Headed to a Black-Tie Affair? These Evening Dresses Were Made to Be Seen


Wherever you are heading, we found options to suit your every need—at every price point. Slinky slips, minimalist halter necks, and satin column gowns are always sure-fire choices when you want to look sophisticated. Evening wear darlings Emilia Wickstead, Galvan, and Halston excel with these silhouettes; though for a floor-length option that’ll feel a bit more relaxed, we found an inky blue Rabanne number that drapes beautifully and won’t look stuffy.

If you need something more conservative, La Double J’s short sleeve lime green midi is formal wear that’s fancy without a ton of embellishments or cutouts. Reformation and Mango make beautiful high-neck options (the former of which includes a full pleated skirt) that won’t break the bank; if you’re feeling spendy, Etro’s pretty V-neck style features a paisley print done in wispy silk. (For more structure: Ralph Lauren’s version of an LBD is a tuxedo dress that’s definitely a fit for polished city fêtes.)

And then there’s the option of going for all-out glamour with your gala dress. Tom Ford’s scarlet one-shoulder design features gold hardware at the waist; Bernadette’s color-blocked crepe gown comes complete with a massive bow; McQueen’s petal pink formal dress is accented with a sweeping train. You have choices, is all we’re saying.

Ahead, shop 40+ evening gowns that will ensure you have a great night out, no matter what your grand plans may be.

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embellished one-sleeve silk-crepe gown

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Aje

Violette strapless gown

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Marni

gathered satin halter gown

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Willow floral-print maxi dress

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satin halter gown

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Reformation

Camella dress

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Dries Van Noten

Deryl orchid embellished column gown

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Prada

long double satin dress

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strapless crinkled-satin midi dress

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sleeveless A-line dress

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twist-front cutout satin gown

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Larys layered asymmetric maxi dress

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Joy maxi dress

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pandora satin gown

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Manuela dress

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Bernadette

colorblock flowy dress with bow

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one shoulder open back gown

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Obie satin gown

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cherry blossom print pleated organza

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double silk satin evening gown

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Ordinia silk gown

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Self-Portrait

lace taffeta maxi dress

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Illi V jersey and silk-satin dress

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Megara paneled cloqué maxi dress

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Ralph Lauren

Kristian silk tuxedo dress

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printed satin dress

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Liliaia dress

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Batista draped maxi dress

Meryl dress

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Wiederhoeft

Maggi draped beaded tulle gown

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twist-front paisley-print dress

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Misha

The Lilia Satin Dress

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Cortana

Luana convertible dress

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draped stretch-satin maxi dress

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chain-embellished satin maxi dress

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Velvet bow-embellished silk-crepe gown

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off-the-shoulder satin maxi dress

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crinkled-voile maxi dress

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Rhea strapless satin-trimmed crepe gown

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floral-print crepe de chine gown

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off-the-shoulder midi dress

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Calluna tie-neck tiered organza maxi dress

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floral print trench dress