Top 20 Best Celebrity Revenge Dresses
#20: Jennifer Lopez’s Black Lace Ensemble (2011)
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You can always count on Jennifer Lopez to bring the hottest looks to the red carpet. In 2011, she attended the American Music Awards wearing a jaw dropping number made by designer Zuhair Murad. The one-sleeved, black lace dress fit like a glove, but was worn during a very sensitive time in the multi-talented star’s life. The dress' red carpet debut followed the announcement of her split from fellow singer Marc Anthony a few months prior. Not that there was ever any doubt, but the amazing look served as further proof that "Jenny from the Block '' knows how to hold her own.
#19: Mel B’s Sheer Catsuit (2017)
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In 2017, Mel B showed the world she’s always ready to sparkle even during stressful times. Amid her divorce from film producer Stephen Belafonte, the Spice Girl and reality competition show judge arrived for a live show of "America's Got Talent," sporting one unforgettable catsuit. The sheer one piece ensemble was encrusted in blue and green jewels, complete with high heels and an edgy hairdo. The outfit left little to the imagination, and she completely rocked the bold look with tremendous confidence that deserves a round of applause. Needless to say, she spiced up everyone’s lives with this number.
#18: Nicole Kidman’s Chic Dress (2001)
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In 2001, Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise's divorce shook up Hollywood, creating a major media frenzy. Therefore, that year, all eyes were on the premiere of Kidman's horror flick, "The Others," as it marked one of her first major public appearances post-split. Not to mention, her famous ex was also attending. She arrived dressed in an all black ensemble, but there was nothing to mourn about this look. The form fitting corset style dress and classic black heels were sheer and utter perfection. Choosing to keep it simple, Kidman's fashion choice spoke volumes and proved that she has always been and always will be a class act.
#17: Zoë Kravitz’s Metallic Met Gala Look (2021)
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Following her divorce from Karl Glusman, Zoë Kravitz arrived on the Met Gala red carpet looking better than ever. Wearing a chain-style dress made by Saint Laurent, she was the talk of the night. The glittery look included a matching undergarment and earrings. Kravitz, who received criticism for the outfit via social media, didn't let it break her stride. The "High Fidelity" starlet revealed to ELLE that even though the comments made her question her decision, she wouldn't let it stop her from making choices for herself. And for that, we're giving her major props!
#16: Amy Poehler’s Emmys Gown (2016)
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Many hearts were broken when it was revealed that comedy royalty Amy Poehler and Will Arnett were going their separate ways in September 2012. Later that month, Poehler attended the 64th Primetime Emmy Awards and arrived wearing a lovely Stella McCartney piece. The outfit featuring a low cut halter and tiny crystals showed the world that the "Parks and Recreation" star was keeping her head held high. The dress felt like a confident statement that Poehler would be just fine as she entered a new chapter of her life. And indeed, she’s done incredibly well for herself in the years since.
#15: Shakira’s Cannes Ensemble (2022)
After over a decade together, "She Wolf" singer Shakira and retired soccer star Gerard Piqué called it quits. They announced their split in June of 2022. But interestingly, Shakira attended the Cannes Film Festival shortly before. And we’re not exaggerating when we say she looked like a million dollars in a form fitting black dress complete with sheer gloves. Many noticed that the dress bore a major resemblance to Princess Diana's famous black revenge dress, which has us thinking maybe Shakira was doing some foreshadowing? One thing’s for sure: her "hips don't lie," and neither does her style!
#14: Britney Spears’ Glamorous Silver Dress (2002)
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Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake were one of the "it" couples of the late ‘90s and early 2000s. The pop stars were a hot item at practically every award show and red carpet, but sadly their flame burned out in 2002. Around this same time though, Spears was keeping busy, having made the leap to acting. At the London premiere of her film “Crossroads” in March — the same month they’re believed to have split — she showed up in a glitzy silver dress. The look turned heads and dropped jaws. It was the perfect look to cement her move to the silver screen and announce to the world that she was ready to thrive in a new era.
#13: Miley Cyrus’ Gold “Flowers” Look (2023)
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When Miley Cyrus released the music video for her song "Flowers," fans quickly started dissecting all its hidden symbols. The song is reportedly inspired by her split from ex-hubby Liam Hemsworth, and everything from the lyrics to the costumes is very telling! And one thing in particular stands out. Cyrus dons a gold metallic dress eerily similar to one that Jennifer Lawrence once wore. Lawrence and Hemsworth, who co-starred in the "Hunger Games" series, were said to have at the very least shared a kiss back in the day. Now, there’s a lot of rumors at play, and we may never never know the full truth. But even if it’s just a dress with no meaning, Cyrus is rocking it and walking away golden.
#12: Minnie Driver’s Oscars Dress (1998)
Minnie Driver and Matt Damon's split was one of the most soul-crushing celebrity breakups of the ‘90s. But Driver did not let it get in the way of her dazzling everyone on the red carpet at the 1998 Oscars. Arriving in a stunning candy apple red ensemble, the "Good Will Hunting'' actress made waves in the Halston-created number. She topped off the look with faux fur, infusing the fashion moment with some old school Hollywood glamor. It was an unforgettable look we still haven’t gotten over, providing a sign that Driver was going to bounce back from the breakup with full force.
#11: Selena Gomez’s Blue Sequined Gown (2016)
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For years, Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber were among Hollywood's most prominent on-again-off-again couples. The duo’s back and forth left fans constantly guessing. By 2016, they were reportedly in an “off” period. That year, while attending the 58th Annual Grammy Awards, Gomez strutted onto the red carpet looking like a vision in blue. Her sparkly Calvin Klein dress was one of the fashion highlights of the evening, and it's incredibly easy to see why. Complete with hoop earrings, dazzling makeup, and a fabulous hairdo, the look was sultry while exuding class, and felt fresh, like the symbol of a new beginning. Of course, it’s not the only gorgeous revenge dress Gomez has treated us to over the years.
#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: 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.
#8: Taylor Swift’s Heavenly Number (2013)
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We all know that pretty much 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.” 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 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, tying the knot in 2022.
#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: 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.
#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.
#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.
