The short version
- Typical range: £18 – £80
- Biggest single factor: condition — see the table below
- Category: Clothing
- Cost to sell on WishThrift: nothing, at any price
What a used cocktail dress is worth by condition
Condition does more to the price than anything else. These figures are worked from the top of the range for cocktail dresss, so treat them as a starting point and adjust for the specifics of yours.
| Condition | Typical price | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| New with Tags | £80 | Unused, tags or seals intact |
| Like New | £68 | Barely used, no visible wear |
| Good | £52 | Light signs of use, complete and working |
| Fair | £36 | Heavily used, or a described fault or missing part |
| For Parts | £20 | Not working or incomplete, sold as seen |
These are the five grades WishThrift listings use, and sellers set the grade themselves — see what each condition grade means. Figures are shown in pounds as a reference point. On WishThrift prices display in your own currency, and sellers set their own asking price.
What raises the value of a cocktail dress
- Designer and contemporary occasion labels
- Intact embellishment with nothing missing
- Classic shapes that are not tied to one season
- Original garment bag
What lowers it
- Missing beads and sequins
- Underarm marks and deodorant damage
- Snags in delicate fabrics
- Very trend-specific silhouettes
How to work out what yours is worth
- Check embellishment for loose or missing pieces
- Inspect the underarms closely
- Measure bust, waist and length
Once you have those three answers you can place your own cocktail dress on the table above with reasonable confidence. If it sits between two rows, price it toward the lower one — items priced honestly sell faster than items priced hopefully.
Ready to sell it? Listing on WishThrift is free, there is no commission, and you keep the full amount you agree with the buyer — see how selling works or create a free account.
Frequently asked questions
Are cocktail dresses worth selling?
Designer and occasion labels sell well because most are worn once or twice and stay in excellent condition.
What is the most common problem?
Deodorant marks at the underarm, which are often permanent on delicate fabrics. Check before listing.
Do I need to give measurements?
Always. Occasion dresses fit closely, so bust and waist measurements prevent most returns.
More value guides: clothing guides · all value guides · browse live clothing listings.