The Best Special Occasion Dresses That Will Leave Everyone Speechless
PC: @hannahschonburg
Summer is near, which means there will be no shortage of celebrations in need of a special occasion dress. In a blink of an eye, we’ll be asked to doll up and show out for some momentous festivity, and I want you to be prepared for when that day comes. Because let’s face it: whenever you’re in dire need of a dress, that’s exactly when the market lacks good options. It’s in good fashion etiquette, therefore, to always shop ahead and buy the beautiful dress when you see it, not when you need it.
The best special occasion dress for you will depend on the type of function you’re attending. If you’re going to a wedding, then a black and white dress might not be an option. Still, I’ve been seeing a lot of the same dresses, patterns, and cuts lately, and it’s left me a bit uninspired. I want to see a deep low cut backs, unique scarf attachments, or seashell cups. I want to be WOW’d—the kind of special occasion dress that leaves everyone speechless. So I did a little hunting and found the below gowns and minis for various different celebrations. These are the best formal dresses and evening gowns for your next wedding, gala, or graduation party.
We’ve seen the look Jacquemus designed for Chloe in the White Lotus, and while we can’t all get a custom dress designed for ourselves, we can get this equally stunning dress for our own it-girl moment.
$1,730
My mind has been on Magda Butrym all year, and while I typically gravitate towards their outerwear, this dress has just as much of a gravitational pull.
$1,775
This Staud dress is part of an exclusive collection with Moda Operandi, and I find everything from its color, lace slip, and cut breathtakingly stunning.
$625
Consider this the ultimate vacation dress—from its halter neck, open back, and unique floral pattern, it checks all the boxes for an ideal destination dress.
$850
I featured this dress in my Worth The Splurge series, and find the number so stunning that I wanted to include it in this special occasions dress roundup too.
$4,600
In the past, I wouldn’t have considered shopping for a special occasion dress at Mango, but recently the affordable designer has released more high-end pieces worthy of a little more investment.
$350
Yes, I saw someone on the internet wearing this dress. Perhaps you did as well and were wondering where to get it. Well here is your answer: At Miss Rosier.
$159
If you’re attending a garden party, then there’s no better dress than this little mini green number. Ruched throughout the body and ending in a unique sculptural hem, this dress is guaranteed to be a conversation starter.
$385
Florals are just classic, and I wouldn’t want to have a dress roundup without one floral dress. This dress has a stunning open back feature, too.
$294
This number may not be the easiest to walk in, but you’ll certainly look stunning in it. There’s a cutout at the back, too, which adds to its allure.
$585
For something slightly more casual, this Altuzarra dress is at your service. I love the bowtie at the front and on the sleeves. The dress is modest, classy, and easy to rewear in countless ways.
$1,395
If you don’t already know Anna October’s stunning occasion dresses, then it’s about time you familiarize yourself with the Ukrainian label.
$675
The neck detail on this dress, as well as the pleated skirt, makes this dress stand out from the bunches. Simple, yet elegant, she’s certainly going to draw in a ton of attention.
$320
