The 27 best ball gown brands
Mac Duggal, Adrianna Papell and Betsy & Adam lead our ranking of 27 ball gown brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Ball Gown brands, ranked
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1
Mac Duggal
Fitted gowns with dramatic necklines and heavy beadwork, cut close through the bodice for prom and formal nights.
Top products: Violets Are Blue· 26591 Sequin One Shoulder
Website: macduggal.com |Brands like Mac Duggal
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Adrianna Papell
Beaded and sequined evening gowns in a broad size range, including plus sizes, at mid-range prices.
Top products: 3D Floral-Beaded One-Shoulder Gown· Beaded Sequin Gown
Website: adriannapapell.com |Brands like Adrianna Papell
Popularity 7.4/10
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3
Betsy & Adam
Formalwear built around sequin, lace and mesh mermaid silhouettes, with plus sizes and sleeve options.
Top products: Bayley
Website: betsyandadam.com |Brands like Betsy & Adam
Popularity 5.8/10
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4
Xscape
Party gowns with ruching, beading and cutout details, sold in extended sizes at accessible prices.
Top products: Beaded Cutout-Side Gown
Website: xscapeevenings.com |Brands like Xscape
Popularity 5.7/10
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5
La Femme
Ballgowns with hand-beaded bodices and stone embellishment, popular for prom, pageants and formal events.
Top products: Embroidered & Beaded Ballgown
Website: lafemmefashion.com |Brands like La Femme
Popularity 5.1/10
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6
Sherri Hill
Bold prom dresses with statement silhouettes and vivid colours, often sold through prom boutiques.
Website: sherrihill.com |Brands like Sherri Hill
Popularity 4.4/10
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7
Jovani
Corset-boned bodices and fitted waists in sequin-heavy prom gowns, sold through boutiques and department stores.
Website: jovani.com |Brands like Jovani
Popularity 4.3/10
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8
Alex Evenings
Stretch-fabric evening gowns with off-the-shoulder and cold-shoulder styles, including petite and plus cuts.
Top products: Long Foldover Off the Shoulder Gown
Website: alexevenings.com |Brands like Alex Evenings
Popularity 4.2/10
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9
Tadashi Shoji
Tea-length and floor-length evening and bridal gowns, many in lace, tulle and embroidered fabrics.
Website: tadashishoji.com |Brands like Tadashi Shoji
Popularity 4.2/10
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10
Badgley Mischka
Glamorous evening gowns with crystal-dotted necklines and figure-skimming fits, sold widely through department stores.
Website: badgleymischka.com |Brands like Badgley Mischka
Popularity 4.0/10
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11
Aidan Mattox
Sophisticated gowns with tie-back and spaghetti-strap detailing, mostly sequined or lace, at upper-middle prices.
Website: aidan-mattox.com |Brands like Aidan Mattox
Popularity 3.7/10
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12
Dress The Population
Crepe and chiffon maxi gowns with high slits, open backs and mermaid cuts, sized from XS to plus.
Top products: Crepe Sheer Open Back Mermaid Maxi Gown
Website: dressthepopulation.com |Brands like Dress The Population
Popularity 3.5/10
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13
R&M Richards
Belted lace gowns with glitter accents, suited to mothers of the bride and formal guests.
Website: rmrichards.nyc |Brands like R&M Richards
Popularity 3.4/10
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14
& Other Stories
& Other Stories might sound like a weird name for a clothing brand, but that does not change the fact that the company has been manufacturing some of the best clothes people have ever seen. They believe in telling fashion...
Website: stories.com |Brands like & Other Stories
Popularity 3.2/10
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15
Blondie Nites
Tulle-tiered prom gowns and beaded halter styles in bright, playful colours for school dances.
Website: blondienites.com |Brands like Blondie Nites
Popularity 3.1/10
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16
Jessica McClintock
Romantic lace and ruffled dresses, long associated with prom and bridal occasions.
Website: jessicamcclintock.com |Brands like Jessica McClintock
Popularity 3.1/10
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17
SACHIN & BABI
Hand-embroidered evening pieces and embellished crepe layers, often in cocktail and evening lengths.
Website: sachinandbabi.com |Brands like SACHIN & BABI
Popularity 3.1/10
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18
Morgan & Co.
Several renowned companies trust the incredibly successful and leading advertising agency Morgan & Co. with their marketing and advertising. The company has helped their business flourish massively. The team at Morgan & Co. is highly skilled and driven. They diligently...
Website: morganco.nyc |Brands like Morgan & Co.
Popularity 3.0/10
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19
Chiara Boni
Since its inception, Chiara Boni has provided women with modern and elegant fashion products. The brand strives to offer sophisticated pieces of clothing to women who love luxurious apparel and wish to explore the art of fashion. They fabricate an...
Website: chiaraboni.com |Brands like Chiara Boni
Popularity 3.0/10
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20
Marchesa
Couture-style red-carpet gowns with embellished tulle and floral appliqué, at premium prices.
Website: marchesa.com |Brands like Marchesa
Popularity 2.8/10
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21
JS Collections
Lace-overlay evening gowns with jewelled beading, often in soft pastel and jewel tones for mothers of the bride.
Website: jscollections.com |Brands like JS Collections
Popularity 2.8/10
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22
Teri Jon
Jewel-embellished evening and wedding gowns, with lightweight options for bridal showers.
Website: terijon.com |Brands like Teri Jon
Popularity 2.8/10
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23
Morilee
Family-run since 1953, this bridal label sells its ball gowns through independent bridal shops.
Website: morilee.com |Brands like Morilee
Popularity 2.7/10
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24
Calvin Klein
Sequin and cowl-back evening gowns, mainly sold through department stores under licence.
Website: calvinklein.us |Brands like Calvin Klein
Popularity 2.6/10
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25
May Queen
Satin and tulle skirts with minimal beading keep these bridal and formal gowns at a lower price point.
Website: mayqueenusa.com |Brands like May Queen
Popularity 2.6/10
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26
Halston Heritage
Jersey and crepe drapes with minimal seaming, a 1970s-inspired American take on evening wear.
Popularity 2.5/10
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27
Speechless
Juniors' prom and party dresses with sequin and lace details, sold at department stores.
Website: speechless.com |Brands like Speechless
Popularity 2.5/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mac Duggal | macduggal.com | /macduggaldresses | macduggal | – | – |
| Adrianna Papell | adriannapapell.com | /AdriannaPapell | adriannapapell | @adriannapapell | – |
| Betsy & Adam | betsyandadam.com | /BetsyAdamStyle | betsyandadam | – | – |
| Xscape | xscapeevenings.com | /xscapeevenings | xscapeevenings | – | – |
| La Femme | lafemmefashion.com | /La-Femme-Fashion-52333453277 | lafemmefashion | @lafemmefashion | – |
| Sherri Hill | sherrihill.com | /sherrihilldresses | sherrihill | @SherriHill | SherriHill |
| Jovani | jovani.com | /jovanifashions | jovanifashions | @jovanifashions | Jovani - Prom and Evening Dresses |
| Alex Evenings | alexevenings.com | /alexevenings | alexevenings | – | – |
| Tadashi Shoji | tadashishoji.com | /tadashishoji | tadashishoji | @TadashiShoji | – |
| Badgley Mischka | badgleymischka.com | /BadgleyMischka | badgleymischka | @BadgleyMischka | – |
Ball Gowns Buying Guide
Ball gowns are the ultimate in formal wear that add beauty and glamour to any occasion. Whether it's for a prom night, a formal ball, a wedding or just for dressing up, picking the right ball gown is important. However, finding the perfect gown can be overwhelming with so many styles, fabrics and designs available. In this buying guide, we will provide you with some tips and tricks to find the right ball gown for you.
What's Your Body Shape?
Identifying your body shape is crucial when buying a ball gown. The right ball gown will flatter your body shape, so you look and feel fabulous. Ball gowns come in a variety of styles, tailored to suit different body shapes, such as:
- A-line: This style is ideal for all body shapes as it flows and flares from the waist down, creating a classic look.
- Ballgown: This traditional style is perfect for pear-shaped figures, as it's fitted at the top and flares at the bottom, accentuating your curves.
- Sheath: This style is great for apple-shaped figures as it's slim and form-fitting, creating a streamlined appearance.
- Mermaid/Trumpet: This style hugs the body and flares at the bottom, making it perfect for hourglass figures.
When considering your body shape, remember to highlight your best features and downplay any areas that you feel are not your best asset.
Choose the Right Fabric
Choosing the right fabric for your ball gown is essential as it can drastically affect the look and feel of the dress. Ball gowns come in a range of materials including:
- Satin: This material is smooth and glossy, it's a great choice for ball gowns as it has a soft sheen finish that exudes elegance.
- Tulle: This material is lightweight and airy, making it perfect for ball gowns that have a lot of volume and layers.
- Lace: Lace adds detail and texture to a ball gown, giving it a vintage feel. It's also a romantic fabric that fits well with the ball gowns' ethereal atmosphere.
- Chiffon: This material is light, floaty and sheer, making it perfect for a ball gown that's lightweight and has a lot of movement.
- Organza: With its lightweight and transparent texture, organza is the perfect material for a layered look in a ball gown.
Consider the Color
Choosing the right color for your ball gown is just as important as choosing the right style and fabric. The color of your ball gown should complement your skin tone, eye color, and overall appearance.
- Red: This is a classic color for ball gowns, it's bold, sexy and elegant. It's perfect for someone who wants to make a statement and stand out in the crowd.
- Blue: Blue is a calming and soothing color that comes in many shades. A light blue gown is perfect for a soft and romantic look while a navy blue gown is more dramatic and sophisticated.
- Pink: Pink is a girly and feminine color that's perfect for a ball gown, especially for a prom. It comes in many varieties, from a soft and pastel pink to a vibrant and bold magenta.
- Black: Black is a classic and timeless color for a ball gown. It's elegant, sophisticated and perfect for a formal event. It's also versatile and can be styled with different accessories and makeup to achieve different looks.
- Purple: Purple is a regal and luxurious color that's perfect for a ball gown. It comes in a variety of shades, from a pale lilac to a deep plum.
Remember to consider the event's theme, the time of day and season when choosing the right color for your ball gown.
The Right Accessories
Accessories can make or break a ball gown. The right accessories can add detail and texture to your gown, making it stand out in the crowd.
- Jewelry: Jewelry is the perfect accessory for a ball gown. It adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any gown. When choosing the right jewelry for your ball gown, remember to keep it simple and not too overwhelming. A pair of elegant earrings and a necklace is more than enough.
- Shoes: The right shoes can make a big difference in your overall appearance. A pair of high heels can elongate your legs, making you look taller and slimmer. When choosing shoes for your ball gown, stick to classic designs like pumps or heeled sandals that complement the dress's style.
- Clutch: A clutch is the perfect accessory for a ball gown. It's small and compact, allowing you to keep all your essentials like your phone, makeup, and keys. When choosing a clutch, consider the color of your gown, and opt for a clutch that complements your outfit.
- Headwear: Wearing a headpiece or a tiara can add a touch of glamour and sophistication to your ball gown. Opt for headwear that complements your gown's color and style, and keep it simple and elegant.
The Perfect Fit
The final step in finding the right ball gown is finding the perfect fit. A ball gown that doesn't fit properly can make you feel uncomfortable and ruin your overall appearance. When buying a ball gown, make sure you try it on before you purchase it. It's also essential to measure yourself to get the right fit.
- Bust: Measure the fullest part of your bust, and make sure you wear a bra when measuring.
- Waist: Measure the narrowest part of your waist, usually, an inch above your belly button.
- Hips: Measure the widest part of your hips, usually around 7-9 inches below your waistline.
When trying on your ball gown, make sure you move around and sit down to ensure you're comfortable and that the dress moves with you. Consider alterations for a perfect fit such as hemming, adjusting straps or taking in the gown at the waist.
Conclusion
Buying the right ball gown can be a daunting task, but with the right guidance, you can find the perfect gown for you. Remember, consider your body shape, the right fabric, color, and accessories. Also, make sure you have the perfect fit so that you feel comfortable and confident in your ball gown. With these tips and tricks, you're sure to turn heads at any formal event.
