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Every February, the American Heart Association presents its annual “Go Red for Women Red Dress Collection” runway show as part of New York Fashion Week. The exclusive, celeb-filled event shines a light on heart disease in women but also relays a message of empowerment. And what woman doesn’t feel like a force to be reckoned with when she’s wearing red? Whether you’re sporting the color for a date night, Valentine’s Day or a formal occasion (or maybe even your own red carpet event…), a little “something red” goes a long way.
If you’ll soon be a guest at a wedding, lucky enough to be part of the bridal party, the excited mother of the bride or groom, or even the bride herself, this regal, heart-filled hue is a guaranteed head-turner. In fact, brides traditionally wear red wedding dresses in China and India. So forget those old-fashioned rules about what colors you can and can’t wear because red dresses for women are multi-seasonal and come in a variety of shades and styles. Short red, long red, red velvet, red lace, bridesmaid and bodycon, here’s a slew of our favorite and best-reviewed red dresses at price points ranging from $59 to $898, all available to shop online now at Macy’s, Nordstrom, David’s Bridal and more.
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1 of 15 Image Credits: David's Bridal
Best Red Wedding Dress
White by Vera Wang Textured Organza Wedding Dress in Apple
Sure, this lavish wedding dress comes in more traditional colors like white, ivory, sterling and even blush, but we say go red or go home. After all, nowadays you have permission to buck tradition: Colorful bridal dresses are a growing trend, and this Vera Wang textured organza wedding dress in apple red truly takes the cake. We love the draped bodice, asymmetrical skirt with split front overlay and sweep train in back. Plus, it has a back zipper for easy on/off access. Vera Wang’s collection is classy and iconic, and luckily her David’s Bridal gowns come with a budget-friendly price tag.
Specifications:
Sizes 0-14
Polyester
Dry clean
What Reviewers Are Saying:
This dress is the one. I bought a different dress a few months ago, but I was never able to get this dress out of my head. I ended up going back today to try on new dresses to exchange out the dress that I had bought. I tried this one back on, and it was love. The dress fits very true to size.
2 of 15 Image Credits: Nordstrom
Best Red Cocktail Dress
Reformation Christine Ruffle Detail Mini Dress
Fresh and flirty, this lipstick-red number by Reformation is just the ticket for cocktail hour or a hot date night out on the town. With ruffles galore to offset what could’ve been an over-the-top sexy look, this charming minidress features a pretty sweetheart neckline and delicate tie straps, plus legs for miles. Love it.
Specifications:
Sizes 8-12
100% viscose
Dry clean
What Reviewers Are Saying:
I adore this dress
it is perfect for a date night. Yes, it is a bit on the shorter side, but definitely has a classy vibe.
3 of 15 Image Credits: Nordstrom
Best Plus-Size Red Dress
Wedding themes and trends come and go, and right now the Seventies are back bigtime. This maxi dress by City Chic offers that disco-glam throwback style for the “Dancing Queen” guest who just loves to “Do the Hustle.” Featuring a fluid, flowing pleated chiffon skirt and high halter-neck, plus a bloused bodice that highlights your shoulders, this garnet red gown flatters nearly every figure. If you’re looking for a plus-size gown that’s both elegant and fun, your search is over. Guarantee you’ll wear it over and over again, maybe even for decades to come.
Specifications:
XS=14W - XXL=24W-26W
100% polyester
Hand wash, dry flat
What Reviewers Are Saying:
I ordered this in both medium and large, in garnet, for an upcoming wedding ... I kept the L and am just having the sides taken in a little on the top
the waist and skirt fit perfectly. I have a very long torso and, on me, the top does not fit like a blouson style (no fabric overhang at the waist), but it looks lovely … I definitely expect to wear it again.
4 of 15 Image Credits: Nordstrom
Best Mother of the Bride Red Dress
Yet another red maxi dress by City Chic, this time adding a little va-va-voom to the traditional mother of the bride or mother of the groom's wedding day look. A unique lace patterned bodice and lovely tulle skirt in an attractive shade of merlot make this gown standout from the rest. The flattering silhouette and long sleeves are perfect for a fall, winter or early spring evening wedding. Take it the max, mama.
Specifications:
Sizes XS=14W - XXL=24W
70% cotton, 30% nylon bodice, 100% polyester
Hand wash, line dry
What Reviewers Are Saying:
This dress is beautiful. I bought this for my son’s wedding, my husband and I are going to walk down the aisle with the wedding party. This dress is perfect for the event. It is gorgeous.
5 of 15 Image Credits: Nordstrom
Best Sexy Red Dress
Dress the Population Rory Midi Dress
Love that 1920s vintage style? Well, welcome to the 2020s — you’re in luck because the flapper look is back in style. This sexy red dress has just the right amount of sass and swish for dancing the night away. Perfect for a party gal on the go, we promise you’ll get multiple wears out of this eye-catching, red-hot number. Featuring fun-loving fringe, a classic neckline and sultry straps, this midi dress by Dress the Population hits at the knee but also shows off some leg. You’ll definitely razzle-dazzle ‘em.
Specifications:
Size XXS=0-2 - XXL=14-16
97% polyester, 3% nylon
Machine wash, line dry
What Reviewers Are Saying:
Bought this for a Studio 54 style birthday, and this dress is SO beautiful on. Great fabric, beautiful length, super flattering. I got so many compliments on it!
6 of 15 Image Credits: Nordstrom
Best Red Formal Dress
XSCAPE Side Ruched Double Strap Crepe Gown
Holy moly. This gorgeous crepe formal gown is not only fit for a goddess of love, it also comes in two fiery shades: new magenta and red. Sophisticated yet sweet, this dress features gentle ruching at the sides, a seductive one-side leg slit and wide, v-shaped double straps. We adore its charming ankle-length style, which makes this formal dress perfect for a spin on the wedding dance floor.
Specifications:
Sizes: 2-14
100% polyester
Dry clean
What Reviewers Are Saying:
Classic, simple, yet elegant and stylish. Lightweight and the fabric lays nicely. Perfect for my son’s upcoming wedding.
7 of 15 Image Credits: Macy's
Best Red Lace Dress
Lauren Ralph Lauren Floral-Lace Dress
Ralph Lauren may be known for its classic designs, but this scarlet red lace dress is anything but stuffy. Feminine with a floral lace overlay, scallop trim, straight silhouette and short cap sleeves,this effortlessly chic frock easily works for a daytime or nighttime wedding.
Specifications:
izes: 0-16
Shell: polyester
lining: polyester/elastane
Hand wash
What Reviewers Are Saying:
Gorgeous, high-quality dress. I bought a size 10 online as I tried the size 12 in the store and it was too big. I am 5'9" tall and weigh 160. The 10 is perfect. I am wearing this to an upcoming wedding.
8 of 15 Image Credits: Macy's
Best Off-the-Shoulder Red Dress
Adrianna Papell Off-The-Shoulder Floral-Print Gown
OK, this might be our favorite dress on the whole list. With unique features such as its floral blossom print, sultry off-the-shoulder neckline, slit leg and even pockets, this romantic gown can truly do no wrong. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be worn as part of an eclectic bridesmaid dress collection, by the mother of the bride or as a formal guest. Whoever rocks this one-of-a-kind gown, it’s sure to be a stunner.
Specifications:
Sizes: 2-16
Shell: polyester/nylon/metallic threading, lining: acetate
Dry clean
What Reviewers Are Saying:
Wore this dress to a black-tie wedding and received many compliments! Great for dancing, too!
9 of 15 Image Credits:
Best Red Velvet Dress
Aidan Mattox Velvet Ruffled Off-the-Shoulder Dress
Calling all Nineties gals. This red velvet dress by Aidan Mattox is giving us serious Beverly Hills, 90210 vibes — and we mean that in the best way possible. With an exaggerated black ruffle, off-the-shoulder neckline, inner boning at the bodice, and stretchy velvet that hugs your curves straight down to the knee, this wine red beauty is a must-have addition to your formal wear wardrobe. Whether you don it for a wedding, an office holiday party or a special date night, you’re sure to be on the best dressed list.
Specifications:
Sizes: 0-14
Shell #1: Polyester / elastane
shell #2: polyester
lining: polyester/elastane
Dry clean
What Reviewers Are Saying:
I love the luxurious feel and the color! I recently bought this for an upcoming event. My husband loves it on me. I can't wait to debut it for all to see.
10 of 15 Image Credits: Macy's
Best Long Red Dress
Betsy & Adam Satin Evening Gown
Hello, princess. Excuse us, did we say princess? We mean queen. Either way, you’ll look and feel like royalty in this magnificent, long red ball gown. Crafted in soft, shiny satin, this spectacular dress is the stuff that fairy tales are made of. Whether you’re considering it as your own wedding dress or a formal evening gown, the flared silhouette is a jaw-dropper and flatters a variety of figures.
Specifications:
Sizes: 0 - 12
Allover satin, shell and lining: all polyester
Dry clean
What Reviewers Are Saying:
Breathtaking! Gorgeous dress. Well made and looks much more expensive than it was. Can’t wait for my event!
11 of 15 Image Credits: Bloomingdales
Best Red Long-Sleeve Dress
Tadashi Shoji Pintucked Cutout Gown
Here we go back to the roaring Twenties, but this time in the form of an elegant, Art Deco-style design courtesy of Tadashi Shoji. This pintuck-pleated jersey cutout gown with a back-dropped waist and column silhouette is runway-ready in a rich wine hue. Body-skimming with enough stretch for a comfortable fit, the long sleeves offset its sexy, peek-a-boo décolletage and high front slit. Perfect for a fall, winter or spring evening wedding, this unique gown is truly dazzling no matter where or when you wear it.
Specifications:
XS - XL
92% polyester/8% spandex
lining: 100% polyester
Dry clean
What Reviewers Are Saying:
This dress fills all requirements in a gown. Design is very flattering, fabric very forgiving, and the color is amazing! The stitched down pleated look gives uniqueness to fabric and adds to the very flattering design. Feminine design gives full coverage for a very comfortable look. I look forward to traveling with this dress and excited to have some color in my wardrobe. Am absolutely thrilled!
12 of 15 Image Credits: Nordstrom
Best Short Red Dress
Lulus Surplice Spaghetti Strap Cocktail Sheath
Sometimes less is more. This simple yet elegant burgundy sheath dress features a fold-over sulpice that accentuates your bustline while the straight, pencil skirt style flatters an hourglass physique. As short red dresses go, this one is a keeper you’ll surely wear and rewear again and again to weddings, date nights, formal events and many more celebratory occasions. Plus, at such an affordable price point, it pretty much pays for itself.
Specifications:
Sizes 0-14
95% polyester, 5% spandex
Hand wash, line dry
What Reviewers Are Saying:
Love this dress! It runs true to size and is very flattering. I've already worn to one holiday event. The fabric is thick, but stretchy and comfortable. Form fitting and flattering. I love that it has adjustable straps. I'm 5'2" and 114 lbs. The extra small was perfect and not too long, which can sometimes be a challenge.
13 of 15 Image Credits: David's Bridal
Best Red Bridesmaid Dress
Double-Strap Long Georgette Bridesmaid Wrap Dress
Forget the bridezilla antics. If you’re gunning to be the most popular bride amongst your crew, choose this gorgeous, long georgette bridesmaid dress for your best gals. Featuring a delicate yet multi-figure flattering, tie-wrap style and draped surplice bodice, this pretty gown comes in a variety of red hues: apple, cinnamon, guava, sienna, wine and more. Plus, a sultry side slit ups the wow-factor. We can’t wait to see the bridal party pics!
Specifications:
Sizes 0-30
Polyester, fully lined
Hand wash
What Reviewers Are Saying:
Wearing this for my sister's vow renewal. I LOVE it! It's very flattering.
14 of 15 Image Credits: Nordstrom
Best Red Bodycon Dress
CINQ À SEPT Dakota Back Cutout Body-Con Midi Dress
We know, we know: Bodycon dresses might seem too sexy for a wedding guest to wear without a little bit of self-consciousness. Not so with this streamlined red number by the ever fashionable Cinq à Sept. The dress’s thick seams give it a unique, classy appeal, while the small, zippered cutout in back flashes just enough flesh to instill a dose of come-hither allure. Get it, glamour girl.
Specifications:
Sizes: 00 - 12
54% polyester, 39% viscose, 7% spandex
Dry clean
What Reviewers Are Saying:
Perfect balance of classy elegance and flattering form fitting. Can wear to a work party without being too revealing but still feel pretty.
15 of 15 Image Credits: Nordstrom
Best Red Sequin Dress
TADASHI SHOJI Sequin Lace Gown
Can you say hot, hot, hot? Here’s yet another dream dress by Japanese designer Tadashi Shoji, this time in red sequins and lace. The color of the dress is called flame, and it’s obvious to see why. Whether you’re the mother of the bride, a VIP guest or shopping for another formal occasion, this fiery floral-lace gown exudes an ornate yet tasteful sartorial attitude. Of course, the allover red sequins elevate this dress to Hollywood levels of grandeur. Smokin’!
Specifications:
Sizes 2-10
40% nylon, 30% cotton, 30% polyester
Dry clean
What Reviewers Are Saying:
Love this dress. I need to do a little bit of alterations, but the color is perfect for the mother of the bride. I love it.
