20 Dresses That Make You Look Expensive, From Simple Midis to Evening Gowns

Looking for dresses that make you look expensive without piling on accessories? A black slip dress, a belted white midi or a gorgeous brown gown gives you plenty to work with.

These looks include everyday outfit ideas plus dressier options for your next invitation.

You can keep things simple or go all out with pleats and sparkle. I especially love the matching accessories here.

Sometimes a pair of earrings or the right belt is all you’d want to add.

Pretty dress outfits worth saving

black slip dress

We’re starting off strong with this gorgeous black slip dress. The thin straps and V-neckline keep the top simple, with a long skirt that flares slightly at the hem.

Pair yours with black heeled slides like the one in the collage. If you want a little extra detail, I’d add small gold-tone earrings.

camel ribbed midi

If you are looking for something simple to put together, this one is for you. The camel-colored dress has a high folded neckline, long sleeves and ribbing all the way down.

I love the shiny ankle-strap sandals with it. They’re such a pretty way to dress up an otherwise understated outfit.

white dress and wide belt

How gorgeous is this black-and-white pairing? Not gonna lie, that extra-wide belt is my favorite part!

The white collared dress has pushed-up sleeves and a full midi skirt.

Try a black handbag and dark sunglasses to follow this look. Keep your bracelets visible below the cuffs.

black blazer mini

I am obsessed with this blazer dress. The double rows of buttons and long lapels look so good with the little black neck scarf.

The gold-tone hoops are worth keeping if you’re recreating this outfit. Add a flat black clutch like the one here to finish it off.

white wrap and pendant

This white wrap-style dress may just be one of my favorites here. I love the full sleeves and the long tie hanging from one hip.

The layered gold-tone necklaces sit inside the deep V-neckline. Try a round pendant like this one if you want to keep that same detail.

cream dress and cardigan

Don’t want to wear heels and want something a little more casual? Look no further because this long cream dress and open cardigan combination is for you.

The pale slip-on shoes keep the colors simple. Add a slim brown belt at your waist like the one shown here.

navy from head to toe

This is such a pretty way to wear navy. The fitted above-the-knee dress sits under a matching blazer, with dark pumps and a structured handbag.

If you’re looking for dresses that make you look expensive for the office, this is a lovely outfit to take inspiration from. I’d keep the small round earrings too.

bronze pleated gown

The pleat fans are going to love this! Fine folds run from the strapless neckline right down to the floor, with a gorgeous bronze-colored shine.

That large circular pendant is the only necklace this look needs. I’d leave off a belt and keep the long, loose shape just like this.

chocolate brown draping

I love this chocolate brown dress with its angled neckline and gathered waist. The shiny finish is so pretty all on its own.

The dark clutch and fine gold-tone sandals make a lovely pairing. Save this one if you want an evening outfit without lots of sparkle.

loose white maxi

Don’t want a fitted waist or a statement belt? No problem there!

Try this sleeveless white maxi with its rounded neckline and loose, wide skirt.

Read also: 20 Outfits for an Hourglass Shape With Jeans, Dresses and Matching Sets

I especially love the long pendant against the plain dress. The large black bag adds contrast without introducing a bright color.

ribbed dress and brown boots

How cute is this boot pairing? The tall brown boots have swirling stitched designs that look lovely beside the pale ribbed dress.

There’s a wide brown belt at the waist and a matching brown bag. Try layered necklaces inside the open collar if you want to follow the whole look.

Read also: 20 Business Event Outfit Ideas With Suits, Dresses and Pretty Details

black midi and patterned boots

If you’re looking for a simple dress with more playful accessories, go with this black high-neck midi. The patterned tights and black-and-white ankle boots add plenty of detail below the hem.

The quilted bag with its decorated handle is so cute too. You don’t need a necklace to make this outfit interesting.

deep green and gold

If you are looking for an all-out evening look, then this one is for you. There’s a draped neckline, a gathered side tie and a long skirt with a front opening.

I love the deep green accessories beside the dress. Choose matching green earrings or the pendant from this collage if you’d rather not wear the full jewelry set.

cream mini and trench

This is another pretty cream dress outfit, but it’s a little different from the long version above. The short ribbed dress sits under an open tan trench coat.

Read also: 20 Outfit Ideas for a Large Bust and Small Waist

The black knee-high boots and rectangular tote look so good together. Keep those dark accessories if you want to recreate this combination.

brown gown with flowers

I am obsessed with the flowers on this gown. The large petals at the shoulder and hips are so pretty against all those gathered brown folds.

The one-shoulder neckline already has plenty going on. I’d skip a necklace and try a small pale handbag like the one here.

ivory and a cropped jacket

How pretty is this matching ivory look? The cropped jacket has little bead-like details along its neckline, lower edge and pocket flaps.

The draped waist decoration adds even more shine above the short hem. I’d choose simple shoes rather than add another embellished piece.

halter neck and ruffled hem

This pale halter mini is just too cute. I love the high wrapped neckline and the wide gathered band across the hips.

Read also: 20 Old Hollywood Glamour Black Dress Ideas With Gorgeous Details

The flared ruffles at the bottom are my favorite detail. Try small earrings and a bangle if you want accessories that won’t cover the neckline.

pale yellow and matching scarf

Want a little color without a bold print? This pale yellow gown is such a gorgeous option.

The folded strapless neckline looks lovely with the matching scarf trailing down one side.

The gold-tone hoops are a pretty finishing touch. I’d leave this one without a necklace.

pale blue twist detail

I love this pale blue dress with the twisted detail across the hips. The plain sleeveless top and draped skirt are so pretty together.

Follow this look with fine layered necklaces, a gold-tone clutch and strappy sandals. The shorter front hem lets you see those crisscross ankle straps.

off-shoulder black and gold

Last but definitely not least, we have this gorgeous black off-the-shoulder dress. I love the wide folded neckline and the gathering down the front!

The collage pairs it with shiny gold-colored pumps, rings and bracelets. Try just the shoes and one bracelet if you want a simpler version.