fashion
A little commotion for the dress
By Olivia Dubyak
•
Published Mar 5, 2024
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Dasha Burobina for PureWow
Picture this: You just got engaged, you’re mentally planning your big day and can’t stop daydreaming about your wonderful new fiancé and the beautiful dress you’ll wear on the wedding day. But before you get all of that in motion, let’s talk engagement party dresses. Since this event is likely right around the corner, you need to shop fast.
The Best Engagement Party Dresses At A Glance
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How We Chose the Best Engagement Party Dresses
We searched our favorite retailers for engagement party dresses for every taste. We took into account different price points, lengths, cuts, designs and more, plus sleeve length and material (since you’ll be searching for different dresses for a winter engagement party in the Northeast versus a summer party in California). We made sure to sift through reviews as well to ensure real customers agree with our picks.
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This mini is the perfect combination of sexy and classy. The off-the-shoulder neckline delicately shows off the decolletage, and which will look gorgeous in photos with something sparkly around your neck to match the new ice on your hand. The sateen fabric is midweight and the pintuck detailing makes the dress look structured around the waist and bottom.
Fast Facts
- Promising Review: “This dress is adorable and is amazing quality. It fits me like a glove! The skirt flares out and the body is almost corseted because the material is nice and thick. My only negative is that if you are short, the skirt will be a SMIDGE too long but everyone is telling me it looks perfect.” — a Revolve customer
- Material: sateen
- Size Range: XXS to XXL
This strapless slip style is giving us major Hailey Bieber vibes. This maxi is made of a luxurious silk for a lavish look. The brand mentions it runs a little big, so you may want to size down, but it is meant to be a relaxed fit. This pearlescent color is great for the brides who don’t want to wear a stark white for their non-day-of wedding events.
Fast Facts
- Promising Review: not available
- Material: silk
- Size Range: XS to XL
Looking for something understated yet romantic? This scoopneck dress is perfect for you. This minimalist pick is made of silk and is fully lined, so no see-through scaries. The neckline is a romantic and classic option and the A-line skirt is a favorite cut for events.
Fast Facts
- Promising Review: “This dress is stunning as it compliments my body type so very well. I have an hourglass shape and like to show off my shoulders. The neckline is perfectly feminine, not too revealing. The usual size fits well and still got some room around the stomach for dinner and movements.” — a Jenni Kayne customer
- Material: silk
- Size Range: XS to XXL
Celebrating your engagement on the beach? You need a fun, flowy dress to strut through the sand in. This one has an asymmetrical neckline with thin, adjustable straps for a feminine look that’s also functional. The straight skirt has a high slit so you can show off your beachy tan, and it’s made of polyester, so you don’t have to worry about sand or salt water ruining the material (like it would silk or a rich satin). Plus, it’s lined inside. Some reviewers note it runs quite big, so consult the size chart before you add to cart.
Fast Facts
- Promising Review: “Really nice, thick, buttery material. [The cut] is also really flattering on my body, fits like a glove, might just need a bit of hemming.” — a Revolve customer
- Material: polyester
- Size Range: XXS to XL
What do you get when you combine rich satin, a boat neckline and bell sleeves? The most gorgeous mini dress. We’re in love with this dress, so if you’re in the market for a short number with a lot of coverage up top, we highly suggest this beauty. Reformation has lovely satin pieces and this style is double satin for a thicker, more buttery feel.
Fast Facts
- Promising Review: not available
- Material: satin
- Size Range: XS to XL
Sexy and sleek is the perfect combination for a bride to feel confident. This dress is the ultimate recipe for that. The sophisticated, business-style blazer dress is jazzed up by the cut-out back and low neckline. The double-breasted buttons are functional, but the cuff buttons are not.
Fast Facts
- Promising Review: not available
- Material: polyester
- Size Range: XXS to 3XL
A solid white or cream ensemble isn’t for everyone when it comes to bridal looks, so if you want a pop of color or pattern, opt for a soft floral look—especially if you’re having a spring or summer gathering. The material has eyelet cutouts for some texture, and though the top has a ruched back, reviewers note that it doesn’t provide much extra stretch. The straps, however, are fully adjustable.
Fast Facts
- Promising Review: “Absolutely love the quality and feminine print! For me the top was too tight. There is no stretch whatsoever. The skirt was a perfect fit (probably could have even [gone] smaller) but since it is a set I ordered up a size for the top.” — a Lulus customer
- Material: cotton
- Size Range: XS to XL
A flouncy minidress is a great option for a summer outdoor engagement party. This one has tied spaghetti straps, a bustier style sweetheart neckline and a smocked midsection. The skirt has a bottom ruffle for an added feminine detail, too. This is a great option if you want to be able to wear your engagement party dress over again.
Fast Facts
- Promising Review: not available
- Material: cotton and spandex
- Size Range: XS to XL
A halter dress is a great pick for anyone who wants to emphasize their shoulders and jawline. This gorgeous pick has a twisted neckline and open back for a “business in the front, party in the back” look. The straight, fitted skirt is complemented by a low slit, giving you some space for movement.
Fast Facts
- Promising Review: “I am OBSESSED with this dress. It is so flattering and fits so well. I don’t feel constricted or the opposite (like it’s going to fall off). I am seriously so happy with this purchase. I will be wearing it at my rehearsal dinner and I cannot wait. The open back is perfect and the high neck line is chef’s kiss.” — a Lulus customer
- Material: polyester
- Size Range: XS to XL
Maximalists are going to love the waves of ruffles covering this fun maxi. If you’re someone who loves colors and patterns but want to stick with the white theme of your wedding wardrobe, adding vibrance with texture is a great alternative. The brand says the slip-like dress is very lightweight, but is still lined for coverage.
Fast Facts
- Promising Review: “I was worried about the fit of this dress, but was so surprised it hugs all the right places! It has a natural hourglass shape complimented with a side zipper. The ruffles are so different and offer some help in hiding some midsection insecurities.” — a Show Me Your Mumu customer
- Material: polyester
- Size Range: XXS to XXL
The rhinestone detailing and mini length of this dress make it a great pick if you’re doing a fun night on the town for your engagement celebration. Plus, you can either wear it strapless or with matching gem-lined straps. This dress is unlined, but it’s made of a thick jersey material, so it’s unlikely it will be see-through.
Fast Facts
- Promising Review: not available
- Material: rayon, polyester and spandex
- Size Range: XXS to XXL
Your standard slip dress just got a feminine upgrade with the rose and ruffle details along the V-neckline. The straight skirt has a relaxed fit, which is great for moving around with ease, the straps are adjustable and there’s a hidden side zipper.
Fast Facts
- Promising Review: not available
- Material: charmeuse satin
- Size Range: XS to XL
From its understated silhouette to the folded neckline and front zipper, this unique strapless midi is one of our favorites on this list. While this style may not fit all party aesthetics, it would be a great option for a laid-back or daytime gathering. It’s made of 100 percent cotton and is lined. The front zipper is functional and the back smocked paneling is great if you need a little more stretch for larger chests.
Fast Facts
- Promising Review: “The petite is right in proportion and length. [I] love the style and material. Feels modern with a utility touch, yet romantic.” — an Anthropologie customer
- Material: cotton
- Size Range: XXS to XXL, standard, petite and plus
$168 at Anthropologie
This button-down dress has buttons from the bottom hem to the neckline, so you can show as much or as little skin as you’d like. It has a bold collar as its main feature that extends to the back. A spring or summer engagement party would be the best to flaunt this dress because it’s cotton and sleeveless. To match the quirkiness of the collar, we’d add a pop of color with a pair of pumps to complete the look.
Fast Facts
- Promising Review: not available
- Material: cotton and rayon
- Size Range: XXS to XL
Elegance meets sexy in this sleek midi dress. From the low neckline to the side and back cutouts, you can show off some skin while keeping things covered with the calf length and thick straps. It’s made of a thick satin, but if you want some extra lining, a slip or shapewear would fit nicely underneath because of the relaxed skirt shape.
Fast Facts
- Promising Review: “[I]bought this as my reception dress and couldn’t have been happier. I got so many compliments and felt so comfortable all night!” — an Anthropologie customer
- Material: satin
- Size Range: 0 to 16
Add some sparkle to your celebration with this shimmering slip dress. It has a midi length and side slit for movement. We love the sheer sequin overlay atop the opaque white base and the straight neckline. By the way, the brand recommends dry cleaning only for this one.
Fast Facts
- Promising Review: “Truly the most comfortable dress I own and fits true to size!” — a Madewell customer
- Material: polyester
- Size Range: 00 to 16
The classic button-down dress style is a favorite of many, and if it’s yours, try this satin pick. It has a fitted bodice and the buttons run top to bottom, so you can unbutton as many or few as you’d like. (The buttons are hidden when they’re buttoned, for what it’s worth.)
Fast Facts
- Promising Review: not available
- Material: satin
- Size Range: XXS to XL
We can’t decide which we love more, the braided neckline or gold buttons on the pockets. Made from tweed and featuring a classic short sleeve, this shift dress is giving us full Jackie Kennedy vibes. The tweed is very thick and durable and there’s a hidden zipper along the back.
Fast Facts
- Promising Review: “I love this dress. It looks very chic and professional. I have it in two colors and I will be getting more.” — a Tuckernuck customer
- Material: tweed
- Size Range: XXS to XXXL
Looking for a quick and easy option for your engagement party? This dress has a cute cut-out on the upper midsection and a side slit to show a little skin, while the high neck and midi length offer coverage. At less than $40, this dress is a great pick for anyone on a budget who still wants to look cute and bridal.
Fast Facts
- Promising Review: “I love that it’s comfortable yet sexy, cute, not too revealing but yet shows a little skin. The leg slit is just the right without being too revealing and the tummy slit is in the right spot.” — an Amazon customer
- Material: polyester, rayon and spandex
- Size Range: XS to XL
What to Consider When Shopping for an Engagement Party Dress
It’s important to stay true to what your personal style is so you feel completely comfortable in whatever you’re wearing for the event. Not only are you going to be taking a ton of photos, you’ll be the center of attention, so feeling confident in what you have on will allow you to have a lot more fun. Obviously the time of year and where you live play a big part in the styles you pick, but also take into account the venue, so your outfit can match the aesthetic and vibe of your party setting. For example, a dinner party at a nice restaurant requires a more elevated ensemble like a sleek, silk mini dress like the Reformation Pike Dress ($248) or a sophisticated midi like this Lulus Beyond Classy Halter dress ($79). Alternatively, if you’re throwing a daytime get together, opt for a more flouncy, less dressy pick like the Staud Landry Bustier dress (originally $295, now $236). Or, if you want something a little different, the Lulus Sweet at Heart Two-Piece ($86).
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Olivia Dubyak
Commerce Editor
Olivia Dubyak is PureWow's Commerce Editor and textbook Capricorn. She studied journalism at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but has gone from New York City to...
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