt
For some warmth in the winters, you can pair your bodycon midi dress with a sweater on top. It will not only give you the perfect casual look but also keep you warm.
Alternatively, you can switch up the loom and use a buttoned-up shirt instead and tie it around to cinch your waist.
Long coat
Long coats with dresses are a match made in heaven. A long cardigan paired with a bodycon midi dress gives a put-together look perfect for a wide range of occasions.
Dos and Don'ts of Bodycon Midi Dresses
Dos
Shapewear: Bodycon dresses can be very unforgiving so getting a little extra help is always recommended. Shapewear not only smooths out bulges it also hides panty lines.
Layering: Wearing a bodycon dress can make you more self-conscious than normal. Bloating is natural and some people are particularly conscious of having everything tucked in when they wear a dress, therefore, a cardigan or long coat is a stylish solution.
Darker colors: Everyone knows darker colors have a slimming effect which is why they seem more flattering in bodycon midi dresses.
Flaunt your best features: You know what works best for you. Accentuating your best features will boost your confidence and allow you to be comfortable in your skin. For example, if you like to show off your decolletage, go for a strapless bodycon dress.
Don’t’s
Thin fabric: Thinner fabrics like jerseys tend to stick to your body like a second skin and make everything much more prominent. Not only is this not appropriate for formal settings but thinner fabrics might highlight what you consider problem areas more.
Overaccessorizing: Let the dress steal the show and go light on the accessories. You want a dress like a bodycon midi dress to speak for itself and let small accessories like a clutch or earrings elevate the overall look.
Flats: Flats are considered a casual footwear option and therefore, do not go well with a bodycon dress. Heels on the other hand elongate your frame and make you look slimmer which is ideal when you wear a bodycon dress.
