A friend recently told me she'd been invited to a fancy spring gala and asked my advice on what to wear. She then quickly added her ex would be there, and she wanted to wear something that would wow them. "Something like the Mango revenge dress circulating TikTok," she said. I knew exactly what kind of dress she was looking for.
If you watch fashion videos on TikTok as much as my friend does, you probably already know the dress she's referring to. It's a sleek and silky black maxi dress from Mango's Selection edit that has a bustier top, thigh-high slit, and spaghetti straps. Users on TikTok have coined it "the revenge dress."
But what exactly is a revenge dress? It refers to the stunning off-the-shoulder black evening gown Princess Diana wore to a 1994 Vanity Fair party. Many have interpreted Diana's decision to wear the dress as an act of revenge toward her then-separated husband following his confession of adultery in a televised interview.
In essence, a revenge dress should make you feel confident, powerful, and amazing when you wear it. It's got to be black as a nod to Princess Diana (pictured above). And the simple act of wearing it should be all the revenge you need to take on any exes or in situations with people from your past.
Below, I'm sharing several stunning options that would fit the bill for my friend. If you also have a fancy soirée or dinner party on your calendar and need a dress that truly wows, use my picks below to get inspired.
This is a dress no one will ever forget.
This is the Mango dress everyone's talking about on TikTok.
This off-the-shoulder number looks similar to Princess Diana's revenge dress.
I love the silky sheen on this one.
Here's a really good option for under $100.
Ideal for a day or night.
This bustier detail, though!
Ready for compliments?
Such a pretty silhouette.
A great option for a fancy event.
A true stunner.
Instagram-worthy.
I love an asymmetric silhouette.
The back of this dress is alluring too.
Here's a chic option if you're looking for a revenge dress that has sleeves.
This will take you from day to night in style.
Just add statement earrings.
A beautiful designer number.
Reformation has a ton of winning revenge dresses.
Okay, wow.
There's a reason this dress is called the Dream Dress.
Carrie Bradshaw vibes.
A romantic neckline.
Sheer fabric gives this dress a trend-forward feel.
So good for the price.
Style these with strappy heels or wedges.
Who can resist ethereal black lace?
The styling possibilities are endless.
Next, 7 Trends I'm Buying at Zara and 7 I'm Skipping
-
4 Anti-Trend Outfits I Spot Every Time I'm in EuropeClassic looks that are always in style.
-
3 Non-Holiday Ways to Wear Velvet This WinterYou're welcome.
-
Hailey Bieber Just Used the TikTok Styling Hack That Will Actually Go the DistanceI'm going to use it this weekend.
-
After 15 Years as a Fashion Writer, I Know These Free Style Tweaks Will Make a Big ImpactHow to give your wardrobe a new lease on life.
-
4 Dated Sweater Trends I'm Purging From My Small NYC Closet by the Year's EndAnd the chic knitwear I'm making room for.
-
Law Roach's World: His New Book, Bag of Choice, and What He Grabs on a Target Run"[Styling] has made my world so much bigger."
-
I'm in My 20s—Here Are 6 Style Lessons I Learned to Look More Polished and Grown-UpSophisticated styling 101.
-
8 Copenhagen Street Style Trends I Plan to Replicate in New YorkPared back yet never boring.
