Therefore, 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 bridal favorite brands (think: Danielle Frankel, Markarian, Vivienne Westwood), along with designer go-tos, such as minimalist minis from Khaite, a lace-trimmed slip from Rodarte, and a stylish, silver chainmail from Rabanne, just itching to hit the dancefloor. 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 46 best wedding after-party dresses to truly celebrate in style.
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.
Norma Kamali
sequined jersey mini dress
Clio Peppiatt
Lille bow-embellished mini dress
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.
Vivienne Westwood
Aurora draped mini dress
Magda Butrym
gathered cotton mini dress
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.
SIR
Florent twist mini dress
Staud
Le Sable floral beaded minidress
The Perfect Pouf
Few shapes feel as quintessential for a party as a voluminous, bubble skirt. An elegant, satin design from JW Anderson is subtle and sweet (and has just a hint of 1920s nostalgia), while Aje’s ruched take has all the volume and more, making it a one-of-a-kind, must-have for the bride who is far from being a wallflower.
Aje
Violette ruched mini dress
JW Anderson
lace-trimmed minidress
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.
Christopher Esber
Opaline sequined mini dress
Rabanne
leaf chain mail mini dress
The Lacy Slip
For something that is comfortable, while still retaining ample 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. For something more paired back, yet still sexy, Loveshackfancy’s bias-cut slip shows subtle peeks of skin.
Rodarte
embellished lace-trimmed midi dress
LoveShackFancy
Amarissa lace bias-cut midi-dress
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 could have been inspired by clean, Savile Row tailoring, while Nadine Merabi’s mini has a slight, hourglass silhouette to highlight the female form.
Halfpenny London
double-breasted mini dress
Nadine Merabi
Monica double breasted blazer
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 Amsale and Alex Perry make short and sweet mini dresses in white satin, with extremely modern twists, such as an off-the-shoulder neckline and a corset-inspired bodice, lending major contemporary flair.
Amsale
Mikado off-the-shoulder shift dress
Alex Perry
draped sateen mini dress
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.
Lapointe
satin dress with feathers
Mango
halter feather dress
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.
Danielle Frankel
Wendell tiered ruffled mini dress
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 Anna Quan’s shimmery brocade to Markarian’s cotton midi dress, consider going for something non-traditional.
Anna Quan
Aelin brocade midi dress
Markarian
Daphne floral ruched mini dress
The All Night Long
Bring the drama to the dancefloor with a full-length gown, covered in sparkling sequins. Stella McCartney’s sheer option has champagne paillettes to signify the many cheers you will have all night long, while a stunning, long-sleeved take from TWP is both elegant and modest.
Stella McCartney
sheer sequined maxi dress
TWP
Last Time mesh silk maxi dress
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 organza, fit-and-flare or Fleur du Mal’s sultry, satin slip. Both are party-ready without extra embellishments.
Fleur du Mal
silk cowl-neck slip
Khaite
Mags silk mini dress
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. Carolina Herrera’s strapless 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.
Carolina Herrera
ruched silk mini dress
Self-Portrait
pleated polka-dot mini dress
The Metallic Moment
Enjoy 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, chainmail dress. Both are supermodel-approved and nod to iconic fashion moments of the past.
Versace
aluminum mesh cocktail dress
The Minimalist Musts
A simple, high-neck 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 Leset’s silky, sleeveless shift has the slightest amount of subtle seduction, the minimalist way.
Khaite
Mel crepe mini dress
Leset
Barb satin sleeveless minidress
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.
Christopher Esber
floating lace cotton mini dress
The Simply Chic
For the minimalist brides out there, a clean and classic 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 for a ’90s-inspired take.
Galvan
Pandora satin halterneck mini dress
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 lengthier version, these creative party dresses are oh-so fun to wear.
Taller Marmo
Claudia dress
Gabriela Hearst
Awar fringed maxi dress
The Bow Adorned
Is anything sweeter than a bow? We think not. From dainty and delicate à la Markarian’s square-neck stunner with just the tiniest ribbon to something much more aww-inducing, like Bernadette’s taffeta mini, these dresses are truly the icing on top of the cake.
Bernadette
Estee bow-detailed taffeta mini dress
Markarian
Corinne off-white mini dress
The Floral Appliquéd
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 Magda Butrym and Self-Portrait are timeless with a twist.
Magda Butrym
floral-appliqué wool-blend minidress
Self-Portrait
floral appliqué satin mini dress
The Beach-Appropriate
If you plan to be getting down in the sand post-nuptials, go for something beachy. A halter mini from Maygel Coronel is a no-brainer, with an openback, lots of leg, and lace fabrication. However, Loewe takes a more refined approach that feels downright swoonworthy, complete with a full skirt and subtle knot detailing around the neckline.
Maygel Coronel
Tu Cariñito draped jacquard mini dress
Loewe
Flamenco cady minidress
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. This satin option from Prada has jeweled straps and an A-line shape, while Des Phemmes’s mini takes its signature embroidery to the next level with a quilted effect.
Prada
embroidered double satin mini dress
Des_Phemmes
beaded satin mini dress