Part of the excitement of going to an evening event - be it the neighbor's shindig or the annual office party - is shopping for the perfect dress. Few of us need (or want) to wear an elaborate gown so we are grateful that the cocktail dress exists - almost anything can be a cocktail dress as long as it's short, fun, and most importantly, special in some way.

This week we showed you five different cocktail dresses - from the retro inspired to the modern, and the only thing they have in common is that they're not black. Don't get us wrong, we love little black dresses as much as you do, but we know you have at least one hanging in your closet already. Why not try something new to light up the night?