Have a black-tie wedding, a fancy gala, or a lavish holiday party [1] on your calendar? Then not just any old cocktail dress will do; you'll need a formal gown [2]. Now's the time to bring out the big style guns and rock a frock covered in sequins [3], embroidery, lace, and ornate details; and Amazon has all of the above [4] and more.
The following 26 seriously special dresses from Amazon's amazing fashion selection [5] have all the frills you need to impress and then some. From '80s-inspired balloon sleeves to '90s-style slip dresses, from elegant white lace maxis to showy metallic minis, these dresses are ready for life's most luxurious events. Start shopping now to find your favourite Amazon formal dress; each one is more fabulous than the last.
Fame and Partners The Jami Dress
Available in blue and champagne, Fame and Partners' The Jami Dress [6] ($299) is super sexy with a front slit, faux wrap style, and halter neck.
Alexis Umbria Dress
Made of midweight, nonstretch lace, Alexis's Umbria Dress [7] ($795) has a gorgeous tiered skirt and faux-pearl embellishments on the sweet tie straps.
Self Portrait Liliana Dress
Self Portrait's Liliana Dress [8] ($490) is sure to catch attention with its bold blue lace, sheer mesh panels, and contrast collared neck.
BB Dakota Metallic Star Dress
A classic shape with modern embellishments, BB Dakota's Metallic Star Dress [9] ($120) is equal parts sweet and chic.
For Love & Lemons Dynasty Dress
There's so much to love about the For Love & Lemons' Dynasty Dress [10] ($193), including its all-over lace with diagonal pleating and metallic accents, bow waist, puff one shoulder, and of course, its bold hot pink colour.
Needle & Thread Wildflower Dress
Beautiful sequinned floral embellishments make Needle & Thread's Wildflower Dress [11] ($570) a true showstopper.
Cinq a Sept Winona Dress
We love the gorgeous rose colour of Cinq a Sept's Winona Dress [12] ($645), a satin dress with a ruched mock neck, tie waist, and ruffle hem.
Yumi Kim Goddess Dress
Made from soft, lustrous velour, Yumi Kim's Goddess Dress [13] ($248) is classic with a twist, thanks to asymmetrical shoulder straps — one draped cowl neck and one spaghetti.
Marchesa Notte Mixed Media Gown
In a lovely teal colour, Marchesa Notte's Mixed Media Gown [14] ($1,195) will truly make you the belle of the ball. The intricate dress features a tulle draped structured bodice, mixed satin and tulle ruffles on an A-line skirt, and a decorative velvet bow at the waist.
OPT Metallic Vimmy Dress
OPT's Metallic Vimmy Dress [15] ($169) is a contemporary take on '70s style with a tiered skirt, off-shoulder neckline, and short sleeves with elastic cuffs.
For Love & Lemons Emerie Dress
If you love the sweet front of For Love & Lemons' Emerie Dress [16] ($268), you're really going to fall for the back.
KamaliKulture by Norma Kamali Sequin Dress
KamaliKulture by Norma Kamali's Sequin Dress [17] ($395) will never go out of style. The bodycon dress is made of a midweight sequin knit and features a turtleneck, long sleeves, and a flounce hem.
Misha Collection Moxie Leopard Dress
A bold one-shoulder neckline with a decorative bow and tie waist add to the fun of Misha Collection's Moxie Leopard Dress [18] ($380).
Needle & Thread Midsummer Dress
All-over floral embroidery and lace trim make Needle & Thread's Midsummer Dress [19] ($489) so special. We also love the plunging v-neck and back and ruffled short sleeves.
Temptation Positano Prato Dress
The high-low hem makes a chic comeback in Temptation Positano's Prato Dress [20] ($565). Crochet detailing and a smocked elastic waist add to the appeal.
Ramy Brook Metallic Jacquard Dress
A metallic floral print and deep v-neck in Ramy Brook's Metallic Jacquard Dress [21] ($465) elevate an easy-to-wear dress.
Misha Collection Tamara Dress
A thigh-high slit adds to the sexiness of the Misha Collection Tamara Dress [22] ($440), made of a heavyweight sequinned weave with a bit of stretch.
Maria Lucia Honan Keona Dress
Self Portrait's Flower Lace Mini Dress [23] ($450) is made of nonstretch lace with floral appliqués and ruffle trim.
Needle & Thread Scarlett Sequin Dress
Made from midweight sequinned mesh, Needle & Thread's Scarlett Sequin Dress [24] ($299) has a flattering peplum silhouette with ruffle trim and a flounced hem.
Solace London Marne Dress
Featuring an all-over light-blue-and-black abstract animal print, Solace London's Marne Dress [25] ($413) is '80s fab at its best. A mock neck with attached extra-long ties gives it extra style points.
Marchesa Notte Degrade Gown
Sparkles and tulle combine in the dreamiest way in Marchesa Notte's Degrade Gown [26] ($795), named for its sequin effect.
Black Halo Darby Dress
Black Halo's Darby Dress [27] ($375) is unique with a one-shoulder design and a princess sleeve with an elongated cuff and collar tie.
Dion Lee Pleated Corset Dress
Dion Lee's Pleated Corset Dress [28] ($1,074) is ethereal with an edge, thanks to a boned bodice and a pleated skirt with an asymmetric hem.
C/Meo Collective Lustre Cut-Out Dress
C/Meo Collective's Lustre Cut-Out Dress [29] ($163-$200) is simple and chic. A sequin stripe pattern, side cutouts, drape detailing, and side slits add up to one special dress.
Thurley Folklore Print Dress
We can't decide which element of Thurley's Folklore Print Dress [30] ($348) we like best — the balloon sleeves, peplum skirt, or the lace-up bodice and shoulders.