A woman in an elegant white ruffled Dress To Impress In These Breathtaking Formal Dresses stands beside a chrome chair in a room with glass tables, casting soft shadows in natural light.

PHILOSOPHY DI LORENZO SERAFINI

The Dress Edit

Dress To Impress In These Breathtaking Formal Dresses

Breathtaking formal dresses are usually the pieces we rarely stock up on. But what about when special occasions pop up out of the blue–are you prepared? Stop turning to the same dress you wore 5 years ago and opt for a piece that’s designer, fresh, and brand new. You won’t regret it after slipping any of these top 30 breathtaking formal dresses. Who said you can’t have formal dresses on stand by anyway? Whether you’re headed out in the day time or night time, you can surely dress to impress in any of these options. The best part is that with a dress made to slay and conquer, you can say goodbye to any worries around styling. Just about any direction works, making any one of these your next go-to outing ensemble. Scroll to explore the 30 top formal dresses we’ve found that you need now.

Keep It Classy Day To Night

We’ve all been to a formal event that lasts all day and all night. The biggest worry with breathtaking formal dresses is if they can be worn for that long. Many cocktail dresses are reserved for the evening hours, while your standard brunch ensembles is usually saved for, well–brunch. How can we stay out for as long we we wish for but still look appropriate under both the sun and stars? Look to the BY MALENE BIRGER Delisae Ruched Stretch-knit Maxi Dress and the ALEX PERRY Keira Crêpe Midi Dress as a solution. Pieces like these are neutral in design, meaning that you can step out in them during the daylight and still look just as fabulous in the night hours. After all, breathtaking formal dresses are supposed to look breathtaking–24/7.

Shop more Formal Dresses selected and reviewed by our expert fashion buyers and stylists

  • FOR LOVE & LEMONS Rosalyn Mini Dress

    $279
  • FOR LOVE & LEMONS Emerie Cut Out Dress

    $268
  • ALESSANDRA RICH Polka Dot Silk Pleated Mini Dress

    $1,790
  • ALESSANDRA RICH Printed Silk Short Sleeve Mini Dress

    $1,680
  • ALESSANDRA RICH Polka Dot Silk Short Sleeve Long Dress

    $1,790
  • DONNA MORGAN FOR MAGGY Keyhole Extended Shoulder Midi Dress

    $128
  • ALESSANDRA RICH Printed Open Back Draped Silk Mini Dress

    $1,580
  • MAX MARA Maremar Sleeveless Jersey Sheath Dress

    $525
  • SAINT LAURENT Printed Draped Tech Mini Dress

    $3,400

Reserved For Under The Stars

Some breathtaking formal dresses shouldn’t see the time of day. This isn’t to say they’re not worthy, but their true power steps out in the evening. We all know the world of little black dresses have the reputation for being most suitable, but why not try something new? Our favorite piece for any special occasion past 5 o’clock is the PACO RABANNE Off-the-shoulder Crystal-embellished Lace-trimmed Velvet Midi Dress. You certainly will want a calendar filled with evening events after experiencing the beauty this dress has to offer. Sexy and classic, this versatile gem works for both romantic and family-friendly occasions. There’s no need to loose the smoke around anyone–come as you in a world full of breathtaking formal dresses. Whichever one you choose is the hidden gem for you!

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