42 Perfect Date-Night Dresses That Will Get You Out of Your Dating Slump
Let's be real: The process of dating can be either delightful or downright draining. No matter your age, where you live, or who you choose to court, chances are you've experienced dating fatigue at some point—frankly, I don't blame you! It takes a ton of effort to plan a date, and despite our best efforts we all likely have had one (or many) bad dates before that make you want to skip going out altogether. Even if you've been lucky enough to already find your person or have a great group of friends, making time for a special night out isn't always easy. You not only have to carve out space on your calendar but choosing what to do is anotther challenge. Do you go to the ballet? Splurge on concert tickets? Spend the afternoon at an art museum? Or try to get a reservation at a buzzy restaurant? The options are seemingly endless.
And then there's possibly the most overwhelming aspect of all: choosing what to wear. With so much pressure surrounding the process, it's easy to see why so many would fall into a dating slump. Luckily for all of us, there's one simple solution: dresses. When you don't want to spend hours trying to pick out an outfit a pretty dress can be your saving grace. So, in an effort to help you get your groove back, I've taken to rounding up some of the 42 best date-night dresses at various price points to show how this simple wardrobe item can make the process of dating so much more delightful. Get ready to redownload your dating apps, light up the group chat, or clear your calendar because you'll want to make plans after you see these dresses…
Is it just me or does this remind you of the dress Jenna Rink wore in 13 Going on 30?
If they don't swoon at the sight of you in this dress, they're not The One.
How could you not fall in love with the floral lace pannels on this dress?
You can also shop this strapless dress in four other colorways, including pink, blue, yellow and white.
The dress above goes well with sandals and a clutch in the summer or knee-high boots and a leather trench in the fall.
My inner romantic is losing it over this two-tone strapless number.
Whether you're heading out for dinner or to a wedding, this simple slip dress will work wonders.
Pro tip: Pleats are a great way to look put-together without having to opt for a skintight silhoutte.
I will need 3–5 business days to process this dress—it's too hot to handle.
The keyhole cutouts transform this black sweaterdress from simple to sultry.
I'm a sucker for an open-back dress.
Please take a second to zoom-in to see the 3D rosettes on the side of this dress.
Remind them you're the best gift they have with this black minidress adorned with a crystal bow.
Rest assured, jaws will drop when you wear this dress.
The draped neckline on this dress is so flattering, without being too overtly revealing for a first-date.
Now, this is the type of dress you want to pack for a weekend getaway with your partner.
For those evenings when you don't know what to wear, having a minimal slip dress on hand will come in handy.
On a balmy evening, a linen maxi dress will ensure you look (and stay) cool.
Can't think of a better dress to wear from dinner to drinks to the dance floor—it does it all!
Leave it to Zara to make the perfect black halter dress for date night.
Nothing says, "I'm a cool girl" better than showing up for date night in a T-shirt dress.
Get the most out of your purchase by investing in a more staple-forward dress style with a more sultry element like a tank dress with a cutout.
What better way to put your skin back in the dating game than with a sheer lace dress?
The lace-up detail on the side of this dress adds a bit of drama to this otherwise minimal silhouette.
I was sold the second I saw the brass hardware on this dress.
A camisole dress is always a safe bet for date night, but if you want to spice it up, shop for one with unique details like this one from Sergio Hudson that features contrasting layered chiffon.
Jasmine Fox-Suliaman is a fashion editor living in New York City. What began as a hobby (blogging on Tumblr) transformed into a career dedicated to storytelling through various forms of digital media. She started her career at the print publication 303 Magazine, where she wrote stories, helped produce photo shoots, and planned Denver Fashion Week. After moving to Los Angeles, she worked as MyDomaine's social media editor until she was promoted to work across all of Clique's publications (MyDomaine, Byrdie, and Who What Wear) as the community manager. Over the past few years, Jasmine has worked on Who What Wear's editorial team, using her extensive background to champion rising BIPOC designers, weigh in on viral trends, and profile stars such as Janet Mock and Victoria Monét. She is especially interested in exploring how art, fashion, and pop culture intersect online and IRL.
-
20 Stylish and Effective Accessories That Offer Sweet Relief for Sound-Sensitive Fashion People
Calming, efficient, and oh so chic? Yes, please.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
Chic People in London and NYC Love This Winter Shoe Trend—10 Styles From Nordstrom's BF Sale
Who can say no to discounted designer footwear?
By Nikki Chwatt
-
Drop Everything: Madewell x Alexa Chung Part Two Has Arrived
Corduroy and satin are here to save the day.
By Ana Escalante
-
I Want a Rich-Looking Wardrobe—33 Perfect Picks From Nordstrom's (Early) Black Friday Sale
Get a head start with these chic gems.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
Black Friday Is Almost Here—This Is Everything I'm Loving From Madewell, Revolve, and H&M
Save these styles to shop during Black Friday.
By Chichi Offor
-
I'm Manifesting Chic Winter Outfits—30 Affordable and Stylish Walmart Finds That Fit the Bill
Cheap *and* cheerful.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
I Love Them—I'm Sorry: 36 Elegant Buys on My Fall Shopping List
They haunt me.
By Eliza Huber
-
I'm a Professional Shopper—30 Elegant Picks I'm Eyeing From Mango, COS, and Nordstrom
These are too chic to pass up.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes