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The Best Red Dresses for a Night Out

Portrait of a cheerful young brunette woman in a red dress posing and looking away over white background.
Dean Drobot/Shutterstock

It can be almost impossible to find the perfect dress that complements your body and style but also makes you stand out in a crowd. But when it comes to color, red will always make a bold statement that no one can ignore. Whether you need a simple daytime outfit or an eye-catching party dress, the vibrancy of red can make you feel beautiful. From vibrant red to ruby to wine red, there is a red dress that is not only ideal for your event but also for your individual fashion style or skin tone. Here are some great red dresses that we recommend.

Purchasing a Red Dress

Consider these key factors when searching for a red dress that fits your style:

  • Environment: It is important to consider the weather when selecting the ideal dress for your event. If you plan to spend lots of time in the sun, opt for a lightweight dress with short sleeves and a thigh-length skirt. Cotton and linen fabrics are breathable and moisture-wicking, making them the perfect dress material for hot days. For colder weather, look for long sleeves and skirts that hit below the knee to retain your body heat. Avoid nylon or spandex dresses, as they are typically thin and won’t provide much protection from the cold. Instead, look for thick polyester blends.
  • Material: Spandex and nylon are great for creating a tight fit that hugs your body. The stretchy fabric gives you more wiggle room in sizing but can sometimes look inexpensive if the material is too thin. These fabrics are best when mixed with cotton or polyester to create durability and keep the fabric opaque. If the dress design requires stiffness, it should be made from a thick polyester that can hold its form.
  • Length: While a sizing chart can help you find the ideal size, it can’t always show you to the perfect fit. If the dress has a defined waist, make sure it would land properly on your torso. Women with long torsos will get a better fit with a dress that features a low waistline. Those with short torsos should opt for a high waistline that will meet at the natural bend of their own waist. You should also consider the skirt length to ensure it won’t hit your legs too high or low based on your body’s proportions.

Best Short-Sleeved Option: BTFBM Women’s Casual Crew Neck Short Sleeve Dress

A blonde woman wearing a short-sleeved dark red dress and holding a black purse.

Whether you are meeting someone for a coffee date or going out with friends for dinner, this dress can make a statement on any occasion. The short sleeves and high neckline offer a comfortable modesty that won’t make you worry about any wardrobe malfunction. This dress does add some flair to the traditional style with the ruching and asymmetrical hemline. This sewing technique allows the dress to fit many different hip sizes and shapes while adding eye-catching texture. The layered hem combines with the curving lines created by the ruching to create an hourglass shape. If the wine red color doesn’t fit your fashion style, this dress also comes in a vibrant red.

Best Short-Sleeved Option

BTFBM Women's 2023 Summer Casual Beach Dresses Crew Neck Short Sleeve Wrap Party Club Mini Ruched Bodycon T Shirt Dress(104WineRed, Medium)

Easily take your look from day to night with this short-sleeved dress that keeps you cool with ruching to add a touch of glamour.

Best Long-Sleeved Option: PRETTYGARDEN Women’s Elegant Long Lantern Sleeve Dress

A woman posing in a long-sleeved red dress that features a wrap belt.

If you want a new dress to elevate your style while staying comfortable, this PRETTYGARDEN dress is the optimal combination of fashion and function. Made from a polyester and spandex mix, this dress stretches to meet your curves while the flowy long sleeves give you room to move freely. The lantern sleeves create a unique shape that draws attention. The wide belt tightens the dress around your body to define your waistline and create a cute tie feature that adds visual interest. Show up at your next party in style through the simple elegance of this red dress.

Best Long-Sleeved Option

PRETTYGARDEN Women’s Elegant Long Lantern Sleeve Short Dress Crewneck Tie Waist Knit Cocktail Dress Wine Red

Stay warm and look sophisticated with the lantern sleeves and wide belt of this dress.

Best Formal: IWEMEK Women Transformer Evening Gown

On the left, a women lifting up the long skirt fabric of her red dress. On the right, the same woman poses in the dress.

Your style grows with you as you mature and change, but with this transformative dress, you’ll always have a look to fit your preferences. The two long straps of the top can be tied, twisted, and placed in a multitude of ways. You can wrap both straps on the side to create a one-shoulder top or twist it in front of your neck to showcase a halter style. You can make any dress of your dreams with the endless possibilities of the IWEMEK dress. The extra fabric of this dress’s top straps is also great for fitting women with small or large chests as it can adjust to a specific level of coverage for your body. The floor-length skirt makes the red dress ideal for prom or formal parties that require an elevated style.

Best Formal

Women Transformer Infinity Evening Dress Multi-Way Wrap Convertible Halter Maxi Floor Long Dress High Elasticity

Get years of wear out of this dress with the two long straps that can create any style you want.

Best for the Office: PRETTYGARDEN Ladies Basick Crewneck Office Dress

A woman holding her phone poses in an office wearing a red dress.

You don’t have to sacrifice color for professionalism, and with the three different red options of this dress, you will be dressed to impress at the office. The straight neckline and knee-length skirt are office-appropriate, but the tailored fit keeps this dress looking modern. The belt straps can be tied into a bow anywhere on your waistline to create a customized fit. The polyester and spandex fabric is soft against the skin while maintaining the structure of the overall design. The dress also features two side pockets, so you can keep your most important items close to you at all times.

Best for the Office

PRETTYGARDEN Women's Summer Short Sleeve Crewneck Striped Dress Basic Solid Tie Waist Office T Shirt Dresses Pockets Wine Red

The fit of this dress is ideal for working women that need comfort and style during their busy days.

Best with Slit: Meenew Women’s Party Bodycon Dress

A woman wearing a dark red bodycon dress that features a leg slit.

The tight fit and high leg slit of this dress were created to make the wearer look glamourous. The racerback neckline contrasts with the bodycon material and exposed leg to create a balanced look that celebrates every curve of your body. The stretchy material allows the wearer to simply pull this dress on without having to deal with buttons or zippers. The simplicity of this red dress allows you to dress it down for daytime use or dress it up with lots of accessories to create an eye-catching look for a night out.

Best with Slit

Womens Sexy Summer Sleeveless Racerback High Slit Bodycon Maxi Dress Ruby S

Show off your body with this dress's high slit design and bodycon fabric that emphasizes your waistline.

Camryn Lang Camryn Lang
Camryn Lang is a freelance writer and copyeditor that has produced a wide variety of content, from breaking news and memorial tributes to web content and fiction novels. While working on her bachelor's degree in English at Texas A&M University, Camryn led writers and editors at the nationally recognized university newspaper, The Battalion. During her free time, she enjoys reading thrillers and fantasy novels and eating desserts. Read Full Bio »
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