44 Sparkling, Feathered, & Embellished Wedding After-Party Dresses
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You’ve set the date, you’ve selected the ceremony dress, now it’s time to shop for the best wedding after-party dresses. This is the opportunity to let your hair down, if you will, and experiment with extra-special party looks to dance the night away. Wedding after-party dresses run the gamut from sleek and simple, sequined and shiny, to embellished and exuberant, and with so many options to choose from, it can be hard to settle on just one.
Vogue’s Favorite Wedding After-Party Dresses:
- The Simply Chic: Reformation Zenni dress, $298
- The Modern Romantic: Vivienne Westwood Bagatelle satin mini dress, $5,780
- The Minimalist Choice: Khaite Mags silk mini dress, $1,980
- The Sequin Midi: Staud Casey sequined maxi dress, $1,295
- The Embellished Maxi: The New Arrivals Ilkyaz Ozel Claudie dress, $1,520
- The Shimmery Sequin: Self-Portrait sequined halter mini dress, $555
- The Flirty Fringe: Dôen Gala dress, $998
- The Festive Feather: Alice+ Olivia Erna sequin feather mini dress, $1,595
Therefore, think of us as your personal wedding look stylist, no extra fees required. We took a deep dive into all things white—and metallic!—to bring you every possibility to make your after-party outfit change into a winning success. You’ll find a mix of bridal favorite brands (think: Danielle Frankel, Markarian, Vivienne Westwood), along with designer favorites, such as a minimalist mini from Khaite, a slinky slip from Saint Laurent, and a stylish, silver chainmail take from Rabanne. However, affordable options were not overlooked. Reformation’s satin mini has a modern, Audrey Hepburn vibe, while Rotate’s frothy long-sleeved dress possesses all the luxe trimmings you want, without the hefty price tag (both are under-$300).
Below, shop our favorite 44 best wedding after-party dresses to truly celebrate in style.
The Simply Chic
For the minimalist brides out there, a clean and classic dress will make the most impact. You can never go wrong with a little white satin style for your after-party. Take Reformation’s high-neck, A-line mini for a spin (it’s oh-so Audrey Hepburn) or Galvan’s twisted halter for a ’90s-inspired take.
The After-After-Party
The wee after hours should be all about the mega razzle-dazzle. A chain-link dress from Paco Rabanne is truly a work of art that will shimmer on the dancefloor, while Christopher Esber’s sequined mini, layered with tulle and lace trims, has an ultra-sultry low back that will be the star of the night.
The Modern Romantic
Romance is not dead and these dreamy, draped dresses prove it. Choose from Vivienne Westwood’s corseted mini, complete with a voluminous skirt (nodding to Carrie Bradshaw!) or Magda Butrym’s gathered dress, which has all the makings of a modern, fairytale look—and a really good time.
The ’90s Pick
Don’t feel pressured to wear something with metallics, feathers, or embellishments if it’s not in your style repertoire. Stay true to your minimalist aesthetic with a dress that is clean cut and effortless, such as Khaite’s organza, fit-and-flare or Saint Laurent’s sultry, satin slip. Both are party-ready without extra embellishments.
The Bow Adorned
Is anything sweeter than a bow? We think not. From dainty and delicate à la Markarian’s square-neck stunner with just the tiniest ribbon to something much more aww-inducing, like Rachel Gilbert’s oversized, off-the-shouldered, these dresses are truly the icing on top of the cake.
The Statement Sleeve
If you are looking for something a bit more modest but still packed with plenty of pizzazz, try a long-sleeved mini with statement sleeves. These high-collared options have fluffy sleeves and show off a lot of leg, so be sure to pair with an excellent party shoe. Our favorites include those from Rotate and Solace London.
The Sequined Midi
Now presenting: a festive option for sequin lovers with a penchant for midi lengths. Go the more classical route, with clean lines and a neckline showing off your décollete. This belted Andres Otalora oozes simple sophistication, while Staud’s floral-embroidered will work for a garden setting or a tropical destination.
The Beaded Beauty
Completely beaded or just a smattering—it’s all fair game when you’re thinking about a post-ceremony showstopper. These sleeveless minis have a minimalist shape that allows their craftsmanship to shine. Simkhai’s scattered paillette and bead-blend takes a whimsical approach, while Clio Peppat’s hand-embellished style is couture-quality.
The Perfect Pouf
Few shapes feel as quintessential for a party as a voluminous, bubble skirt. An elegant, strapless design from Marlies Grace is subtle and sweet, while Self-Portrait’s sequined take has all the trimmings and more, making this a one-of-a-kind must-have for the bride who is far from being a wallflower.
The Slinky Slip
Not all party looks have to be micro minis. A lengthy slip dress still feels like a good-time outfit, especially when made from evening-appropriate materials. Play with fabric, such as Anna October’s crinkled satin maxi or The Sei’s shimmery velvet gown.
The Festive Feather
Few looks are as celebratory as a feather-trimmed dress. Whether you crave a boudoir-inspired moment, like Taller Marmo’s long-sleeved mini, or something with extra sparkle, such as Alice and Olivia’s halter, adding a bit of plume will suit the festive occasion.
The Strapless Stunner
Ready for a night of glitz and glamour? Sparkling strapless numbers are a surefire way to get the party started. Consider Alex Perry’s minimalist mini covered in dazzling white sequins or Ila’s dress, completely covered in mirrored embellishments. Both are sure to steal the spotlight.
The Metallic Moment
Enjoy a major metallic moment in sparkling silver. Shine bright like a diamond with Versace’s metallic, mesh mini dress. If you prefer a mixed-metal look, consider Rabanne’s sleek, chainmail dress. Both are supermodel-approved and nod to iconic fashion moments of the past.
The Floral Appliquéd
Another option for the romantic at heart, floral appliquéd dresses are having a moment. Perfect for throwing the bouquet and boogying all evening, these minis from contemporary brands Elliatt and Self-Portrait are timeless with a twist.
The Tantalizing Trims
Have fun with detailing (it is your wedding, after all!). These minis have all the sequins and shine for photo-ready moments, with a few extra details. Self-Portrait’s features rhinestone-encrusted straps, soft tulle ruffles, and a sweet bow, while Sachin & Babi’s floral appliqués are soft and sweet.
The Beach-Appropriate
If you plan to be getting down in the sand post-nuptials, go for something beachy. An asymmetrical mini from Jacquemus is a no-brainer, with a cutout back and high-leg slit. However, Moré Noir takes a sheer and shirred approach that feels downright swoonworthy.
The Fringe Effect
What better silhouette for twirling around the dance floor than a shimmering fringe? These were made for the spotlight. Featuring a dazzling blend of beads and fringe, Jenny Packham and Dôen have a penchant for creating festive party dresses that steal the spotlight.
The Sweet Shift
Inspired by the mod era, these adorable shifts pack plenty of punch with modern embellishment that will really get the party started. This satin option from Prada has jeweled straps and an A-line shape, while Des Phemmes’s mini takes its signature embroidery to the next level with a quilted effect.
The All Night Long
Bring the drama to the dancefloor with a full-length gown, covered in sparkling sequins. Stella McCartney’s sheer option has champagne paillettes to signify the many cheers you will have all night long, while a stunning silver take from The New Arrivals Ilkyaz Ozel is sure to turn heads.
The 3-D Detail
Larger-than-life blooms and cascading ruching is an easy way to turn up the bridal volume. These designs are not for the faint of heart—beautiful and bold, they will be a centerpiece on the dancefloor. Little to no accessorizing required, let the blooms do all the work for you.
The Elegant Embellishments
Delicate embellishments like beads, crystals, and pearls add an ethereal quality to dresses that make them feel extra special on your wedding day. Choose from a longer length, like A.L.C.’s midi featuring clusters along the skirtline, or mini one, such as Prada’s retro-inspired number.
The Modest Mini
A simple, high-necked style can still feel extremely special with the right touches. Area’s modest mini reveals a fully open back, in the shape of the heart, signifying the theme of the evening. Rebecca Vallance’s babydoll silhouette has a full coverage bodice, but all the right detailing to make it far from unassuming.