black off the shoulder bodycon midi dress
Shop the Look: My Favorite Night Black Off-the-Shoulder Bodycon Midi Dress

They say the best revenge is living well– but we think that dressing well is equally as good. Welcome to the world of the revenge dress, a show-stealing way to show your ex exactly what they’ve lost out on. 

orange knit cutout sleeveless midi dress
Shop the Look: Beachside Bliss Orange Knit Cutout Sleeveless Midi Dress

The term first became popular in the mid-90s as Princess Diana asserted her independence and was boosted in 1997 when Mariah Carey wore a two-piece revenge dress to the VMAs. Bella Hadid’s 2017 Met Gala outfits were called revenge outfits and Vanderpump Rules‘ Ariana Madix is the latest to enter the revenge dress conversation. 

pink lace up maxi dress
Shop the Look: Mesmerizing Allure Pink Sleeveless Lace-Up Maxi Dress; Image via @xoalyynicole

Today’s revenge dresses make statements about independence and reclaiming the narrative about a breakup. A good revenge dress will make you feel powerful, sexy, and confident. Take sweet revenge in one of these revenge dresses!

Halter Neck Tulip Midi Dress

teal blue satin halter neck tulip midi dress
Shop the Look: Sultry Energy Teal Blue Satin Halter Neck Tulip Midi Dress

A keyhole neckline, open back, satin body-skimming silhouette in an electric hue? This revenge dress has it all.

Two-Piece Dress

black ribbed twist front two piece midi dress
Shop the Look: Make My Move Black Ribbed Twist-Front Two-Piece Midi Dress

Channel your inner diva by paying homage to Mariah’s two-piece revenge dress!

Asymmetrical Bodycon Midi Dress

mauve pink bodycon midi dress
Shop the Look: Sultry Impulse Mauve Pink Asymmetrical Bodycon Midi Dress

When you’re out at the club and freshly single, make a statement with sexy details like ruching and an asymmetrical hem.

Pleated One-Shoulder Midi Dress

blue satin pleated one-shoulder midi dress
Shop the Look: Diva Vibes Teal Blue Satin Pleated One-Shoulder Midi Dress

Nothing says “I’m ready to be noticed” quite like a revenge dress in a bold shot of color.

Crochet Maxi Bodysuit Dress

black crochet halter maxi bodysuit dress
Shop the Look: Destination Summer Black Crochet Halter Maxi Bodysuit Dress

Show off your curves with this dress’s open construction and bodysuit top, like Bella’s red carpet revenge outfit.

Cutout Halter Midi Dress

bright pink cutout twist front halter midi dress
Shop the Look: Flirty Chic Bright Pink Cutout Twist-Front Halter Midi Dress

Lots of features come together to make a perfect revenge dress, like sexy cutouts, bodycon silhouettes, and an unforgettable hue.

Deep V-Neck Dress

black wrap dress
Shop the Look: Cocktail Hour Black Wrap Dress

A plunging neckline on a dress for a night out is another popular revenge dress feature. 

Scoop Neck Mini-Dress

ivory faux wrap mini dress
Shop the Look: Sweet and Simple Style Ivory Faux-Wrap Mini Dress

While Diana’s most famous revenge dress was black, the Princess of Wales made an equally strong revenge statement with her white mini-dress.

Off-the-Shoulder Mini Dress

black and silver shiny off the shoulder mini dress
​​Shop the Look: Chic Glow Black and Silver Shiny Off-the-Shoulder Mini Dress

A high hemline is perfect to show off your lovely legs. And if your cute mini has a sexy, off-the-shoulder neckline? Even better.

Bustier Dress

blue floral ruched mesh bustier midi dress
Shop the Look: Alluring Charm Light Blue Floral Ruched Mesh Bustier Midi Dress

Bustier dresses add some structure to your dress, making you look even more polished and powerful.

So what do you think? Is the best revenge a revenge dress? Show us your favorite revenge dresses on Instagram or Tiktok @lulus — and head to our Dresses Shop for more!