Top 10 Memorable Celebrity Revenge Dresses
#10: Jennifer Aniston’s Premiere Dress (2005)
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Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt were once Hollywood’s golden couple. So when they split in 2005, it caused a media frenzy. Adding insult to injury, rumors swirled that their marriage fell apart due to Pitt’s soon-to-be confirmed relationship with Angelina Jolie, with whom he worked on “Mr. & Mrs. Smith”. In one of her first public appearances after the news broke, Aniston attended the red carpet premiere of her film “Derailed”. The “Friends” star arrived wearing a beaded shimmery knee-length Chanel dress, with matching strappy heels. The whole look was beautiful, and proved that she wasn’t going to let the gossip mess with her.
#9: Jennifer Garner’s Versace Moment (2016)
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The Oscars are one of the most significant red carpet events in Hollywood. And at the 88th Academy Awards, a newly single Jennifer Garner arrived solo. Of course, the star and her now ex-husband Ben Affleck had announced that they would be getting a divorce in the summer of 2015. Known for always showing up in a head-turning ensemble, Garner took the opportunity to show the world that she was doing better than alright. Dressed in a one-shoulder black gown by Atelier Versace, the “13 Going on 30” actress was the epitome of grace and class. Years later, the iconic look has cemented itself as a highlight in Oscar fashion history, and for good reason.
#8: Taylor Swift’s Heavenly Number (2013)
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We all know that almost no one can write a better breakup song than Ms. Taylor Swift herself. But at the 2013 People’s Choice Awards, she put down her pen and guitar and made a different kind of statement about her reported split from Harry Styles. She arrived in a beautiful long white gown, looking ethereal and positively glowing. Complete with a plunging neckline, the number was the definition of stunning. The talented “I Knew You Were Trouble” songstress completed the look with an updo and some flawless makeup. Needless to say: “We’ll never go out of style...”
#7: Jennifer Lopez’s Divine Golden Globes Gown (2004)
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In 2001 Jennifer Lopez met Ben Affleck on the set of the notoriously cringeworthy “Gigli.” Surprisingly, based on that inauspicious start, they would go on to become one of the hottest couples of the early 2000s. The media couldn’t get enough of “Bennifer,” with the intense scrutiny eventually contributing to the duo’s split in early 2004. There was no evidence of that when JLo stepped out solo outing at the 2004 Golden Globes, though. The triple threat looked like a goddess in a Grecian inspired Michael Kors gown. With a sexy open back and her effortless styling, Lopez looked cool, confident, and undeniably gorgeous. The sunny color would prove prophetic too. Like a phoenix from the ashes, the pair rekindled their romance in 2021.
#6: Bella Hadid’s Catsuit (2017)
The MET Gala is essentially the ultimate celebrity runway show. Hollywood’s biggest stars and fashion’s most prominent figures show off their most jaw-dropping - and sometimes outrageously magnificent - looks. In 2017, model Bella Hadid arrived in an incredibly chic outfit that got everybody’s attention. The sheer form-fitting Alexander Wang catsuit featured intricate beading and a plunging back. Plus, Hadid’s straight bob and amazing heels tied the sleek look together flawlessly. All eyes were understandably on her that night. It probably wasn’t a coincidence that the moment took place after she had parted ways with The Weeknd.
#5: Eva Longoria’s Globes Look (2011)
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"Desperate Housewives" alumna Eva Longoria's look at the 68th Golden Globes was pure elegance. To say she looked like a million bucks in this black Zac Posen designed fit-and-flare gown is an understatement. The whole ensemble evoked the iconic Audrey Hepburn's signature chic style, complete with a matching satin belt and hip-placed broach. The garment was truly timeless. But at the same time, it was the perfect dress for the moment. Following an especially painful divorce from Tony Parker, Longoria wore this like a shield of armor, showing everyone that she was stronger than ever.
#4: Elizabeth Hurley’s Exquisite Gown (2000)
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One of the biggest celebrity news stories of the 90s was Hugh Grant’s cheating scandal. Despite the manic media firestorm that followed, actress Elizabeth Hurley remained committed to their relationship. But when the couple subsequently split in 2000 after over a decade of courtship, she apparently wasted absolutely no time planning her post-breakup look. Appearing at a charity event, Hurley sported an oyster-colored halter-style gown. And the sultry satin number hit all the right notes. Known for being a perpetual style maven, the “Austin Powers” starlet welcomed the decade - and a new chapter in her life - with this absolutely dazzling outfit.
#3: Reese Witherspoon’s Sunny Dress (2007)
Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe won hearts everywhere after starring in “Cruel Intentions” together. Things ultimately didn’t work out, and the pair got divorced in the mid-2000s. But the “Legally Blonde” star birthed an iconic style moment when she walked the Golden Globes red carpet in 2007. Her garment of choice was a stunning canary yellow cocktail dress by Nina Ricci. Strapless and complemented by a pair of deep red heels, Witherspoon made a powerful statement by keeping the look simple yet sleek. And the choice of color is proof that the “The Morning Show” actress always looks on the bright side of life.
#2: Mariah Carey’s VMAs Showstopper (1997)
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After her marriage to music executive Tommy Mottola ended, Mariah Carey entered a new era. She effectively reintroduced herself to the world at the 14th MTV Video Music Awards in 1997, when she arrived in an all-black two-piece ensemble. While this look had plenty of style, it was about much more than just fashion. The long high-slit skirt paired with a matching crop top seemingly symbolized her breaking free of the control Mottola had over her life. It was a pivotal moment for the five-octave songstress, as she regained control of not only her image, but also her sense of self. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Selena Gomez’s Gorgeous Jacquemus Piece (2017) Around the Time of Her Split From The Weeknd, The Singer Stunned in a LBD Jennifer Lopez’s Golden Globes Stunner (2004) J-Lo Arrived Looking Peachy Keen Following Her Split From Ben Affleck Mel B’s Sheer Catsuit (2017) She Spiced up Her Life & Look While Dealing With a Divorce Nicole Kidman’s Chic Look (2001) The Actress Kept Things Effortlessly Simple After Her High-Profile Marriage Came to an End Gwyneth Paltrow’s Detailed Dress (2014) Following Her Uncoupling From Chris Martin, She Appeared at a Goop Event Wearing a Lovely Black Number
#1: Princess Diana’s Little Black Dress (1994)
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It was basically the moment that coined the term “revenge dress,” setting the standard for any and all post-break-up looks that followed. When Princess Diana arrived at the Serpentine Gallery for an event in 1994, jaws across the world dropped. Did we mention that her soon-to-be ex-husband Prince Charles was publicly addressing his not-so-secret relationship with Camilla Parker-Bowles that same evening? Diana stole the show, stunning everyone in a mesmerizing evening dress designed by Christina Stambolian. While it reportedly wasn’t the garment she had first planned on donning, her decision to wear it was undoubtedly the right one. It’s still one of the most talked-about looks ever, proving that the best kind of revenge is a little black dress.
