The concept of a revenge dress may feel petty - aka a sartorial middle finger to a toxic ex or an unrequited love - but get it right, and it feels pretty darn good.
In many ways, revenge dressing is a facet of power dressing. It’s a way to show the world that, though you have been wronged, there will be no cowering in a corner and becoming a human doormat for you, thank you very much. You will be a phoenix rising from the ashes of a messy breakup.
Revenge dressing is a way to reclaim and feel empowered; it’s a show of strength through the medium of clothes. After all, hell hath no fury...
Who invented revenge dressing?
It was Princess Diana, the mother of revenge dressing, who broke ground on the concept by donning Greek designer Christina Stambolian to an engagement on June 29, 1994. Earlier that same day, her then-husband Prince Charles had finally admitted his infidelity on national TV.
While most folks would run and hide from such a publicity storm, the late Princess of Wales challenged expectations. She reached for her pearls, slipped into her heels and strode out to a wall of flashing camera bulbs, head held high in admirable defiance.
It’s the reason that the image of her in the black body-con dress is one of her most iconic. The Princess reclaimed the headlines and the narrative that night, all by weaponising her wardrobe.
What makes a revenge dress?
While you may not have as cataclysmic a back story as the Royals, there may be a wedding, party or reunion in your diary that it is imperative you look extra chic for - because there’s a chance you may run into your ex.
The perfect revenge dress can manifest itself in myriad styles but it all boils down to just one thing: confidence.
Step one is to pick something that you know is flattering for your figure, be it a figure-snatching dress like Di or full-blown red-carpet glam - but keep it occasion-appropriate. Unless you’re on Selling Sunset, wearing a ballgown to a BBQ may get tongues wagging for the wrong reasons.
How to style a revenge dress
Don’t overlook the power of jewellery and makeup. Consider them the shine on your armour, and lean on them to give your look added firepower. You’ll be amazed at how a well-chosen ring stack or swipe of lipstick can kick up your confidence levels by a few gears.
And shoes. Now’s your chance to take the phrase ‘stand tall’ to literal heights with heels or pumps to help push your posture upright and show off your pins. That said if you’re not confident in heels, leave them behind and opt for something you feel rooted in. A pair of boots or gladiatorial sandals can feel equally as femme fatale.
If you’re on the hunt for a revenge dress to knock it out of the park, we’ve drawn up an edit of the best to buy right now. We’ve included a range of styles and sizes so there should be something for everyone. Revenge may be a dish best served cold, but these options ensure it’s a well-dressed one too.
Shop the best revenge dresses for women now
Mugler Mesh-Detail Maxi Dress
Sizes: 6 - 12
Have the last word in any conversation with Mugler’s stunning floor-length gown. Sheer panels give a peek-a-boo effect, playing sartorial mind games with a guaranteed captive audience.
Buy now £1410.00, Harrods
Solace London Amelia stretch-crepe gown
Sizes: 4 - 16
Nothing but revenge dress Di for you? Get a similar look from Solace London, who has this off-shoulder design that sings with 50s elegance. The stretch crepe is designed to skim curves and there’s a slit at the back to make walking appear effortless. They won’t know what’s hit ‘em.
Buy now £490.00, Net-A-Porter
Karen Millen Mirrored Disc Side Split Maxi Dress
Sizes: One size
Show you have nothing to hide in a naked dress from Karen Millen. Wear, if you dare, with skin-tone underwear or slip on over a cami dress for showstopping style sans the overexposure. A dupe of the iconic Paco Rabanne chain disc dress.
Buy now £118.00, Karen Millen
Nasty Gal Premium Bandage Cut Out Midi Dress
Sizes: 6 - 16
Own the night in this head-turning midi from Nasty Gal. Featuring a cut-out bodice and thigh-high split, it is the look to make headlines (in your Whatsapp groups, at least). The design also comes in a red as well as a white mini-skirted version.
Buy now £63.75, Nasty Gal
Alex Perry Maren stretch-crepe midi dress
Sizes: 4 - 18
You don’t have to flash acres of skin to get your message across. Alex Perry’s midi has a flattering sweetheart neckline paired with long sleeves and a back slit to help you cut a devastating figure. The crepe fabric has a small level of stretch to ensure it clings and skims at all the right places.
Buy now £1250.00, Net-A-Porter
Little Mistress Sequin Velvet Wrap Dress
Sizes: 14 - 26
Lots of wrap dresses fall to midi length, but when you want to turn up the heat and show off your pins - only a mini will do. This frock is made for partying with velvet and sequins ensuring you shine from dusk to dawn. The long floaty sleeves balance out the dramatic neckline and hemline so you won’t look out of kilter. Add some heels and you’re good to go.
Buy now £66.50, Simply Be
Topshop printed long sleeve cut out detail maxi occasion dress in multi
Sizes: 4 - 18
It may have a petal theme, but this maxi certainly isn’t for wallflowers. The deep v-neck and waist cut-out details flash a little skin while the volume sleeves allow for air, keeping things breezy.
Buy now £60.00, ASOS
Saint Laurent Black Cut-Out Wool Mini Dress
Size: 6 - 12
A scallop dress with a devilish little secret, this dress is all about the stop-and-stare appeal. The silk lining slips over the skin while the wool exterior is perfect for temperamental weather.
Buy now £2710.00, Selfridges
ASOS DESIGN Curve ruched long sleeve plunge crinkle beach maxi dress in khaki
Sizes: 16 - 30
Dial up the glamour whether you’re on a beach or at a five-star resort with this crinkle maxi dress. The perfect outfit to throw on and go over a one-piece or bikini, it’ll look as good in the sun as it will dancing into the wee hours.
The low-v neck is super flattering while the thigh-high split offers a sexy flash of skin without being OTT. Add some gold jewellery and stylish flats, and you’re good to go.
Buy now £32.50, ASOS
MÔNOT One-shoulder cutout crepe gown
Sizes: 6 - 16
If dresses could kill, this one would do some serious damage. Cut-outs take centre stage here, from the half-strapped bodice to the thigh-high side split. Also available in red, you won’t need much else to feel the confidence of a thousand Salt Baes. Wear with slicked-back hair and a smokey eye for ultimate goddess vibes.
Buy now £1345.00, Net-A-Porter
Reformation Juliette Dress Es
Sizes: 18 - 24
Live a Dolce Vita summer all year round in Reformation's lovely floral print dress which comes with a thigh-high split to give your pins some breathing (not to mention dancing) room.
The form-fitting dress runs on the smaller side, so opt for a size up if you're not sure what's right for you.
Buy now £248.00, Reformation
Khéla the Label Deviant Stretch Jersey Dress With Cut Outs
Sizes: XS - L
Though she didn’t wear it for revenge, Liz Hurley’s Versace safety-pin dress definitely counts as one. Channel the look with this cut-out laced mini dress, made from jersey for comfort without hindering impact.
Buy now £163.00, Wolf & Badger
LEEM Open-shoulder relaxed-fit stretch-knit maxi dress
Sizes: S - XL
Give haters a literal cold shoulder in Leem’s stretchy maxi dress. Ideal for transitional weather, the fine knit is cut on the bias to offer a flowy fit - though some shapewear would help streamline the silhouette. With the right accessories and footwear, this would work for a black-tie do, though it will work equally as well for casual weekend nights out.
Buy now £145.00, Selfridges
