The 21 Best After-Party Dresses of 2022
While your wedding gown is the most important piece in your bridal wardrobe, your after-party dress will undoubtedly be the most fun. That’s because after-party outfits are all about sparkly fabrics, shorter hemlines, and carefree silhouettes. Plus, these party-ready dresses are the perfect way to showcase your personal style while hitting that dance-floor.
“The most important thing to keep in mind is to have fun with this after party look,” says Stitch Fix stylist Alicia Lloyd. “It’s a time to celebrate and your look should reflect exactly how you feel.”
Meet the Experts
- Alicia Lloyd is the supervisor of the styling team at Stitch Fix, a personal styling service that sends customers personalized shopping recommendations. They carry both casual clothes and pieces for special events.
We spoke to Lloyd on how to pick this frock and researched the best options based on her advice. When selecting an after-party dress, think about the setting of the festivities and what will take place. You don’t want to wear anything that will make you too cold or hot as you enjoy yourself. If you know you’ll be tearing it up on the dance floor, opt for a style that won’t restrict movement. Now you can show off your legs in a sparkly mini like Retrofete Mich Dress. Or you can opt for a jumpsuit like the ML Monique Lhuillier Doutzen V-Neck Jumpsuit so you can pop a squat without flashing anyone. The styles we found allow for optimal fun while still being stylish and coming in a range of sizes and prices.
Whether your after-party is being held at your favorite local bar or under the stars at an outdoor venue, read on for the best after-party dresses for every style and budget.
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Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
Size Range: FR 34-44 | Length: Mini | Material: Taffeta
While this midi dress is a bit more formal, it’s a great option if you’re looking to switch into a look that’s dressy and fun after your black-tie wedding. Your guests will likely still be dressed to the nines, so this piece will continue to match the vibe.
Price at time of publication: $370-$508
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Revolve
Size Range: XXS-XL | Length: Mini | Material: Rayon
Channel Hailey Bieber in this backless number. Slick back your hair in a ponytail or bun to show off your backside.
Price at time of publication: $175
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Passed
Size Range: XS-XL | Length: Mini | Material: Polyester
This satin dress looks way more expensive than it is. As customers say, it makes them feel like a Greek goddess.
Price at time of publication: $82
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Courtesy of ASOS
Size Range: 0-14 | Length: Mini | Material: Blend
There is perhaps no better dress to dance in than one that’s made entirely from cascading fringe. That’s because a swishy fringe frock not only screams after-party, it also moves when you move.
Price at time of publication: $110
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ASOS
Size Range: 0-14 | Length: Midi | Material: Polyester
This dazzling long-sleeve gown feels very Old Hollywood glamour. Accessorize with a sparkly clutch and a pair of statement-making earrings, and a bold red lip for added drama.
Price at time of publication: $140
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Courtesy of Shopbop
Size Range: 00-14 | Length: Mini | Material: Heavyweight, non-stretch crepes
This off-the-shoulder midi dress is the perfect piece to switch into at the end of the night. The pleated chiffon sleeves give the dress an elegant bridal touch.
Price at time of publication: $228
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Courtesy of BHLDN
Size Range: 0-18 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Charmeuse
Every bride-to-be needs a jumpsuit in their wedding wardrobe. They’re versatile, chic, and incredibly easy to dance in. This particular style features thigh-high slits and a deep-v neckline for a super sultry vibe.
Price at time of publication: $220
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ASOS
Size Range: 12-26 | Length: Mini | Material: Polyester
Turn up the volume with this adorable, bubble sleeve mini dress. The sheer pink shade and zebra-like jacquard make it extra fierce.
Price at time of publication: $120
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Stitch Fix
Size Range: XS-XL | Length: Midi | Material: Viscose
“For a beach wedding, this breezy Farm Rio frock is the ideal after party dress, allowing you to feel comfortable yet elegant into the late night hours,” says Lloyd. The brand says it runs big, so consider sizing down for the best fit.
Price at time of publication: $200
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Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
Size Range: XXS-XXL | Length: Mini | Material: Nylon
No dress is more party-ready than a sparkly mini dress. All eyes will be on you as you hit the dancefloor in this silvery leg-baring number.
Price at time of publication: $485
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Revolve
Size Range: XS-L | Length: Midi | Material: Polyester
Looking for an after-party ensemble that feels sophisticated and fun? This feather-trimmed dress should do just the trick. Delicate gold hoops and barely-there sandals make for chic finishing touches.
Price at time of publication: $200
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Courtesy of Farfetch
Size Range: 34 FR-38 FR | Length: Mini | Material: Plastic, Brass
Shine bright in this jaw-dropping dress, featuring mirror-like, sequins that are sure to reflect (pun intended!) your playful and statement-making style.
Price at time of publication: $3,045
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ASOS
Size Range: 0-10 | Length: maxi | Material: Viscose
Finding a floor-length gown that isn’t too long can be hard when you’re petite. But this one is specially made for shorter frames. The thigh-high slit and one shoulder design make it extra flattering.
Price at time of publication: $79.10
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Courtesy of Matchesfashion
Size Range: UK 4-14 | Length: Mini | Material: Taffeta
Sophisticated crystal embellishments frame this structured cupcake dress, for a look that’s at once glamorous and architectural. The eye-catching neckline and hemline ensure you’ll stand out in every photo.
Price at time of publication: $364
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Size Range: 2-10 | Length: Mini | Material: Silk
We love this soft and swingy Zimmermann dress for the bride whose aesthetic leans classic with a twist. Pair with your favorite block heels or mules for a perfectly polished party look.
Price at time of publication: $625
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Reformation
Size Range: 0-12 | Length: Floor Length | Material: Silk
As Lloyd says, some brides are stepping into pajama sets for the after party and this silk set gives the same effortless vibe as your favorite PJs. For the unfussy bride who wants a laidback after-party ensemble, this two-piece set is a decidedly chic choice. Since these casual separates don’t feel overly bridal, you’ll get a lot of mileage out of them long after you say “I do.”
Price at time of publication: $428
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Courtesy of BHLDN
Size Range: 0-12 | Length: Mini | Material: Taffeta
Go bold with this flirty two-piece set from LoveShackFancy. You’ll be twirling on the dance night all night long.
Price at time of publication: $210
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Courtesy of Moda Operandi
Size Range: One size, Petite Extended | Length: maxi | Material: 78% polyamide, 22% elastane
Not all party dresses have to be covered in sequins and embellishments. If you’re throwing a destination wedding, this lightweight dress, featuring an alluring cut-out, feels especially fitting for a warm-weather affair.
Price at time of publication: $420
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Courtesy of Shopbop
Size Range: 34-44 | Length: Mini | Material: Cotton
Cutouts are all the rage and this one keeps it classy with modest holes on the sides embellished with crystal bows. Made from cotton, this mini dress is a great option to stay cool, especially for a summer wedding, if you know you’re going to dance the night away.
Price at time of publication: $1,240
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Revolve
Size Range: XS-XL | Length: Mini | Material: Polyester
When it comes to your after-party look, you’ll want to make sure you choose an option that’s not only stylish but functional, too. Enter: the bridal romper. They’re fashionable, fun, and perfect for cutting loose on the dancefloor.
Price at time of publication: $361
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Courtesy of BHLDN
Size Range: 0-16 | Length: Mini | Material: Mikado
Ballet-core is all the rage in bridal fashion right now, so embrace the look with the trend with this Watters mini dress. The bubble hem and the lace-up back are a unique after-party touch.
Price at time of publication: $495
What to Look for in an After-Party Dress
Silhouettes
As you dance the night away, you don’t want to be too cold or hot. For warmer temperatures, go for shorter silhouettes and breathable materials like cotton. If your party is taking a place outside where it might be chilly, go for a jumpsuit or a longer dress.
styles
“Envision how you want to look and feel in this moment, and select your style based on that,” says Lloyd.
Shimmering mini dresses in all over sequins and beading are a classic choice for late-night celebrations. Not only are they eye-catching, but they offer the chance to highlight your playful side, especially if you wear a simple or more conservative wedding dress. If pared-back minimalism is more your speed, ultra-chic slip dresses in bridal white and glimmering gold feel polished and timeless. For a bolder after-party moment, go for dresses in bright, poppy colors or jumpsuits with online necklines.
Mobility
The after-party is all about dancing and letting loose, which can be hard to do if your dress is constricting in any way. So, it might be best to avoid stiff off-the-shoulder dresses that prevent you from raising your arms or tight floor-length gowns that make dancing difficult.
Why Trust Brides
Contributing writer Sophie Moore is a former fashion editor at Brides and is an expert in all things bridal attire, from couture wedding gowns to the perfect “something blue” accessory. She researches and sources the best fashion items for brides, grooms, wedding guests, bridal parties and more. For this article, we interviewed Stitch Fix stylist Alicia Lloyd for tips on how to select and style an after-party dress.
