The 23 best evening dress brands

  • 23 brands ranked
  • Ranked by brand visibility

Jovani, Sherri Hill and Mac Duggal lead our ranking of 23 evening dress brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.

Evening Dress brands, ranked

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  1. 1

    Jovani

    Red-carpet gowns with heavy beading and sequins, priced toward the upper end of the prom and pageant market.

    Popularity 10.0/10

  2. 2

    Sherri Hill

    Bold mirrored and ruffled gowns, plus corset-bodice tulle minis for homecoming and pageant looks.

    Top products: Beaded Corset Tulle Mini Dress

    Popularity 4.9/10

  3. 3

    Mac Duggal

    Hand-beaded gowns in rich fabrics, leaning toward luxurious pieces for weddings and formal events.

    Popularity 4.9/10

  4. 4

    PRIMAVERA

    Couture-tailored gowns released in rotating seasonal collections, sitting in a higher price tier.

    Popularity 4.1/10

  5. 5

    La Femme

    Stone-embellished and beaded gowns, popular for prom, pageant and evening occasions.

    Top products: 21155 Strapless Gown

    Popularity 3.9/10

  6. 6

    MNM COUTURE

    Designer-led couture evening gowns with collaborative collections, suited to dramatic one-off occasions.

    Popularity 3.4/10

  7. 7

    May Queen

    Lower-priced bridal and evening gowns that suit tighter budgets without losing a formal finish.

    Popularity 3.2/10

  8. 8

    Adrianna Papell

    Mid-priced beaded and floral evening dresses with a polished, feminine finish.

    Top products: One Shoulder Floral Chiffon Formal Gown· Beaded Evening Gown

    Popularity 3.0/10

  9. 9

    Terani Couture

    New York evening gowns with embellished bodices and glamorous, structured silhouettes.

    Popularity 2.7/10

  10. 10

    Morilee

    Bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses from a family label dating back to 1953.

    Popularity 2.2/10

  11. 11

    Xscape

    Sequined and satin mermaid gowns with extended size ranges for prom and party dressing.

    Top products: Ruched Satin Mermaid Gown

    Popularity 2.1/10

  12. 12

    Alex Evenings

    Stretch fabrics with petite and plus cuts, plus mother-of-the-bride styles and cocktail dresses.

    Top products: Long Foldover Off the Shoulder Gown· Draped Cold-Shoulder Evening Dress

    Popularity 2.0/10

  13. 13

    ALYCE Paris

    Prom and sequin gowns across a broad range, from sparkly statement pieces to understated styles.

    Popularity 2.0/10

  14. 14

    Betsy & Adam

    Formalwear house since 1982, with pleated ombre and fit-and-flare maxi gowns.

    Top products: Pleated Ombre Maxi Gown· Strapless Evening Gown

    Popularity 2.0/10

  15. 15

    Tadashi Shoji

    Designer cocktail and tea-length dresses, with ruched mesh and off-shoulder gowns in its evening range.

    Top products: Ruched Mesh Off-Shoulder Gown

    Popularity 1.7/10

  16. 16

    Calvin Klein

    Clean, understated sheath and ruched gowns with simpler tailoring than sequin-heavy formalwear.

    Top products: Feather Cuff Ruched Evening Gown

    Popularity 1.7/10

  17. 17

    Johnathan Kayne

    Party and prom gowns from a designer duo, covering cocktail and pageant occasions.

    Popularity 1.6/10

  18. 18

    Rina diMontella

    Rina diMontella - High Fashion Wedding Dress Designer - Bridal Dresses

    Popularity 1.5/10

  19. 19

    St. John

    The St. John brand has advanced over the years without changing the basis of its collections. The apparel is based on the grand American design, in its timeless and elegant glory. Each product is created by a superior craftsman, guaranteeing...

    Popularity 1.4/10

  20. 20

    Aidan Mattox

    Surplice, spaghetti-strap and tie-waist gowns with a polished cocktail-hour feel.

    Top products: Surplice Mini Cocktail Party Dress· Tie Spaghetti Strap Gown

    Popularity 1.4/10

  21. 21

    Jessica Howard

    Jessica Howard | Sunshine Coast Photographer Hi there. I'm Jess - a photographer based on the Sunshine Coast, Australia.

    Popularity 1.4/10

  22. 22

    Speechless

    Girls looking for dresses for school, parties and prom will find Speechless, a label that designs dresses inspired by California style. The collection includes playful everyday pieces and formal dresses for juniors and kids. The brand uses trendy fabrics that...

    Popularity 1.4/10

  23. 23

    Tarik Ediz

    Tarik Ediz is a renowned fashion designer known for his exceptional, inventive designs. They offer an impressive variety of attire ideal for formal settings, special occasions, and other venues. These clothes are for sale at exorbitant costs and are displayed...

    Popularity 1.3/10

Evening Dresses Buying Guide: How to Choose the Perfect Dress

Evening events are always a special occasion, whether it’s a gala, a wedding, or a night out with friends. With so many different styles, materials, and colors to choose from, finding the perfect evening dress can seem overwhelming. However, with a little bit of planning and knowledge, you can transform yourself into a true fashionista and choose the perfect dress for every occasion.

Consider Your Body Type

Before you start looking for an evening dress, it’s important to understand your body type. This will help you choose a dress style that flatters your figure and makes you feel confident and beautiful.

If you have an hourglass figure, look for dresses that hug your curves but are not too tight. A-line or empire waist dresses are a great choice. If you are an apple shape, go for a dress with a cinched-in waist and a flared skirt to create the illusion of an hourglass figure. If you are pear-shaped, look for a dress with a fitted bodice and a flared skirt to balance out your figure.

If you are petite, a dress that falls above the knee or mid-thigh will elongate your legs and make you appear taller. If you are taller, you can get away with longer dresses that fall to the floor.

Choose the Right Material

The material of an evening dress can make a huge difference in how it looks and feels. Here are some common materials to consider when shopping for an evening dress:

  • Chiffon: A lightweight and sheer fabric that is often used to create flowy dresses. Chiffon is perfect for summer events and can create an ethereal, dreamy effect.
  • Satin: A heavier material that creates a smooth, glossy finish. Satin is ideal for winter events and can create a classic, elegant look.
  • Lace: A delicate and feminine fabric that can add a touch of romance to your outfit. Lace dresses are perfect for formal events, such as weddings or galas.
  • Tulle: A lightweight, sheer fabric that is often used to create ballerina-style dresses. Tulle adds volume and movement to the dress, creating a playful, flirty effect.
  • Jacquard: A textured material with a raised pattern. Jacquard dresses are perfect for formal events and can add a touch of sophistication to any outfit.

Find the Right Fit

Finding the right fit is crucial when it comes to an evening dress. A well-fitted dress will flatter your body and make you feel comfortable and confident. Here are some tips for finding the right fit:

  • Take accurate measurements: Use a tape measure to measure your bust, waist, and hips. Compare your measurements to the size chart of the dress you’re interested in to find the right size.
  • Know your alterations: If you find a dress you love but it’s a little too big or too long, don’t be afraid to get it tailored. A few simple alterations can transform a good dress into a great dress.
  • Try it on: When trying on a dress, make sure to walk, sit, and move around in it to ensure it’s comfortable and fits well.

Consider the Event

The type of event you’re attending will also play a role in choosing the perfect evening dress. A black-tie event will have different dress requirements than a casual dinner party. Here are some general guidelines to follow:

  • Black-tie events: For formal events, such as weddings or galas, a floor-length gown is always a safe choice. Look for dresses made from luxurious, formal materials, such as satin or lace.
  • Semi-formal events: For semi-formal events, such as dinner parties or cocktail parties, you can opt for a shorter dress, such as a midi or a knee-length dress.
  • Casual events: For casual events, such as a night out with friends or a summer barbecue, you can opt for a more relaxed dress, such as a sundress or a maxi dress.

Choose the Right Color

Choosing the right color can make all the difference when it comes to an evening dress. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect color for your skin tone and the occasion:

  • Skin tone: Consider your skin tone when choosing a dress color. If you have fair skin, look for cool colors, such as blues or greens. If you have warm skin, opt for warm colors, such as reds or yellows.
  • Event theme: Consider the theme of the event when choosing a dress color. For example, if you’re attending a beach wedding, a fun, bright color such as coral or turquoise would be perfect.
  • Personal preference: Ultimately, the most important factor is your personal preference. Choose a color that you love and feel confident in.

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect evening dress can be a fun and exciting experience. By considering your body type, the event, and the material and color of the dress, you can narrow down your options and find the ideal dress for any occasion. Remember, the most important factor is to choose a dress that makes you feel comfortable and confident, and that will help you shine throughout the night.

Sources:

  • https://www.instyle.com/fashion/clothing/evening-gowns/
  • https://www.graziame.com/style/fashion/the-ultimate-evening-dress-buying-guide
  • https://www.allure.com/story/how-to-choose-the-perfect-evening-gown