50 Sparkling, Feathered, Embellished Wedding After-Party Dresses
All products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors. However, we may earn affiliate revenue on this article and commission when you buy something.
You’ve set the date, you’ve selected the ceremony dress; now, it’s time to shop for the best wedding after-party dresses. This is the opportunity to let your hair down, if you will, and experiment with extra special party looks to dance the night away. Reception dresses run the gamut from sleek and simple to sequined and shiny to embellished and exuberant—and with so many options to choose from, it can be hard to settle on just one.
Vogue’s Favorite Wedding After-Party Dresses:
We took a deep dive into all things bridal 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 brand favorites (think: Danielle Frankel, Clio Peppiatt, and Halfpenny London), alongside designer go-tos like minimalist shifts from Khaite, a beachy creation from Christopher Esber, and yes, Rabanne’s iconic mirrored mini dress, that are simply built for the dance floor. Affordable options are on the docket, too. Reformation’s satin mini gives modern Audrey Hepburn energy, while Mango’s feathery dress packs tons of punch without a hefty price tag (both are under $300).
Below, shop our picks for the 50 best wedding after-party dresses—and get ready to celebrate in style.
The Festive Feather
Few looks are as celebratory as a feather-trimmed dress. Whether you prefer 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 little plume will always suit a festive occasion.
The Fashion Girl
If you want to go for fashion with a capital F, these designer choices offer some serious style clout. Danielle Frankel is the editor-approved go-to for modern brides, while Alaïa’s mini dress—complete with a full pleated skirt—would be any fashion lover’s dream come true.
The Subtle Shine
If you are a minimalist at heart, but want something a little more special 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 sprinkled all over with dainty glass beads.
The Modern Romantic
Romance is not dead and these dreamy dresses prove it. Between Danielle Frankel’s corseted mini, complete with voluminous skirt, and J.Crew’s luxe strapless number in a delicious textured satin, you’ll look like you just stepped out of a Baroque painting.
The After-After-Party
The wee small hours of the night call for some mega razzle-dazzle. These two options, by Staud and Alexandra Pijut, are both dripping in sequined fringe—you’ll just have to decide whether to stick to bridal white or pull out all the stops in silver.
The Sweet Shift
It doesn’t take much to amp up a simple silhouette: Shimmering sequins frost this 16Arlington option while glass beads delicately adorn Clio Peppiatt’s mini with swirling vines and flowers (I spy something blue!).
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 pieces. Magda Butrym brings sheer draping to a sculptural skirt, and Isabel Marant’s Grecian mini is fit for a goddess—perhaps ecru really is the new white.
The Lacy Slip
Looking for something sweet and sultry that won t sacrifice comfort points? A lacy slip is the perfect pick. Acne Studios’ romantic choice may be trimmed in lace and topped with bows, but an asymmetric hem keeps things modern. If you’re feeling even more daring, Leset’s short slip shows off more than a little leg.
The Tux-tastic
If beaded and bedazzled isn’t quite your vibe, go for borrowed-from-the-boys-chic with a tux-inspired dress. It’s elegant, cool, and classic (just ask Bianca Jagger). This Victoria Beckham blazer dress could have easily been inspired by the clean tailoring of Savile Row, while Rachel Gilbert’s mini has a slight hourglass silhouette to cinch you in.
The Sateen Dream
Few fabrics evoke a true bridal feel more than satin—embrace it for an all-out bridal vibe all day. Both Retrofête and Alex Perry offer short and sweet satin mini dresses with modern twists; think, a sleek bateau neckline for the mod bride, or a corset-inspired bodice for some contemporary flair.
.jpg)
The Little Something Blue
Looking to inject a little “something blue” throughout all your wedding looks? These after-ceremony dresses are the perfect way to incorporate the adage. From Cult Gaia s powder blue silk to Tanner Fletcher’s quilted mini topped with rosettes, consider keeping the tradition by way of an untraditional color.
.jpg)
The Perfect Pouf
Does any shape feel more party-ready than a voluminous bubble skirt? Not quite. Self Portrait’s drop-waist style in all-over lace is sweet and sassy, while Cecilie Bahnsen’s light-as-air organza babydoll will float around you all night long. It s a cupcake-like confection… in the best way.
The All Night Long
Bring the drama to the dance floor with a full-length maxi dress, covered top to toe in sparkling sequins. Rodarte’s halter dress pairs optic white shine with a bold rosette detail, while The New Arrivals goes all-out disco ball in the form of a sophisticated deep-v silhouette.
The ’90s Pick
If your wedding mood board heavily features Carolyn Bessett-Kennedy, you’ll want to take notes on these two finds. ’90s bridal style was all about modern minimalism that signified a quieter elegance. Get the look in Khaite’s ridiculously chic slip dress or in Rixo’s high-necked satin interpretation.
The Metallic Moment
For a true 360 from your wedding dress, try a major metallic moment in sparkling silver. We can’t think of a better occasion than this to go all out in Rabanne’s iconic mirrored shift or a Versace mesh mini dress. You’ll shine brighter than the diamond on your finger.
The Minimalist Musts
There’s no reason to wear something metallic, feathered, or embellished if it’s just not in your style repertoire. Stay true to your minimalist aesthetic with a clean cut dress, such as Lou Lou de Saison’s bridal mini or Staud’s super streamlined silhouette in silk. Both are pared-back yet as party-ready as any.
The Caped Shift
Ready to ditch the veil but still craving a little drama for the after party? Look no further than The Garment and Toteme, whose little white shift dresses both feature elegant built-in trains (you could even call them capes). In either airy organza or luxe satin, there’s nothing quite so glamorous as tails trailing along behind you.
The Lace Trimmed
Have fun getting into the details (it is your wedding, after all!) with these lace-trimmed options. Dôen’s silky shift is a contemporary take on vintage negligee, with a high neck and mini hemline. For a more romantic version, Christopher Esber plays with some seriously dramatic draping and sensual features like a fully open back.
The Simply Chic
A clean and classic little white dress is a foolproof option for your after party pick; it’s impossible to go wrong. 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
These dresses were made for the spotlight. After all, what could be better for twirling around in than fringe? Whether you go high-low with Taller Marmo’s draped mini, or take the long way with Lapointe’s asymmetrically hemmed version, these creative party dresses are oh-so fun to wear.
The Bow Adorned
Ever so sweet and perfectly polished, a bow is the perfect adornment for a party look. From simple and chic à la Favorite Daughter s single-bowed stunner, to something much more bold like Self Portrait’s beribboned lace mini (talk about party in the back!), these dresses are truly the icing on the cake.
The Floral Appliqué
Another option for the romantic at heart, floral appliqué dresses are having a real 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 get down in the sand post-nuptials, go for something light and beachy. This deep-V mini from PatBo is a no-brainer in structured crochet with layers of fringe. Meanwhile, Christopher Esber’s flouncy cotton tunic is all about the sleeve, featuring complex and crafty knotted details throughout.
The Breezy Boho
Get on board with one of this year s biggest trends with a dreamy bohemian frock. Fluid, ethereal, and oh so romantic, Chloé and Zimmerman’s delicate lacy dresses are perfect for letting your hair down after a long festive day.
The Polka Party
Think outside the box of solid white for your special day. Polka dots are an unexpected way to do print, both quirky and classic all at once. Jacquemus’ off-the-shoulder mini instantly transports you to the Riviera, while Magda Butrym’s delicately dotted tulle number is a fit for both a city fête and a backyard party.
