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Brides / Kevin Liang
While your wedding gown is the most important piece in your bridal wardrobe, your after-party dress will undoubtedly be the most fun. That's because after-party outfits are all about sparkly fabrics, shorter hemlines, and carefree silhouettes. Plus, these party-ready dresses are the perfect way to showcase your personal style while hitting that dance-floor.
"The most important thing to keep in mind is to have fun with this after-party look," says Stitch Fix stylist Alicia Lloyd. "It's a time to celebrate and your look should reflect exactly how you feel."
We spoke to Lloyd on how to pick this frock and researched the best options based on her advice. We know after-parties can take all shapes and forms, so we looked for styles in a variety of fabrics, shapes, lengths, and aesthetics to suit whatever vibe you are going for. We also ensured the styles come in wide size ranges and high quality materials. Who knows, maybe you’ll party in the dress again?
Best Budget
Lulus Always Celebrating Ivory Satin Off-the-Shoulder Mini Dress
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Lulus
This satin dress looks way more expensive than it is. The off-the-shoulder neckline shows off your chest in a tasteful way, and there’s hidden no-slip strips to ensure nothing falls while you’re dancing. The asymmetrical folded fabric elevates the mini skirt. It does run small, so consider sizing up if you are between sizes.
Price at time of publish: $82
Size Range: XS-XL | Length: Mini | Material: Polyester
Best Backless
Michael Costello x REVOLVE Zola Mini Dress
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Revolve
Channel Hailey Bieber in this backless number. The stripe going down your back is such a small detail but has a major impact emphasizing your back muscles. Shoulder pads help create an hourglass figure. The front is pretty simple except for two cut outs on the side. Slick back your hair in a ponytail or bun to show off your backside.
Price at time of publish: $197
Size Range: XXS-XL | Length: Mini | Material: Rayon
Best Old Hollywood
ASOS DESIGN Midi Dress with Batwing Sleeve and Wrap Waist in Scatter Sequin
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ASOS
This dazzling long-sleeve gown feels very Old Hollywood glamor. Accessorize with a sparkly clutch and a pair of statement-making earrings, and a bold red lip for added drama.
Price at time of publish: $140
Size Range: 0-14 | Length: Midi | Material: Polyester
Best Off-the-Shoulder
Likely Paz Dress
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Amazon
This dress is similar to our pick for Best Budget, Lulus Always Celebrating Ivory Satin Off-the-Shoulder Mini Dress, but it’s not as voluminous for those that want a more streamlined look. Though the neckline is pretty low cut, there is a strip of silicone at the top to keep it place. The pleated chiffon sleeves give the dress an elegant bridal touch. We love how there is the tiniest of slits.
Price at time of publish: $228
Size Range: 00-14 | Length: Mini | Material: Heavyweight, non-stretch crepe
Best Jumpsuit
ASOS Luxe Bow Bardot Embellished Jumpsuit
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ASOS
Embrace your inner disco queen in this embellished jumpsuit. A flare leg and bardot neckline makes it extra groovy and the combination of sequins and silver gems is one of a kind. It’s both adorable and fierce at once.
Price at time of publish: $256
Size Range: 0-14 | Length: Floor | Material: Polyester
Best Fringe
Showpo Siofra Mini Dress
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Showpo
There is perhaps no better dress to dance in than one that's made entirely from cascading fringe. That's because a swishy fringe frock not only screams after-party, it also moves when you move.
Price at time of publish: $80
Size Range: 0-16 | Length: Mini | Material: Polyester
Best Midi
Retrofête Olivia Sequin Dress
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Retrofête
No dress is more party-ready than a sparkly midi dress. We’ve been seeing halter necklines on a lot of celebrity brides these days, and this one pairs it with dramatic open back. Buy the sequined gloves to complete the look.
Price at time of publish: $895
Size Range: XXS-XXL | Length: Midi | Material: Viscose
Best with Feathers
ELLIATT Harley Feather Trim Dress
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Revolve
Looking for an after-party ensemble that feels sophisticated and fun? This feather-trimmed dress should do just the trick. Delicate gold hoops and barely-there sandals make for chic finishing touches.
Price at time of publish: $200
Size Range: XS-L | Length: Midi | Material: Polyester
Best Mini
Self-Portrait Crystal-Trimmed Mini Dress
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My Theresa
Sophisticated crystal embellishments frame this structured cupcake dress, for a look that's at once glamorous and architectural. The eye-catching neckline and hemline ensure you'll stand out in every photo. Because of the cutout bust, you’ll likely need an adhesive bra for this look.
Price at time of publish: $364
Size Range: UK 4-14 | Length: Mini | Material: Taffeta
Best Long Sleeve
For Love & Lemons Willow Mini Dress
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For Love & Lemons
We love this soft, vintage-inspired dress for the bride whose aesthetic leans classic with a twist. There’s a cowl neck in the front and back and elastic high low sleeves. Subtle shoulder pads balance your figure.
Price at time of publish: $329
Size Range: XXS-XL | Length: Mini | Material: Viscose, Recycled Polyester
Best Set
BHLDN Mira Embellished Wide-Leg Pant Bridal Set
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Anthropologie
Similar to a jumpsuit, a two-piece gives you the freedom to break it down on the dance floor. The extra wide pants are practically begging to form a dance circle and the square neck crop top supports your girls. Sequins and pearls add just enough sweetness.
Price at time of publish: $750
Size Range: 0-16 | Length: Full | Material: Polyester, Elastane
Best Cutout
MACH & MACH Cutout Little Mini Dress with Crystal Bows
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MACH & MACH
Cutouts are all the rage and this one keeps it classy with modest holes on the sides embellished with crystal bows. We love how the ribbed material and tank top design provides a fun sporty contrast to the crystal bows.
Price at time of publish: $1,240
Size Range: 34-44 | Length: Mini | Material: Cotton
Best Swing Dress
Rihoas The Apricot Halter Satin A-line Mini Dress
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Rihoas
After a whole day of wearing a gown and posing for pictures, you'll likely want to let loose and forget the shapewear. An A-line swing dress is the idea silhouette for that time in the night, and we love this design from Rihoas. The high neckline and bow in the back make it extra chic. And you can’t beat the price.
Price at time of publish: $33
Size Range: XS-XL | Length: Mini | Material: Polyester
Best Sexy
Morphine Fashion Hypnotized Pearl & Crystal Bustier Mini Dress
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Anthropologie
With bustier styling and a lace up back, this dress is undeniably sexy. The structure helps create an hourglass silhouette while the mini length shows plenty of leg. Just like the dresses at the Met Gala, this dress is adorned with pearls and speckles of crystals. Top it off with a choker to really highlight your neckline.
Price at time of publish: $1,000
Size Range: XS-XL | Length: Mini | Material: Polyester, Viscose
Best Puff Sleeve
Watters Macaron Square-Neck Tulle Embellished Mini Dress
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Anthropologie
Statement sleeves are back, and this dress offers just enough puffiness. With a tight bodice and short A-line skirt, it has a youthful quality to it, especially with all the pearls sprinkled throughout. Even those with a larger bust said they could wear it without a bra for ultimate comfort. And if you get a little too hot during the night, you can drape the sleeves off your shoulders.
Price at time of publish: $495
Size Range: 0-16 | Length: Mini | Material: Polyester, Nylon, Tulle
Best Plus-Size
Bridal by Eloquii Feather Hem Slip Dress
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Eloquii
As celebrities like Paris Hilton and Kate Moss have demonstrated, slip dresses are the ultimate party dress. This style from Eloquii celebrates the timeless elegance and adds a dash of fun with rows of feathers along the hem. You already know you have to twirl in this dress.
Price at time of publish: $179
Size Range: 14-28 | Length: Mini | Material: Polyester
Best Balletcore
LoveShackFancy Jaylen Mini Dress
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LoveShackFancy
Whether you are a life-long ballerina or simply love the idea of wearing a tutu on your wedding night, we fully support you embracing the Balletcore trend. This mini tutu dress from LoveShackFancy is absolutely adorable but still looks mature enough for a grown woman. A work of art in itself, layers of tulle create the volume while the skirt features custom lace, floral embroidery, and appliques. It comes in ballerina pink or a light green or black for the bride that isn’t afraid to experiment with color.
Price at time of publish: $895
Size Range: 00-14 | Length: Mini | Material: Cotton
Best Romper
Show Me Your Mumu Love on the Dance Floor Romper
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Show Me Your Mumu
When it comes to your after-party look, you'll want to make sure you choose an option that's not only stylish but functional, too. Enter: the bridal romper. They're fashionable, fun, and perfect for cutting loose on the dancef loor. With a deep v neckline, wrap front, and long puff sleeve, this romper celebrates all your best features.
Price at time of publish: $268
Size Range: XS-XXL | Length: Mini | Material: Polyester, Spandex
Meet the Expert
Alicia Lloyd is the supervisor of the styling team at Stitch Fix, a personal styling service that sends customers personalized shopping recommendations.
What to Look for in an After-Party Dress
Weather
As you dance the night away, you don't want to be too cold or hot. For warmer temps, go for shorter silhouettes and breathable materials like cotton, like the LoveShackFancy Jaylen Mini Dress. If your party is taking place outside where it might be chilly, go for a jumpsuit or a longer dress like ASOS DESIGN Midi Dress with Batwing Sleeve and Wrap Waist in Scatter Sequin.
Style
"Envision how you want to look and feel in this moment, and select your styles based on that," says Lloyd.
Shimmering mini dresses in allover sequins and beading, like Morphine Fashion Hypnotized Pearl & Crystal Bustier Mini Dress, are a classic choice for late-night celebrations. Not only are they eye-catching, but they offer the chance to highlight your playful side, especially if you wore a simple or more conservative wedding dress. If pared-back minimalism is more your speed, ultra-chic slip dresses like Bridal by Eloquii Feather Hem Slip Dress feel polished and timeless. For a bolder after-party moment, go for dresses in bright, poppy colors or jumpsuits with daring necklines, like ASOS Luxe Bow Bardot Embellished Jumpsuit.
Mobility
The after-party is all about dancing and letting loose, which can be hard to do if your dress is constricting in any way. So, it might be best to avoid stiff off-the-shoulder dresses that prevent you from raising your arms or tight floor-length gowns that make dancing difficult. Jumpsuits and sets, like BHLDN Mira Embellished Wide-Leg Pant Bridal Set, win in the mobility department.
Why Trust Brides
Emily Cieslak is an Associate Commerce Editor for Brides, covering all things beauty and fashion. She has covered fashion at several publications including The Knot, Byrdie, InStyle, and Real Simple.
Contributing writer Sophie Moore is a former fashion editor at Brides and is an expert in all things bridal attire, from couture wedding gowns to the perfect "something blue" accessory. She researches and sources the best fashion items for brides, grooms, wedding guests, bridal parties, and more. For this article, we interviewed Stitch Fix stylist Alicia Lloyd for tips on how to select and style an after-party dress.
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