We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
Unless otherwise specified, all sizes in this post are listed in women’s.
1. A tasseled formal dress oozing 1920s glitz and glam that'll wow onlookers when you debut it at a themed party or a fancy gala.
Make sure you only hand-wash this dress to keep it in tip-top shape.
Promising review: "I bought this dress to wear to a 1920s Harlem Renaissance event. It was perfect! I was able to move around comfortably and the dress was breathable. It fit true to size and looked beautiful on me. I received so many compliments." —Alco Robinson
Get it from Amazon for $88.89+ (available in sizes S–XL and six colors).
On a budget? Check out these dresses under $30.
2. A velvet open-back formal dress you can wear to a holiday dinner with the fam or even just a work event — either way, you'll be thankful for those long sleeves and soft material during the colder months.
The dress is also machine-washable!
Promising review: "I never say this, but I LOVE how this dress makes me look and feel. It is so soft, well-made, and comfortable. It is sized perfectly and I feel like a model wearing it. Highly recommend!" —Heather C
Get it from Target for $40 (available in sizes XXS–4X and two colors).
In search of a LBD? We've got some gorgeous black formal dresses.
3. A rose gold formal mermaid dress with a backless design and sequins from head to toe. Even Princess Ariel would be envious of this stunner.
The spaghetti straps are adjustable to customize the fit to your needs.
Promising review: "I love the comfort and that I did not need extra undergarments. It was long but worked for the occasion, and the chest was a perfect fit, as was the waist. I love the padding in the chest area. It was a perfect fit. The adjustable straps were great — super long, but I was on the beach." —Sonia
Get it from Amazon for $64.99 (available in sizes 4–22 and three colors).
More long dresses await you!
4. An asymmetrical ruched formal dress for anyone in need of a show-stopping little black dress that's not only trendy, but also made of an itch-free polyester material to keep you comfortable ALL night long.
For the best care, make sure you machine wash this in cold water and do not iron it.
Promising review: "I absolutely love this dress! It's stunning! The ruched detail makes me so comfortable at the beginning AND end of the night (after a very large celebratory night), and it's the perfect mid-length. Highly recommend!" —JK98
Get it from Abercrombie & Fitch for $100 (available in sizes XXS–XL and three lengths).
Psst — don't forget to add a white formal dress to your wardrobe.
5. A high-low formal dress from Urban Outfitters decorated with ruffle trim and a floral pattern that'll really make your entire look ~bloom~ with beauty.
The straps are adjustable! Note that this dress is hand-wash only.
Promising review: "It's a very sweet dress but it's also quite sexy. When you walk the back does that, 'the queen has arrived' thing in the wind :D." —Tinkz
Get it from Urban Outfitters for $69 (available in sizes S–L).
Avoid the lecture from your wallet with these stylish dresses under $50.
6. A balloon sleeve formal dress that won't float up, up, and away when a sudden breeze hits thanks to the heavier material that'll keep it weighted down.
Promising review: "Love this dress! I am a pumping mom, so I love that it's a wrap with a hook closure in the front for modesty, but I can also open that sucker wide open to double pump. Fits beautifully and is true to size. Feels gorgeous and looks amazing!" —Lyndsay
Get it from Target for $35 (available in sizes X–4X and three colors).
Don't sacrifice warmth for style, stock up on these winter formal dresses.
7. A bead and sequin formal dress featuring a feather trim, making this ~gem~ of a 'fit a total statement piece any fashionista will be itching to show off.
8. A high slit formal dress so you can show a little skin AND keep yourself cool — especially if you're someone who prefers *not* to leave the dance floor until the last song is done.
Prime members: You can try before you buy!
Promising review: "This dress is sooo soo so pretty! It fits just right. It is long, but once I put on my three-inch heels I am able to walk just fine without the end of the dress sweeping the floor. It is stretchy, but not compressing. The material is nice and seems to be wrinkle-free. I highly recommend." —C Y
Get it from Amazon for $58.99 (available in sizes S–XL and 11 colors).
9. A chiffon formal dress to achieve your dream of becoming ~one~ with plants — but in a totally cute and gorgeous way, of course.
Promising review: "I wish this dress existed earlier. It's gorgeous, comfortable, and fits like a dream. Wore this to a work event and got tons of compliments — even from people I don't work that closely with. I'm even thinking of buying a second one to have in case something happens to this one." —LisaG13
Get it from Torrid for $39.99 (originally $99.50; available in sizes 10–30).
10. A Lulus formal dress giving off total ethereal vibes with its intoxicatingly soft velvet flutter sleeves and an A-line skirt that'll look as though you're floating down the stairs at your work party.
Promising review: "This dress fits like a dream. The material is the softest, most comfortable thing to touch. The color was beautiful, and the fit was beautiful; it was the perfect weight for a November wedding in New England. If you are reading reviews to choose a dress, stop reading...this is your dress. I loved it and will be wearing it many, many times to come." —Alexandra H.
Get it from Lulus for $79 (available in sizes XS–3X and two colors).
11. A formal pencil dress boasting pearl embellished balloon sleeves and a soft stretchy material so you can still break out *all* your dance moves.
12. A zebra print formal dress because you want to make a statement and this lil' number will ensure you *don't* blend in.
Get it from Boohoo for $18 (originally $45; available in sizes 4–12).
Don't miss out on these fall wedding guest dresses either.
13. A ruffle smocked formal dress giving a modern take on Bridgerton fashion, so you can attend high tea AND show off your fabulous ankles.
Promising review: "This dress is absolutely beautiful. The colors are so much more vivid in person and the size chart is pretty accurate. The length was perfect on me. Great for wedding guests, family pictures, church, or any event really. Overall the perfect dress for the money! Very happy with this purchase." —Sara C.
Get it from Amazon for $34.99 (available in sizes S–XXL and nine colors).
14. A Rent The Runway formal dress that's a total must for any fall and winter weddings you're attending. The best part? Besides being absolutely jaw-dropping, it won't take up space in your closet since you can return it after your event.
Members can rent up to four pieces of clothing at a time for up to eight days! Non-members can still rent pieces for a higher cost — and if you fall in love with the piece, you can always purchase it at full price.
Promising review: "This dress was absolutely fabulous! Beautiful and comfortable. I wore it to a destination wedding in October." —Kim
Get it from Rent The Runway for $70 as a non-member (available in sizes XS–XL) — or try it (along with three other items) for $69/month as a member.
15. A mesh crisscross formal dress for the bridesmaid on a budget who wants the best of both worlds: style AND affordability. What's better? The simple design even has pockets (!!!), so you can carry your phone and keys *without* lugging a huge purse around.
The design should be dry-cleaned only.
Promising review: "I *love* it! The fit is great, the color (sage) is so pretty, and the dress is really soft and comfortable. I didn't see anywhere on the site that it has pockets but it does, which is a win! It is suuuper long. I'm 5'7" and standing on my tip toes it still drags on the ground, so even with heels I'm probably going to have to get it taken up. If you're shorter than 5'7", prepare for alterations!" —Cristin R.
Get it from Birdy Grey for $99 (available in XS–3X and 11 colors).
16. A formal silk dress with a design *so* versatile, you can ~slip~ from brunch with friends to that fancy bridal shower without feeling underdressed.
17. An off-the-shoulder formal dress you can wear year-round thanks to its simple design that's still sleek and polished. The polyester material is also *so* cozy, you won't want to rip it off the moment you walk into your home.
Promising review: "I love this dress! The fabric is thick, stretchy, and you can size down so it hugs your curves more, which is what I did and it was perfect. This dress is very comfortable and it can be dressed up or down. I've always been a fan of a pencil skirt and crop top, and this dress is the perfect combination of the two — with a twist. If you're curvy, as I am, you will find this dress very comfortable." —Amber
Get it from Amazon for $35.99+ (available in sizes 4–22 and 30 colors).
18. A floral formal dress featuring an enchanting ruffle trim and sleeves that might just make the bride ditch her bouquet and walk down the aisle with you instead.
Promising review: "It’s been a long time since I've felt beautiful in a dress and this one changed that. Very flowy, light, and airy to work for many occasions. I was so excited after trying it on that I made my husband immediately take me somewhere for dinner so I could wear it! 10/10." —The McKees
Get it from Amazon for $43.98+ (available in sizes S–XL and 28 colors).
19. A gold formal dress with a breathtaking backless design and shimmery material people will want to make speeches over, it's THAT gorg.
Beginning Boutique is a woman-owned small clothing shop based in Australia where you can get 'fits for basically any occasion. The brand recommends sizing up.
Promising review: "This dress is absolutely beautiful! The slight stretch in the satin material made the dress extremely comfortable. I wore it for hours at a uni ball and loved it. I would definitely recommend this dress to anyone looking for a formal dress at an affordable price." —Tayah H.
Get it from Beginning Boutique for $124.99 (available in sizes XXS–XXL and five other colors).
20. An empire waist formal dress designed with lonnnng arm straps that only add to the sheer fairy-like quality of this gown. Once you slip it on, it'll have you looking like you've been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale.
Perrin and Co. is a small shop on Etsy that hand-makes custom dresses that'll fit perfectly to you.
Promising review: "I got this dress in sage green and it is the most beautiful dress I’ve ever put on! I feel like a fairy princess. I went with the custom fit and I’m so glad I did. Honestly, it's the most beautiful dress I’ve ever owned, and the way it makes me feel is unmatched! Do yourself a kindness and order." —Elizabeth
Get it from Perrin and Co. on Etsy for $160+ (available in sizes XS–4XL or custom sizing, and 30 colors).
21. An African print formal dress handmade using airy cotton, which provides ventilation to keep you both cool *and* chic. No sweat stains here!
MAD Kollection is a small, Black-owned business based in Manchester, UK, that makes dresses, tops, jackets, headwraps and more.
Promising review: "I will never, never take it off! Really it is worth every penny. I feel like a princess. It is super comfortable and the fabric feels super high quality. Thank you so much!" —Ina R.
Get it from MAD Kollection for $98.54 (originally $109.49; available in sizes 2–18).
22. A floral lace formal dress because while it may have a mermaid silhouette, the sultry side slit and stretchy material will ensure you're *not* waddling to the dinner table.
This should be hand-washed only.
Promising review: "Wow, this dress is honestly GORGEOUS! Comfortable stretch yet very nice material! It’s not thin or see-through either. The size was accurate and the dress was honestly a show stopper. If you have an event and are considering this, just get it, I promise you won’t regret it." —Melanie
Get it from Amazon for $63.99 (available in sizes S–XXL and seven colors).
23. A tie-back formal dress you can throw on with your new clear heels for the ultimate stylish look. Turning heads is guaranteed, whether you're going to prom or acting as a plus-one to a wedding.
24. A faux-wrap maxi formal dress that's basically the definition of fall with its gourd-geous lace sleeves and flowy skirt. Plus, reviewers say it's a fantastic pick if you're nursing!
Make sure to hand-wash the dress in cold water and hang dry it to maintain its shape.
Promising review: "Perfect for a fall or winter wedding. I'm glad I found this dress because I knew I wanted something long sleeved. It was perfect for the occasion. The dress itself has stretch, but the sleeves don't stretch like that." —Shelby
Another promising review: "My sister (the bride) wanted us to wear dark green for a fall wedding. I wanted long sleeves. Way better than my expectations! Not too long (wore flats fine), comfy, even had room for leggings underneath for warmth. Money well spent!" —DR1230
Get it from Amazon for $29.39+ (available in sizes XS–3X and five colors).
25. A formal wrap dress you'll be happy to have ~up your sleeve.~ I mean, just look at all that billowy goodness! Plus, the silky smooth material will honestly have you feeling like an heiress to a huge fortune the moment you slip it on.
Victoria Angel is a small shop and Etsy store that specializes in creating evening and formal wear. This handmade dress is made with mixed silks and cuffed sleeves with a crystal button closure.
Promising review: "Oh! I 1000000% loved this dress. The feel, the fit, the look, all of it! I am this dress and it is everything! Absolutely 💯 perfect. Thank you, I love it!" —DrSarah Langley
Get it from Victoria Angel on Etsy for $115.20 (originally $128 and available in sizes S–XL).
26. A simple V-neck sleeveless formal dress that's anything *but* basic with its soft polyester material and mermaid skirt. Just pair it with some long silky gloves and a small tiara, and you'll look straight outta Breakfast At Tiffany's.
This should be hand-washed only.
Promising review: "I had been looking at similar dresses that were twice the price from other sites and decided to gamble on this one for half the price. It was SO worth it! The dress is great quality, has double-lined thick material, and fit like a glove. I shortened the straps a little, which was easy to do the way the straps are, and did not have to hem it. I got so many compliments on this dress." —Bove Family
Get it from Amazon for $53.99 (available in sizes XS–XXL and nine colors).
27. A mini sequin formal dress covered in shimmering sequins that scream, "Let's hit the dance floor!" so you can really ~light~ up the place.
The dress comes with a polyester lining and should be hand washed in cold water and line dried.
Promising review: "I am in love with this dress. I bought it for prom and recently wore it for my sweet 16. This dress fits perfectly and it looks amazing, it also has great quality. I LOVED the green color and received so many compliments." —Gabby R.
Get it from Windsor for $49.90 (available in sizes S–L and three colors).
28. A sequin halter formal dress that's totally twirl-worthy with its glittery exterior, AND the sleeveless design means you won't have to constantly be pulling your straps back into place.
This should be hand-washed and hang dried for longevity.
Promising review: "I absolutely love this dress, I got so many compliments. It’s stretchy so you have room to move around. I was able to dance a lot without worrying about it being too tight — it was not uncomfortable in any way." —Caniesha
Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in sizes S–XL, two lengths, and five colors).
29. A satin ombre formal dress — it's the definition of business in the front and party in the back with its sweet bow, high neckline, and breathable backless design. Plus, it has POCKETS!
Prime members: You can try before you buy!
Promising review: "I can’t believe how much I love this dress! I received a last-minute invite to a black tie affair and the post-prom desert of local dress selections left me reluctantly scrolling on Amazon. The top fits easily and there's a soft, stretchy yet quality feel to the fabric. I am wearing a standard bra and it is barely covered in the back. The bottom is magical. The color fade is lovely and it feels like a very high-quality gown. My only regret is ordering a rented dress from rent the runway because I didn’t trust this dress to be as amazing as it is!" —Team Houk
Get it from Amazon for $97.58+ (available sizes 6–18, including petite sizes, and in 10 colors).
30. A lace crewneck formal dress you'll be taking out for EVERY fancy event since it's versatile enough to wear to a cocktail party, wedding, baby shower — you name it. No matter the occasion, it's sure to make a statement.
Prime members: You can try before you buy!
Promising review: "Love the lace, it hits at the knee and is not too tight or too short. It’s very elegant, and I’ve worn this a few times to dinner parties and a wedding." —Natalie
Get it from Amazon for 44.99+ (available in sizes S–XL and 18 colors).
31. A Free People formal dress crafted with a silky material and DEEP V-neck so you can really let your ~inner goddess~ out.
Promising review: "I bought the fuchsia for my 50th Bahamian holiday this spring and it feels amazing on the skin, is a lovely weight, and the fabric hangs beautifully. The ties work well to accommodate a larger bust perfectly and I cannot wait to wear it!" —midlifevolution
Get it from Free People for $200 (available in sizes XS–XL and six colors).
32. A tropical midi formal dress just begging to go on vacation with you — especially if you're looking to wow on that special date night with your S.O.
Nine Lives Bazaar is a small woman-owned business that creates vibrant nostalgic-inspired clothing that will always make a statement. Make sure you hand-wash this piece to keep it in best shape.
Promising review: "This is the most stunning and beautiful dress I’ve ever put on my body. If I could wear this dress every single day I would." —K. Challis
Get it from Nine Lives Bazaar for $135 (available in sizes 6–16).
33. A splurge-worthy Anthropologie formal dress designed with a flounced tier skirt and flirty sweetheart neckline that will have you looking as though you stepped out of a painting from the Met.
The dress is lined with polyester material and is machine washable.
Promising review: "This is a beautiful dress, great fit and comfortable. However, I was looking for black and the midnight color is definitely navy." —Scc074
Get it from Anthropologie for $220 (available in sizes 0–26 and five colors).
Everyone's expression when they see you...
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.