Top Brands Redefining Occasion Dresses for Chic Celebrations

Occasion dresses can make or break a special event, and selecting the right brand is crucial in ensuring a memorable ensemble. With countless options available, discerning fashionistas look for a blend of style, quality, and affordability. Whether you're seeking timeless elegance or cutting-edge designs, there are several standout brands known for their exquisite occasion wear. So, if you're ready to discover the best names in the industry, look below for our curated list of top brands for occasion dresses.

Illustration of occasion dresses

Best brands of occasion dresses in 2025

Reformation

Reformation is a leading sustainable fashion brand renowned for its stylish and occasion-ready dresses, having originally been known for its dresses, which accounted for 60%-65% of its sales in 2019. Founded in 2009 by Yael Aflalo, the brand has maintained profitability since 2016 and reached $350 million in revenue by 2023. Reformation's commitment to sustainability is evident in its use of materials like organic cotton, TENCEL, and recycled fibers, with an aim to increase its sustainable material usage to 75%. The brand is also celebrated for its inclusive sizing, catering to consumers from size 0 to size 24. Reformation's transparent operations and quarterly sustainability reports further solidify its reputation as a pioneer in sustainable fashion. For more detailed information, you can visit their official website Reformation.

Needle & Thread

Needle & Thread, founded by Hannah Coffin in 2013, is a renowned British fashion brand celebrated for its ultra-feminine, occasionwear pieces. The brand is admired for its intricate embroidery, sequins, and beaded details, making it a favorite among celebrities like Kate Middleton, Holly Willoughby, and Fearne Cotton. Known for their timeless and elegant designs, Needle & Thread offers a wide range of dresses from mini to floor-length, available in sizes US 0-22, catering to a diverse audience. The brand has expanded its offerings to include bridalwear, childrenswear, and accessories, and has been accredited with The Butterfly Mark by Positive Luxury for its sustainable practices. With its commitment to quality and sustainability, Needle & Thread continues to be a top choice for special occasions.

Rent the Runway

Rent the Runway is a pioneering brand in the fashion rental industry, established in 2009 by Harvard Business School alumni. It offers users the opportunity to rent designer dresses and everyday clothing for a fraction of the retail price, catering to a market where American women buy an average of 64 new pieces of clothing a year, with half of these items worn only once. The company processes over 65,000 items through its 160,000 sq foot warehouse, making it the largest dry cleaner in the US. Rent the Runway's average garment can be rented about 30 times before being sold at a discount, and the company has seen a 160% year-on-year growth in its subscription business. With access to over 800 brands, Rent the Runway is expanding its offerings to capture the Gen Z market, with one in five of its customers belonging to this demographic. For more details, visit Rent the Runway's website.

Self-Portrait

Self-Portrait, founded by Han Chong in 2013, has emerged as a leading producer of occasion dresses, known for its elegant, versatile, and affordably priced designs. The brand achieved profitability within six months of its launch and maintains an EBITDA margin of 25-32 percent. Self-Portrait's sales have doubled each year since 2020, driven by a successful expansion in China and increased demand for occasionwear post-pandemic. The brand's popular pieces, such as the guipure Azalea dress, are favored by a broad range of clients, including celebrities like Kate Middleton and Emily Ratajkowski. With dresses priced around £300-£350, Self-Portrait has become a go-to choice for wedding guests and other special occasions. For more details, explore the brand's journey on the Business of Fashion article.

BHLDN

BHLDN, pronounced "beholden," is a renowned American brand specializing in wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, and bridal accessories, owned by Urban Outfitters and closely associated with Anthropologie. Since its launch on Valentine's Day in 2011, BHLDN has quickly gained a reputation for its stunning, intricately detailed wedding gowns that blend classic lines with modern trends. The brand offers a diverse range of prices, from $150 to $2500, and includes an extended plus-size collection with over 30 bridal gowns and 20 bridesmaid dresses in sizes 0-26W. BHLDN collaborates with notable designers like Hayley Paige, Watters, and Tadashi Shoji, ensuring high-quality and unique designs. The brand's commitment to inclusivity and ease of alterations has made it a popular choice among brides.

Marchesa Notte

Marchesa Notte is a renowned brand known for its exquisite and show-stopping eveningwear, offering feminine silhouettes and striking detailing, including intricate embroidery and floral appliques. The label is particularly celebrated for its dreamy gowns, making it a top choice for black-tie affairs and cocktail parties. With discounts often reaching up to 70% off, Marchesa Notte dresses are accessible at various price points. The brand's collections, such as those featured at Neiman Marcus and THE OUTNET, showcase a wide range of styles, including jewel-embellished gowns and off-shoulder floral applique dresses. Marchesa Notte's designs are a blend of haute couture and ready-to-wear elegance.

Tadashi Shoji

Tadashi Shoji is a renowned American-based Japanese fashion designer celebrated for his exquisite evening wear and bridal collections, launched in 1982. His brand is carried in over 700 major department and specialty stores worldwide and features signature boutiques in the United States, Indonesia, and the Middle East. Known for his impeccable fit, trademark ease, and modern sense of femininity, Shoji's designs are favored by celebrities and women of all ages and sizes. He pioneered the use of stretch fabrics combined with couture techniques, making his pieces both elegant and accessible. Shoji's collections have been showcased at New York Fashion Week since his debut in 2007 and include a range of categories such as plus-size, kids, shapewear, and intimate apparel. Explore his stunning evening gown collection to discover more.

Zimmermann

Zimmermann is renowned as one of the best producers of occasion dresses, embodying sophisticated femininity, clever colour combinations, and delicate original prints since its founding in 1991 by sisters Nicky and Simone Zimmermann. The brand's dresses are a blend of artistic craftsmanship, sophisticated styling, and a commitment to quality, appealing to a global audience and endorsed by celebrities like Beyonce, Meghan Markle, and Kendall Jenner. Zimmermann's designs have evolved from a bohemian flair in the early years to a more polished and sophisticated look, featuring intricate lacework and a diverse palette of soft pastels and bold hues. Their dresses are crafted from premium fabrics and are designed to adapt seamlessly to various lifestyles, offering versatility and elegance. With a strong presence in major fashion weeks and highly anticipated seasonal collections, Zimmermann continues to set trends in the fashion world. Explore their elegant collection of dresses.

Oscar de la Renta

Oscar de la Renta is a renowned luxury fashion brand, celebrated for its exquisite occasion dresses that embody timeless feminine elegance and exceptional craftsmanship. Founded in 1965 by the Dominican American designer, the brand has dressed numerous first ladies, from Jacqueline Kennedy to Michelle Obama, and has been a staple on the red carpet. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Oscar de la Renta has prioritized profits over market share, achieving a significant increase in profit margins from about 10% to nearly 25% and sales reaching $120 million, surpassing 2019 levels. The brand's designs, led by creative directors Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia since 2017, continue to showcase lavish textiles, vibrant colors, and meticulous attention to detail. Oscar de la Renta's collections are featured in top fashion and lifestyle publications, solidifying its position as a leader in luxury fashion. Discover more about Oscar de la Renta's exquisite fashion collections.

Jenny Packham

Jenny Packham is a renowned British fashion designer celebrated for her luxurious and elegant occasion dresses, having founded her eponymous company in 1988. Her designs are synonymous with sophistication, featuring intricate embroidery, shimmering sequins, and high-quality fabrics. Her brand has gained international recognition, with dresses worn by celebrities such as Kate Middleton, Beyonce, and Taylor Swift. Jenny Packham has also collaborated with the James Bond franchise, designing gowns for films like Die Another Day and Casino Royale. Her collections are available at prestigious stores like Harrods, Net-a-Porter, and Neiman Marcus. Explore her Ready-to-Wear collection.