A woman stands on a balcony, demonstrating how to style long evening dresses. She is elegantly dressed in an IEENA FOR MACDUGGAL black strapless maxi dress with an asymmetrical tulle skirt and high heels. Her updo hairstyle complements the foggy cityscape and tall buildings in the background.

IEENA FOR MACDUGGAL

The Dress Edit

How To Style Long Evening Dresses For Maximum Impact

Wondering how to style long evening dresses for the festive season ahead? You’re in the right place – and you’re going to look amazing! I’ve done the hard part for you and scrolled through thousands of dresses to find the season’s must-haves alongside the most beautiful designer bags and shoes to wear them with. Keep scrolling to shop the chicest party season designs from Mac Duggal, Diane Von Furstenburg, Current Air, ALC, and more.

 

Against a light green background, a person with curly hair showcases how to style long evening dresses. They wear the DVF Trent printed velvet slip dress, featuring thin straps that accentuate elegance, paired with a choker necklace. One arm is gracefully raised, resting behind their head, completing this poised image.

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG Trent Slip Dress

Against a vibrant yellow background, a woman with long dark hair showcases how to style long evening dresses. Sporting the iconic DIANE VON FURSTENBURG Jessel sequin long sleeve maxi dress paired with gold sandals, her confident gaze is directed towards the camera, perfectly embodying elegance and poise.

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG Jessel Sequin Dress

How To Style Long Evening Dresses & Turn Heads

When you know how to style long evening dresses, you know how to feel your chicest self at parties! Since there’ll be plenty of those this season, I’m about to help you find the after-dark looks you’ve been wishing for. For example, you can never go wrong with a slinky slip dress. Therefore, I highly recommend getting your hands on the Trent slip dress by Dianne Von Furstenberg. Firstly, this dress will look amazing on its own or with a sweater (perfect for chilly nights!). Secondly, metallic heels and accessories will elevate the gorgeous sheen of the fabric. Pair this dress with the Cleo satin bag by Prada, and the Lysandra metallic pumps by Ferragamo for cocktail parties, festive dinner dates, or even Christmas day.

Meanwhile, if you need a party dress that will see you stylishly through the holidays and NYE, look no further than the Jessel sequin dress by Dianne Von Furstenberg. Destined to shimmer and shine by the tree and under the twinkly lights, this dress is an undeniable showstopper. So, style yours with gold heels, preferably the Tita leather sandals by Alexandre Birman and the Loop small Intrecciato crossbody bag by Bottega Veneta for all eyes on you.

Shop more long evening dresses selected and reviewed by our expert fashion buyers and stylists

  • DIANE VON FURSTENBERG Trent Slip Dress

    $418
  • DIANE VON FURSTENBERG Jessel Sequin Dress

    $598
  • HALSTON Rhia One-Shoulder Faux Leather Column Gown

    $695
  • HALSTON Jun Sequin Halter Column Gown

    $595
  • ALICE + OLIVIA Retha Strapless Maxi Dress with Godet-Pleated Side Panel

    $595
  • CAMILLA Bias Silk V-Neck Maxi Slip Dress

    $849
  • PATBO Lurex Tulle Bustier Midi Dress

    $895
  • A.L.C. Alessia Satin and Lace Maxi Dress

    $695
  • SIR. Glow Twist Maxi Dress

    $420
  • LOVESHACKFANCY Rialto Silk Maxi Dress

    $765
  • RETROFÊTE Jeanette Strapless Lace Dress

    $678
  • MAC DUGGAL Strapless Bustier Net Gown With Spiral Ruffles

    $498
  • CURRENT AIR Diana Maxi Dress

    $145
  • NORMA KAMALI Cayla Side Drape Gown

    $150
  • LULUS Floral One-Shoulder Gown

    $118
  • HELSI Leslie Strapless Sequin Midi Dress

    $495
  • MICHAEL COSTELLO X Revolve Gilly Maxi Dress

    $238
  • AMANDA UPRICHARD Magnolia Maxi Dress

    $299
  • ANTHROPOLOGIE Velvet Column Midi Dress

    $158
  • SIR. Aries Cut Out Gown

    $520
  • LORETTA CAPONI Primula Metallic Tulle Maxi Dress

    $1,681
  • LORETTA CAPONI Pansy Silk-Georgette Metallic Lace Maxi Dress

    $1,985
  • ZAC POSEN Beaded Peakaboo Gown

    $695
  • SELF-PORTRAIT Fishnet Gown

    $700

How To Style Long Evening Dresses... With A Bodycon Fit

Need tips on how to style long, fitted evening dresses? From the heels to the bag, these are the accessories you need this party season! Firstly, with slinky black midis like the velvet column dress by Anthropologie, black or metallic heels will work every time. Secondly, if you can find heels that incorporate both – even better! With that in mind, I’ll be slipping into this dress with the Gae suede metallic stiletto pumps by Malone Souliers and the Mariene sequin-embellished leather shoulder bag by Dolce & Gabbana on repeat.

Finally, if you’re looking for something truly glamorous, the Lesli sequin midi dress by Helsi is the quintessential NYE party dress. My advice? Stay on theme and elevate the sparkles with gold heels and a coordinating bag. I highly recommend the embellished Loco leather bag by Valentino Gravani and the Tita 85mm leather sandals by Alexandre Birman.

Shop All Long Evening Dresses

A woman showcases styling techniques for long evening dresses, gracefully posing in the ANTHROPOLOGIE black velvet column midi dress. The strapless, fitted design is accentuated by a waist-cinching belt, and she completes her ensemble with black high heels and a sleek, pulled-back hairstyle. The tranquil, light-hued background further elevates the dress's elegance.

ANTHROPOLOGIE Velvet Column Midi Dress

Wearing the HELSI Leslie gold sequin strapless midi dress against a plain backdrop, an individual showcases how to style long evening dresses. With flowing dark hair and brown heeled shoes, they exude elegance and sophistication.

HELSI Leslie Strapless Sequin Midi Dress

Christmas Party Outfit Ideas From A Stylist Obsessed With Dresses