A woman stands in profile wearing an Oscar de la Renta rosette lace embroidered gown with floral patterns, featuring a high neckline and a tiered skirt, in front of a textured beige backdrop. She has on dark heels.

Oscar de la Renta

The Dress Edit

24 Dreamy Evening Gowns Inspired By This Year’s Met Gala

 

The time we’ve all been waiting for is here on Monday, and it’s time to start shopping dreamy evening gowns. With one of my favorite themes leading this year’s Met Gala, The Garden of Time, it’s hard not to feel inspired to bring home your own gown. From Oscar de la Renta to Erdem, brands are putting all-things floral at the forefront of the occasion—bringing together much more than a garden, but an artistic story.

 

Paying homage to past decades of memorable fashion is one of the best ways to take your own style to the next level. And whether or not you’re into gowns, you might think differently after Monday. These dreamy evening gowns may outside of the everyday woman’s comfort zone, but their magical allure is just too good to pass up.

A woman poses in an Oscar de la Renta Gardenia black lace halter gown with ruffled details and a high slit, accessorized with large earrings and striking in an outdoor setting with a bright sky and concrete wall.

OSCAR DE LA RENTA Gardenia Lace Ruffle Halter Gown

A woman stands between large columns, wearing an Erdem belted embellished floral strap gown with floral embroidery and a voluminous tulle skirt. Her hair is styled in a loose updo, and she looks dreamy.

ERDEM Belted Embellished Tulle Gown

SS24's Hottest Trend: Transparency

 

Whether it be lace or tulle, this spring-summer’s dreamy evening gowns are showing more skin than usual. After all, the easiest way to incorporate florals without an actual print is through textiles like lace. However, the modest days of showing skin aren’t so modern anymore.

 

In fact, showing off your legs entirely or even the whole bodice can be just as elegant as covering up. Oscar de la Renta’s Gardenia lace gown is proof of that—bringing together a harmony of ruffles and lace that is simply breathtaking. And while it’s not your usual bright-colored gown, this classic black piece styles stunningly with the Amina Muaddi Kim pumps and Jimmy Choo Bon Bon bucket bag. Sometimes, the simpler the better—and this lace hidden gem embodies just that.

 

On the flip side, the ERDEM belted embellished tulle gown takes a lighter approach to transparency. With a fully-lined tulle skirt, this piece is reserved for warmer months—perfect for garden parties and soirées. So, if you’re like me and prefer to take florals lightly, this piece is a great introduction to formal gowns. Plus, it makes the perfect excuse to snag Malone Souliers Maureen heels and Cult Gaia’s Puffer clutch. Because, well, dreamy evening gowns need dreamy bags and shoes too.

  • ERDEM Belted Embellished Tulle Gown

    $6,995
  • OSCAR DE LA RENTA Embellished Organza-trimmed Silk-crepon Halterneck Gown

    $8,490
  • ZIMMERMANN Natura Asymmetric Strapless Floral-print Linen And Silk-blend Gauze Gown

    $2,350
  • GIAMBATTISTA VALLI Cold-shoulder Appliquéd Cotton Gown

    $5,800
  • OSCAR DE LA RENTA Rosette Embroidered Gown

    $12,990
  • ELIE SAAB Strapless Pleated Appliquéd Embellished Tulle Gown

    $7,625
  • DRESS THE POPULATION Anabel Sequin Floral Gown

    $488
  • OSCAR DE LA RENTA Gardenia Lace Ruffle Halter Gown

    $7,490
  • ZIMMERMANN Matchmaker Daisy Slip Gown

    $2,950
  • OSCAR DE LA RENTA Sunflower Crystal Lamé Mousseline Gown

    $10,290
  • OSCAR DE LA RENTA Botanical Guipure Lace Off-the-Shoulder Gown

    $6,990
  • MAGDA BUTRYM Cold-shoulder Appliquéd Silk-blend Chiffon Maxi Dress

    $2,620
  • STAUD Florian Appliquéd Tiered Ruffled Organza Halterneck Gown

    $895
  • SELKIE The Ritz Gown

    $399
  • HELSI Norah Sequin Floral Gown

    $675
  • RASARIO Floral-appliquéd Open Back Maxi Dress

    $2,100
  • RASARIO Ruffled Asymmetric Maxi Dress

    $2,100
  • FOR LOVE & LEMONS For Love & Lemons Temecula Cut Out Maxi Dress

    $298

Dreamy Evening Gowns That Put Flowers First

 

Not all dreamy evening gowns inspired by the Met Gala have to be subtle. In fact, some of the best looks put flowers right in your face—whether through prints or statement appliqués. The Rasario asymmetric maxi dress is one of the most approachable styles to start with. Designed for a number of various occasions, you can never go wrong with another floral print in your wardrobe. And I find that styling dresses like this can be easy with Stuart Weitzman Nudistia sandals and Alexander Wang Heiress crystal shoulder bag. Although, you could opt for a pop of color with reds and pinks.

 

For those who love embellishments, the Oscar de la Renta organza-trimmed gown takes a different approach. With a gigantic flower taking over the bodice, this gown is simply to die for. Feminine, airy, and undeniably comfortable, I’d rock this hidden gem to any and every spring-summer party. Pair it with the Off-White Jug wedges and this Anthropologie beaded crossbody bag for a more modern look or go all-white for am monochrome look. When it comes to dreamy evening gowns, it’s okay to let inspiration lead you.

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A woman in a Rasario black asymmetric maxi floral dress with ruffle details and a high slit, standing against a plain white background. Her hair is slicked back..

RASARIO Ruffled Asymmetric Maxi Dress

An elegant woman in Oscar de la Renta embellished organza silk halterneck gown stands against a soft pink background. The dress features a large floral embellishment at the neckline and a cinched waist. Her posture is poised.

OSCAR DE LA RENTA Embellished Organza-trimmed Silk-crepon Halterneck Gown

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