Here are 11 revenge dresses that prove you don't need to spend a fortune to dress the pain away.
If you think breakups are bad, wait until you have to bounce back from the heartbreak. For most people, picking up the pieces means shifting the focus back on themselves. More often than not, this grieving phase leads to a process of revamping one’s self-image. And what better way to do that than to defiantly switch up your style?
In 1994, Princess Diana stepped out to the Serpentine Gallery in a fitted black, off-the-shoulder dress the very same night Prince Charles confessed to his adultery with Camilla in a televised documentary. Her iconic and revealing fashion response stole the spotlight, thus, earning the term “revenge dress.”
To revenge dress is to free oneself from its inhibitions — without the need for permission or acceptance. Gear your way up to the revenge dressing phenomenon and channel your inner Princess Diana, Filipina style.
11. Starting with something casual but can truly be a classy choice, this puffy off-the-shoulder dress (which can be worn in two ways, as seen in the photos below) bears a simple yet close resemblance to Princess Diana’s. Available in four other plain colors and three diverse prints, you can purchase all variations at a nifty price of P99.00 only. The only downside to it is it only comes in free sizing.
10-9. Being revealing isn’t the only aspect of a revenge dress. A more subdued take on this would be these dainty Korean-inspired puff sleeve dresses. For a perfect “pa-demure” look, as the Facebook Marites would say, going floral and puffy is the way to go.
LEFT: P289 | RIGHT: P158-180
LEFT: TURNERSMNL A LA MODE MAXI DRESS | Shopee Philippines | RIGHT: Best Seller ANASTASIA Puff Sleeves Vintage Sexy Dress (BEST SELLER DRESS)(BSD) | Shopee Philippines
If the length and size are your concern, these dresses may exactly fit your needs as they are very much size-inclusive. The left is an empire waist maxi dress with a slit, while the other is a babydoll dress that falls exactly above the knees. Both dresses also have a wide variety of colors and print options for you to choose from.
8-7. If sleeveless is more of your style, then a lot more is in store for you. Dare to be daring with these trendy bodycon dresses that will surely flatter your curves. What better spells revenge than having a slit on your skirt? We all know we can’t slit our ex’s throat as much as we want to (just kidding!), so at least rock a gorgeous slit on your dress instead.
"We all know we can’t slit our ex’s throat as much as we want to (just kidding!), so at least rock a gorgeous slit on your dress instead."
LEFT: P348 | RIGHT: P85
LEFT: WEANIA Fashion Women Sling Right Split Sleeveless Casual Sexy Party Dress | Shopee Philippines | RIGHT: CÈLIA Bodycon Sleeveless Dress with Slit Casual/Night out Stretchable Knitted Dress | Shopee Philippines
Again, don’t fret about the fitting! These dresses may be body-hugging, but they also cater to everyone’s sizes. The sling dress on the left also comes in a sexy red color if you plan on taking the world by storm, à la Rubi. But if you opt for a shorter and more laidback look, availing the dress on the right (even in all its colors) will surely not hurt your pockets.
6-4. We couldn’t just get enough of the love for sleeveless dresses as the list surely does not end there. Here are another set of striking dresses that are all uniquely styled for a gal who is not afraid of stealing the show.
LEFT: AS SEEN ON IVANA ALAWI P85 | CENTER: P49 | RIGHT: P89
LEFT: Sleeveless Garterized Front V-Neck Dress/ Sexy Fitted Dress | Shopee Philippines | CENTER: [taytay.rtw] Turtle neck Pain Mini Sexy Bodycon Dress | Shopee Philippines | RIGHT: One Sided Garterized Sexy Dress/ One Sided Bodycon Mini Dress | Shopee Philippines
These mini dresses are made from stretchable cotton spandex that comes in assorted colors. Unfortunately, the most favored colors are often sold out due to their affordability, so better check them out while stocks last.
3. Already missing the puffy dresses? If you are looking for the perfect combination of demure and daring, this smocked dress may be an ideal pick for you. Another empire waist dress but with a frilly hem this time; this dress costs a little higher than the usual hundred ratio — but rest assured, you will surely get the most bang for your buck.
2. If you are down to take things to another level, wearing these asymmetrical dresses that come in both printed and plain will surely kick things up a notch.
LEFT: AS SEEN ON INTERNATIONAL MODEL LAUREN SOYUNG LIM P399 | RIGHT: P99
LEFT: BIG SPECIAL SweetyGirl Women's 2021 Fashion Sexy Side Hollow Drawstring Sling Dress | Shopee Philippines RIGHT: Bridget Sexy Fab Dress ❤️ | Shopee Philippines
Don’t let the conservative Filipino societal standards stop you from strutting these sultry dresses. May the shortness of these dresses also remind you that you are way past all shortchanges you have suffered from, relationship-wise or not.
"May the shortness of these dresses also remind you that you are way past all shortchanges you have suffered from, relationship-wise or not."
1. Last but definitely not least, as the ultimate femme fatale Rihanna would say, “Shine bright like a diamond.” Like the song inspires its listeners to embrace themselves and be happy, choosing these elegant cowl dresses will surely make other people cower in your presence. Don’t be afraid to shine and bring out your inner Paris Hilton and Gigi Hadid with these shimmering fabrics.
LEFT: P259-P316 | CENTER: P315-P325 | RIGHT: P279
LEFT: Women Sexy Low-cut Backless Strap Mini Dress | Shopee Philippines | CENTER: Charmeuse Silk/Satin dress (NOT ACCEPTING XL SIZES AND RUSH ORDERS) | Shopee Philippines | RIGHT: Coconut Sexy Halter Drawstring Sling Split Satin Women Dress | Shopee Philippines (for plus sizes)
These dresses may fall under the pricier side, but their quality can rival those sold in physical fashion outlets. The one on the left is a low-cut backless polyester dress, while the rest are drawstring silk/satin halter dresses that also cater to plus sizes. As always, these dresses come in many other elegant colors perfectly suitable for everyone’s tastes.
(Get your looks as inspired by the iconic Paris Hilton and supermodels Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner.)
Fashion is one of the many forms of self-expression that can speak volumes on its own. Revenge dressing, in particular, can be a powerfully articulate way for women to assert their freedom, command the room, or even intimidate or seduce.
"Revenge dressing, in particular, can be a powerfully articulate way for women to assert their freedom, command the room, or even intimidate or seduce."
As we all dreamed of going out in our most aesthetic fits this pandemic, the sentiment around the concept of revenge dressing may have gained popularity but will always stay cathartic. Revenge dressing remains an aspirational style of breaking free from an awful state of mind and emerging more strong and confident as time passes.
After all, nothing says, “Ako nga pala ang sinayang mo,” quite like a hot, new look.
Graphics by: Nicole Pacardo
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