Hmmm I'd say $200, but the dress would have to be pretty fantastic! Usually I like finding dresses for less, but when you're in love with a dress, you're in love :)

In this economy? I'd feel guilty spending anything over $50 and even that would have to be exceptional.

It would have to depend on what the occasion is but generally speaking $100 would by my max. You can always find a nice, complimenting dress for an affordable price. Plus I always feel more confident - and less guilty - knowing I didn't spend a lot of money on one dress. Then the extra money you saved can go toward new shoes or earrings :)

It depends...if we're talking a trendy style that won't be around for more than a few years, then $100. However, if it's a classic style that I'm apt to wear for many years, then I'd definitely splurge and spend around $500. At that point, it's worth it to go for quality construction so that it stays fabulous for many parties to come!

I'd spend up to $300 for a classic cocktail dress that I could wear for many different occasions! This would probably be a LBD or something comparable. These little basics are worth spending a little extra cash on!

The most I would spend on a cocktail dress would be around $200. I like classic styles that I can wear again and again. I try to mostly buy below that, but I'm known to splurge on something I love - especially if it's a dress. Nothing makes you feel more sexy than the perfect dress.

It depends on the occasion, but I'd typically like to spend $100 or less for most occasions.

I'd say $250-$300, but it would have to be classic and something I could wear numberous times. My rule of thumb for buying a more pricey piece of clothing is..I don't buy it the first day I see it, but if the next day I'm still thinking of it then I know its something I truly love...those are the pieces to spend more money on.

I have to say that I'm pretty cheap--way under $100 for me. And that's because I live in a wee little town where no one has formal parties. Going out attire = jeans. Going to a nice restaurant? Jeans. Clubbing? Jeans. Wedding? Well, not jeans, but a simple skirt & blouse at most. Rustics.

Hehe... okay, obviously I'm not that casual. I refuse to conform to the norms of this little burg.

The most I would spend is probably $40. I love to score bargains so I'd hope that I could get a killer deal and pay even less! Thanks for the opportunity to win a dress!

I wouldn't pay more than $60 on a cocktail dress from a commercial retailer.

However, I would spend more money (not more than $200) on the dress if at least 25% of the cost went to a charity, cause, or supported an individual, up and coming designer.
A good friend of mine makes custom bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, cocktail dresses and sun dresses. She works nonstop, but she does it because she's "living the dream."

To support her and have a super cute, custom made dress is a win for everyone.

I'd spend up to about $300. You can find fabulous dresses, even designer dresses that may have been marked down, for $300 and look great. I don't think it's really necessary to spend more than that and still look really chic.

A few years back a purchased a wonderful $300+ silk kimono style dress bySingle Dress at Nordstrom. It was for my brother's wedding and was the most I'd ever paid for a single item of clothing ever. And it killed me. Now, after having been unemployed for over a year, purchasing a cocktail dress for networking events is a necessity, but spending anything over $50 is unwise. I've honed in on my savvy shopper/frugalista skills and am loving it.

Like Kim, I would probably not spend more than $40 on a cocktail dress. Even if it's a classic, I usually only wear a dress once with the same crowd. That means I'd rather spend more money on a pair of killer shoes or even the perfect bra than break the bank on a dress.

I would pay $88 for this dress. $90 just seems a bit too high, especially in this economy, but something about having a number just below the tipping point always seems to work.

I probably would pay up to $250 on a dress that I really loved and could use more than once. It would be something that I could change he look of depending on the accessories. I normally would like to spend under $100 dollars on a dress.

I would pay $150 for a really special dress! :)

$50...you can totally find a great deal if you know where to look...bag and shoes not included, of course

I admit I'm a pretty frugal girl. The most I've ever spent on any clothing item (including my wedding dress) was $500. I once was willing to pay around $150 for a black cocktail dress but never did it. Then I found the same dress on ebay and even with tailoring it still came to less than $70. That's my kind of price!

I've spent $150 twice, both dresses are over 8 years old and I still wear them. Usually, I find it best to find a dress when I'm not looking for something for a specific occasion, I tend to buy more long-lasting items. When I'm looking for an item for a specific occasion I tend to buy things that are trendier and less long-lasting.

$99.99, cause Im outta my mind

I think $200 is the most I'd spend, if it were a timeless dress or for a very special occasion.

I think I would spend a maximum of $200 on a cocktail dress. I would try to find something that could be versatile enough to wear on different occasions. Something that can be changed up with different accessories in order to maximize it's potential. With the economy the way it is right now I feel that it is very important to get the most out of every dollar we spend!

I think I would spend a maximum of $200 on a cocktail dress. I would try to find something that could be versatile enough to wear on different occasions. Something that can be changed up with different accessories in order to maximize it's potential. With the economy the way it is right now I feel that it is very important to get the most out of every dollar we spend!

Typically I'd be willing to spend up to $50 for this dress, but right now I'd snatch it up for $30. Gotta watch where that paycheck goes!