From Engagement to Holiday Parties, My Closet Is in Need of Some Fancy Dresses—32 Chic Options I'm Eyeing

I'm going to an engagement party with the dress code "fancy" next month, and it occurred to me that I’m not entirely sure what I want to wear yet.

I’ve known for a while that my closet is a bit lacking in one key category: fancy dresses. Ironically, the majority of my closet is dresses and skirts, but when it comes to fancier ones, I usually rely on renting through the app Pickle. It’s been perfect so far, but with an early November celebration and holiday gatherings coming up, I'd like to have a wider collection of my own.

If you’re in a similar position, my advice is to look at brands like Paloma Wool, Réalisation, Reformation, Rixo, and St. Agni as a starting point, plus the edits at Nordstrom (the Space section specifically), Net-a-Porter, Revolve, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Ssense. And if all else fails? A black silk dress is always reliable.

As I’ve been bookmarking every option that’s caught my eye while researching, here are the standouts.

Fait Par Foutch

Colette Dress

My dream Fait Par Foutch dress.

Paolina Russo

Sleeveless Bias Cut Chiffon Maxi Dress

This Paolina Russo dress is incredible.

Vivienne Westwood

Burgundy Sunday Midi Dress

This Vivienne Westwood dress has been on my wish list for ages.

SILK LAUNDRY

Halter Dress Black

A staple silk halter from Silk Laundry.

EMILY DAWN LONG

Dammit Janet Sleeveless Dress

I recommend looking at all of Emily Dawn Long's dresses.

Lamia Lagha

Salma Dress Red

Worn with red tights and strappy black heels, as styled above.

AARON ESH

Black Asymmetric Halter Maxi Dress

This Aaron Esh dress is stunning.

j.crew

Collection Halter Slip Dress

Navy always feels elevated.

Reformation

Casette Silk Maxi Dress

I rented Reformation's Casette Silk Maxi Dress for a wedding once and got so many compliments.

With sheer black tights and Manolos.

Ramy Brook

Shauna Satin Strapless Open Back Midi-Dress

Nia

Daisy Fit & Flare Midi Dress

Nia is worth taking a look at.

Peachy Den

Amelia One Shoulder Maxi Dress

This dress from Peachy Den is selling out.

j.crew

Off-The-Shoulder Mini Dress

An off-the-shoulder nylon mini.

In the shade Fiery Coral.

Simone Rocha

Bow Detail Silk Satin Dress

I'm obsessed with the Bow Detail Silk Satin Dress by Simone Rocha.

NORMA KAMALI

Open-Back Draped Satin Mini Dress

Banana Republic

Crepe Twist-Shoulder Dress

This color is definitely out of my comfort zone, but I'm kind of feeling this teal.

If you're a minimalist dresser, you'll love the brand Rue Sophie.

DÔEN

Daphne Lace-Trimmed Pintucked Organic Cotton-Voile Mini Dress

Acne Studios

Satin Maxi Dress

The tie details on this ACNE dress make it a little more interesting.

& Other Stories

Sleeveless Satin Midi Dress

If you're a soft autumn (like me), this dusty rose hue would look good on you.

SIR The Label

Rioja Halter Scarf Maxi Dress-Black

SIR makes high-quality pieces.

For a billowy silhouette, this midi with a square neck and high empire waist.

Tularosa

Allie Midi Dress

I like the shape of this.

St. Agni

Silk Drape Dress

I'm such a fan of St. Agni.

SIEDRÉS

Exclusive Riviera Fens Jersey Maxi Dress

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