8 BEAUTIFUL DESIGNER EVENING GOWNS THAT LIGHT UP THE NIGHT

Nothing strikes the same chord as wearing a breathtaking evening gown. More than just a confidence booster, it’s a license to thrill—and more than enough celebrations happen throughout the year to warrant having a few on hand. After all, you never know when a last-minute invitation will land in your inbox. 

Thankfully, today’s luxury designers make dressing to the nines easier than ever, offering elegant designer evening gowns crafted from exceptional fabric, such as wool crepe, silk, and cashmere. 

SELECTING A DRESS FOR YOUR BODY TYPE

Designer formal gowns flatter all shapes—it’s just a question of understanding what cut works best for you. These six common types of gowns allow everyone to stand out and feel glamorous.

Sheath gowns

These delicate dresses feature a fitted straight shape from the bust to the bottom hem. Typically, there’s no waist seam, but the fabric can be nipped gently to accentuate the body’s natural curves. Depending on the design, the shoulders may feature skinny straps or short or long sleeves, and the style naturally draws attention to curves and highlights the hips. Sheath gowns have an understated elegance that works well for work-related events and black-tie weddings alike.

Ball gowns

Best suited for ultra-formal events, ball gowns feature voluminous floor-length skirts and tight-fitting bodices. This style commonly comes with sweetheart, bateau, or square necklines. However, designers sometimes forego these elements for something fresh. This shape is flattering on most body types, as it defines the waist and creates an hourglass figure.

A-line gowns

Like ball gowns, A-line gowns are fitted at the hips and flow into wide skirts. The critical difference is that A-lines are less voluminous and project a gentler silhouette. Yet, like ball gowns, A-line dresses flatter every body type—they’re an excellent response to formal dress requests and provide plenty of freedom for dancing.

Mermaid gowns

Mermaid gowns hug the body below the hips to the thighs or knees and then radiate outward. The fitted shape suits those seeking to show off curves, and midi and maxi dress lengths highlight the hem’s playful splay. Mermaid dresses have an air of glamor, making them well-suited for black-tie events.

High-low gowns

High-low gowns have a shorter hem in the front with a longer hem in the back, perfect for showing off bare legs and shoes. High-low dresses come in every neckline, including V-neck, halter neck, and one-shoulder, and the bold design matches well with strappy evening heels and a clutch.

Asymmetric gowns

Asymmetric gowns feature one side slit that is generally accentuated by prominent fabric detailing, such as tiers and ruffles. This shape is daring, giving classic formal wear a fearless edge by showing a little skin. The graceful shape elongates the body, giving a taller appearance. These gowns are great options for semi-formal summer weddings and seasonal celebrations.

8 DESIGNER EVENING GOWNS

Shopping for an evening dress never fails to excite, as numerous designers have created awe-inspiring pieces that showcase the wearer in an air of sophistication. Eye-catching and memorable, these eight luxury labels have created elegant, long dresses fit for making one unforgettable fashion statement after another.

Valentino

Valentino merges tradition and innovation to create true pieces of art. The collections encapsulate the meaning of beauty, each displaying artistry with flowy chiffon, tulle, feathers, and lace. The Crossover Off-The-Shoulder Cape Chiffon Gown, made from sheer purple silk with an A-line skirt and delicate crossover front detailing, showcases the house’s master craftsmanship. Style the dress with a short diamond necklace and a statement ring.

Balmain

The house of Balmain is defined by exquisite garments that emphasize the edgier side of couture. The gowns embody a fearlessness with bold body-hugging silhouettes and striking accents, such as large metallic sequins. Juxtapose the daring side of Balmain with classically structured top-handle bags and sleek heels.

Carolina Herrera

Carolina Herrera creates refined evening wear with classic tastes in mind. Select a dress embellished from the neckline to the floor with sparkly sequins to channel old Hollywood and balance the glittery look with a simple bracelet and understated necklace combo.

Oscar de la Renta

The Oscar de la Renta Strapless Floral Cutout Ball Gown is a testament to the brand’s unique design process. The gown has an elevated organic feel with elaborate floral embroidered cutouts. The bodice is fitted, while the skirt flares to a high-low hem, which will share attention with your carefully selected footwear. Add dangly eye-catching earrings to complete the grandness of the dress.

Saint Laurent

The distinguished designs of Saint Laurent are as sophisticated as they are seductive. The label offers evening gowns in a wide range of streamlined styles with contemporary accents, including sheer fabric, edgy hoods, and plunging necklines. For a summer soirée, explore lightweight options, such as the delicate Lace Panel Satin Combo Silk Gown, which features a deep floral lace V-neck and a vintage-style button-up back.

Maticevski

Maticevski has garnered a reputation for transforming fabric into wearable sculptures. The couturier employs innovative sewing techniques to give each dress a soft organic character, from draped strapless numbers to one-shoulder gowns with ribbon detailing, pleats, and asymmetric accents. Style the remarkable designs with opulent fine jewelry.

Marchesa Notte

Named after 1920s social icon Marchesa Luisa Casati, Marchesa Notte's gowns draw inspiration from intricate detailing from the past, with magnificent tulle ruffles, foiled detailing, and elaborate embroidery. The Off-Shoulder Bow-Sleeve Crepe Gown is in a stunning blue with a sweetheart neckline and a bold thigh-high side slit. The vintage-inspired bow sleeve details give the dress a feminine disposition that plays well with statement necklaces and sleek clutches.

Badgley Mischka Collection

Elegant evening gowns and sweet, playful cocktail dresses define the wearable delights of Badgley Mischka. The label’s gown assortment includes strapless, caped, and long-sleeve designs with stunning beaded detailing, flower appliqués, and pleated ruffles. Style them with a sophisticated handbag pouch and heels.

DRESS YOUR BEST NO MATTER THE OCCASION

Whether you’re an A-lister walking the red carpet or the mother of the bride walking down the aisle, looking and feeling your best on a special occasion is second to none. Along with selecting the right dress, be sure to also give your skin the care it deserves. Explore the spa services at Neiman Marcus, where you can choose between various complementary facials, makeup applications, and more. Discover the curated selection of wedding wear to celebrate those special moments and festivities in style.

For more fashion inspiration, explore the editorial archive, where Neiman Marcus introduces outfit recommendations to keep you looking your best every season. Now that we’ve introduced the best evening gowns, learn more about how to dress for a wedding and what jackets to wear with dresses.