Think of us as your personal wedding look stylist, no extra fees required. We took a deep dive into all things white—and metallic! and beribboned!—to bring you every possibility to make your after-party outfit change into a winning success. You’ll find a mix of best-selling bridal favorite brands (think: Danielle Frankel, Vivienne Westwood, Halfpenny London), along with designer go-tos, such as minimalist minis from Khaite, a beachy midi dress option from Loewe, and a stylish, silver chainmail from Rabanne just itching to hit the dance floor. Affordable options were not overlooked, either. Reformation’s satin mini has a modern, Audrey Hepburn vibe, while Norma Kamali’s sequined shift possesses a bit of shine, albeit subtly, without a hefty price tag (both are under $300).
Below, shop our favorite 50 best wedding after-party dresses to truly celebrate in style.
The Festive Feather
Few looks are as celebratory as a feather-trimmed dress. Whether you crave a boudoir-inspired moment, like Lapointe’s long-sleeved, mini dress, or something with extra pizzazz, such as Mango’s halter-neck option, adding a bit of plume will always suit the festive occasion.
The Fashion Girl
Once the vows have been said, it’s time to change into something more relaxed. If you want to go for fashion with a capital F, these statement making choices are packed with serious style clout. Danielle Frankel is the editor go-to for the modern bride, while Alaïa’s mini dress, complete with 3-D skirt, would be a true fashion lover’s dream to wear.
The Subtle Shine
If you are a minimalist at heart, but want something with a little more to celebrate your big day, try these simple, shift silhouettes. Find a soft jersey option from Norma Kamali, complete with a layer of subtle sequins, or opt for Clio Peppiatt’s take—a hand-embellished mini with the tiniest, glass beads.
The Modern Romantic
Romance is not dead and these dreamy, draped dresses prove it. Choose from Vivienne Westwood’s corseted mini, complete with a voluminous skirt (nodding to Carrie Bradshaw!) or Magda Butrym’s gathered dress, which has all the makings of a modern, fairytale look—and a really good time.
The After-After-Party
The wee after hours should be all about the mega razzle-dazzle. A chain-link dress from Paco Rabanne is truly a work of art that will shimmer on the dancefloor, while Christopher Esber’s sequined mini, layered with tulle and lace trims, has an ultra-sultry low back that will be the star of the night.
The Sweet Shift
Inspired by the mod era, these adorable shifts pack plenty of punch with modern embellishment that will really get the party started; from 16Arlington, shimmering sequins, and from Clio Peppiatt, a spray of faux pearls and crystals.
The Cream of the Crop
Who says you have to wear stark white on the big day? Experiment with a fresh crop of cream-colored frocks that truly feel modern. From Staud’s beaded tank dress to SIR’s irresistible, twisted mini, these contemporary brands prove that ecru is the new white, especially when it comes to bridal fashion.
The Lacy Slip
For something that is comfortable that doesn’t sacrifice glamour points, a lacy slip is your best bet. Rodarte’s romantic choice has all the trims and more, including a high-slit and floral fabric brooch. Feeling more daring? Ulla Johnson’s doily lace piece shows subtle peeks of skin.
The Tux-tastic
Go for a borrowed-from-the-boys feel, with a tux-inspired dress, instead of something beaded and bedazzled. It’s elegant, cool, and classic feeling (just ask Bianca Jagger). This Halfpenney London blazer dress could have been inspired by clean, Savile Row tailoring, while Nadine Merabi’s mini has a slight, hourglass silhouette to highlight the female form.
The Sateen Dream
Few fabrics evoke a true bridal feel more than satin, but that doesn’t mean the material has to feel stuffy. Both Retrofête and Alex Perry make short and sweet mini dresses in white satin with modern twists, such as a sleek bateau neckline and a corset-inspired bodice for some contemporary flair.
The Little Something Blue
Looking to inject your “little something blue” throughout all your wedding weekend looks? These after-ceremony dresses are the perfect way to find that added touch of luck, with plenty of style points. From Staud’s shimmery beads to Cult Gaia’s raw silk mini, consider going for something non-traditional.
The Perfect Pouf
Few shapes feel as quintessential for a party as a voluminous, bubble skirt. Danielle Frankel’s cupcake-like confection is built from layers of tulle and satin, while this drop-waist style from Simkhai has a more structured bodice if you prefer something fitted.
The All Night Long
Bring the drama to the dancefloor with a full-length maxi dress, covered in sparkling sequins. Roland Mouret’s mesh option has hundreds of tiny crystals that sparkle every time they hit the light, while a stunning, long-sleeved take from TWP is both elegant and modest.
The ’90s Pick
Don’t feel pressured to wear something with metallics, feathers, or embellishments if it’s not in your style repertoire. Stay true to your minimalist aesthetic with a dress that is clean cut and effortless, such as Khaite’s sculptural tunic or Rixo’s sultry, satin slip. Both are party-ready without extra embellishments.
The Metallic Moment
For a truly fresh look from your wedding dress, try a major metallic moment in sparkling silver. You’ll shine bright like a diamond with Versace’s mesh mini dress, or if you prefer a mixed-metal look, consider Rabanne’s sleek silver foil design.
The Minimalist Musts
A simple style can still feel extremely special with the right touches. Khaite’s creamy, fit-and-flare would look ideal with a sparkly, dance floor-ready flat shoe, while Staud’s silky strapless slip is a great blank canvas for bolder jewels.
The Luxe Long Sleeve
There’s something elegant about a long sleeve mini dress—and if you’re getting married somewhere with chillier evenings, there’s something practical about the extra fabric, too. Danielle Frankel has a sweet cold-shoulder option; and for a beach wedding, this Aya Muse long sleeve looks resort-ready.
The Lace Trimmed
Have fun with detailing (it is your wedding, after all!). These lace-trimmed options have all the romantic features for photo-ready moments. Dôen’s silky shift is ‘90s-inspired, with a high-neck and mini hemline, while Christopher Esber plays with serious designer draping and sensual notes, like the fully open back.
The Simply Chic
For the minimalist brides out there, a clean and classic little white dress will make the most impact. You can never go wrong with a little white satin style for your after-party. Take Reformation’s high-neck, A-line mini for a spin (it’s oh-so Audrey Hepburn) or Galvan’s twisted halter mini dress for a ’90s-inspired take.
The Fringe Effect
What’s better for twirling around the dance floor than fringe? These dresses were made for the spotlight. Whether you go long-sleeved with Taller Marmo’s mini, or sleeveless with Gabriela Hearst’s asymmetrical hem version, these creative party dresses are oh-so fun to wear.
The Bow Adorned
Is anything sweeter than a bow? We think not. From dainty and delicate à la Aligne’s high-neck stunner with ribbon straps to something much more on the nose, like Sandy Liang’s twill mini, these dresses are truly the icing on top of the cake.
The Floral Appliqué
Another option for the romantic at heart, floral appliquéd dresses are having a moment. Perfect for throwing the bouquet and boogying all evening, these minis from contemporary brands Farm Rio and Self-Portrait are timeless with a twist.
The Beach-Appropriate
If you plan to be getting down in the sand post-nuptials, go for something crochet and beachy. A halter mini from Marant Étoile is a no-brainer, with an open back, lots of leg, and macramé fabrication. However, Loewe takes a more refined approach that feels downright swoon-worthy, complete with a full skirt and subtle knot detailing around the neckline.
The Breezy Boho
Get on board with one of the year’s biggest trends with one of these bohemian-inspired frocks. Fluid, ethereal, and oh so romantic, Chloé and The Row’s delicate dresses are the perfect thing to pair with loads of stacked jewelry.
The Polka Party
As we head into summer, why not consider an after-party look to match the mood of the season? Polka dots are an unexpected way to do print, where quirk meets classic. Zimmermann’s rosette-embellished ruffle mini would feel right at home dancing the night away along the Mediterranean, while Self Portrait’s satin fits the vibe of an East Coast seaside gathering, after hours.