Karma has a famous slogan but when it comes to revenge people say nothing. The best revenge, the best anything is when you show it. With clothes. The concept of the revenge dress is not one I can take credit for. Like all good things, it was invented in 1994. Princess Diana of Wales rocked a little black ruched off-the-shoulder number for a fundraising dinner put on by Vanity Fair. The dress was known to serve as a big middle finger pointed at her (secretly) separated husband Charles for admitting to adultery on national television. Di didn’t have to give interviews to confirm or deny the rumors; she just showed up looking bad like Lizzo. What makes this dress so hot is: it’s modest yet revealing and made from luxury silk.
Fleeting moments in fashion history become iconic, when you recraft them in your own way decades later. At the time Di felt like she had to put on a full Black Swan stunt in dramatic black with her legs out (well she wore stockings but still!) One thing is for sure: a revenge dress in 2021 doesn’t have to be short nor black. Roam the streets of any major city and you’ll see several women in an LBD. It doesn’t have that stunner wow factor like it used to because a little black dress as a sex symbol has been played out. It’s predictable. It’s expected.
Send a stronger message in what is known to be the angelic and purity uniform: a long white dress. An LWD, if you will. It’s time to destress the dress...metaphorically! Turn the concept of the revenge dress on its head by seeking a dress with mesh or lace underlay. Or if you’re the crafty type stitch a lighter sheer fabric in sections to flaunt your assets. We love a custom dress! Cut outs and oversized earrings or a headwrap that pulls your hair back from your pretty face take the dress from bridal to tribal. And there’s no better feeling than knowing you’ve got your full tribe to support you.
I know a lot of people shy away from white because it stains easily, it washes you out, it’s seethrough, and so on, but that is what makes it such a daring choice to wear! If you can wear head to toe white well, you can wear anything!
The biggest part of how and why the revenge dress doesn’t look somber and rather empowering is the attitude of its wearer. Chin held high, soft smile, and a wide strut says don’t mess with me. And if your eyes are going to tell a different story, lucky for you geometric sunglasses (think: circles, rectangles, ovals) have never been more in. Adding a jacket or sneakers instead of heels and tights to make this traditional cocktail attire casual. This pairs perfectly with the whole “no-makeup-makeup” thing and is the ideal way to seek revenge for those who want to do it seemingly carefree. Cue Dua Lipa IDGAF and rock out!
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