The Best Ethical Evening Dresses For Events In 2024

Stuck for ideas on what to wear for a wedding, New Year’s Eve, Christmas or another big bash? We’ve got some ethical evening dresses that will make you light up the room!

By Diane Small

The festive season means loads of food, booze, gifts, friends…and parties. And parties mean: dressing up!

Personally, I love the chance to doll up a bit. After weeks upon weeks of sitting at home, mainly seeing people on Zoom calls, I really look forward to showing the world that I can scrub up pretty well. Especially if I’m wearing a gorgeous evening gown!

But, what makes the difference between an ‘everyday’ dress, and one you’d wear to an evening event, I hear you asking?

Well, lots of things, of course.

What’s meant by ethical evening wear?

So, what’s meant by ‘ethical evening wear’ anyway? Well, first off, it’s all about the higher quality, slightly shinier, sparklier fabrics. Think: shimmery silks, satins, chiffons – with or without a bit of glitter.

Then there’s the beautifully tailored, elegant cuts that show off just the right amount of skin: a well placed slit up to the thigh, or a low-cut back, for example.

Next, there’s the ‘wow’ factor – that certain something that makes heads turn, and that makes you feel absolutely fabulous in what you’re wearing. This could be a ruffled shoulder, a puffed sleeve, or maybe a subtle cut-out in the design. There are many types of evening and formal dresses, and it’s all about what best suits you for your special occasion.

Of course, we needn’t stick with ethical evening dresses for a big night out; jumpsuits are making a huge comeback, too. But if you find one-pieces too uncomfortable, a pair of palazzo pants (especially high-waisted ones) are not only an elegant option, but a versatile one, as well.

Also, remember that sustainable evening wear is stuff that shouldn’t be ‘trendy’. These are slow-fashion garments that should look chic for decades.

Ethical Evening Dresses For Events

Now, let’s get to the ‘ethics’ part

If you’re vegan, you’ll want to look for recycled or deadstock fabrics. Another option could be plant based materials, such as viscose, cupro and organic cotton jersey.

Non-vegans will find silk just fine, but you should make sure it’s naturally dyed and finished. And why not look for peace silk, which is an even more ethical option?

Whatever you buy, you should ensure that the garment was either:

  • made in a factory where the workers are guaranteed to earn a living wage
  • locally made by a company that pays above the minimum wage
  • vintage or rented

Whether you’re ringing in the new year, on a big date, or going to a gala, I’ve found some ethical formalwear options that I think you’ll love!

The Best Ethical Eveningwear For Big Nights Out

best sustainable evening dresses

1. Mara Hoffman Puff Sleeve Dress

Calling all drama queens! The poplin ruffle tracing the single sleeve on Mara Hoffman’s ‘Evelyn’ dress creates plenty of attention. It’s made from the label’s popcorn organic cotton-jersey seemingly plucked straight from the ’90s and has a flexible, figure-hugging fit. A bit too figure hugging for you? Try using underwear like Guizio corsets to squeeze into this with more confidence!

This would look especially fabulous accented with a black clutch and vegan heels.

One of the best ethical evening dresses for: Truly making a statement!

Price: Around $825

Best Ethical Evening Dresses For Big Events

2. Cahuita Sequin Black Dress

Dear reader: do you dare? Do you dare walk into a room, shouting (sartorially speaking) – ‘I’m a confident woman and I’ll wear whatever I want’? If so, this dress is for you!

The Lanesia Velvet Dress is a velvety, strapless, playful little number that looks best accessorised with something as bold as you are. Its carbon footprint is about 35 lbs. of CO2, which is about 17% less than a conventional dress. You could say: this is an unconventional option in many ways!

One of the best ethical evening dresses for: Showing off something a bit different.

Price: $285

Best Ethical Evening Dresses For Big Events

3. The Bevelyn Dress

This deadstock fabric dress is part of the Ref x Camille Rowe collection. Its shimmery, silvery slinkiness brings some serious elegance to any evening event. And the best part? It looks way more expensive than it actually is!

One of the best ethical evening dresses for: Old Hollywood glamour.

Price: Around $328

slinky silver dress

4. Rent The Runway Options

Save the $995 on a new Nicole Miller dress you’ll likely only wear a few times and spend $75 to rent it instead! Even when you consider the delivery and dry cleaning emissions, renting clothing is still way more eco-friendly than buying it.

Remember that the delivery emissions will be the same for rented or bought clothing, and although dry cleaning does have an ecological cost, making a new dress has a much higher one! I’m in love with this classy, lacy gown with a sweetheart neckline. It’s definitely a head turner!

One of the best ethical evening dresses for: Making a seriously deep first impression as you glide into the room

Price: $75 for a 4 day rental

Image credit: Marchesa

marchesa gown

5. The Kourtney Dress

Red is such a festive colour, no? And the Kourtney by The Reformation boasts a gorgeous cherry hue! This midi length dress with a fitted bodice is super slinky. That’s mainly thanks to its slim fitting faux wrap skirt with a high slit, and sexy, adjustable spaghetti straps.

In case you’re wondering about the fabric, it’s viscose made from sustainably managed beech wood forests.

One of the best ethical evening dresses for: Knocking ’em dead!

Price: Around $225

Best Ethical Evening Dresses

6. Luminosity Floral Print Dress

Feeling the purity of this gorgeous floral number? I know I am! This pure silk dress by Zimmerman features a beautiful blossom print and bias cut. The maxi length and long sleeves make this the ideal outfit for those who lean towards more modest styles.

One of the best ethical evening dresses for: Spring fetes.

Price: $1600

 Ethical Evening Dresses For Events In 2024

7. Amur Paula Gown

Come on Barbie, let’s go party! If you’re still feeling that Barbiecore trend, this is the dress for you! AMUR (which stands for: A Measured Use of Resources, in case you didn’t know!) has made this dress from sustainably sourced viscose and recycled polyester. This criss-cross frock is easy to wear. It’s so pretty, you barely need any accessories at all!

Price: $698

One of the best ethical evening dresses for: Flattering all figures

Amur Paula Gown

8. Aegean Slip Dress

If you ask me, of all the ethical evening dresses to choose from, the slip dress is always in style. It’s pretty much a wardrobe staple, and no wonder. The shoestring straps, mid-length hem and subtle V neck make it a versatile layering piece in winter, and a chic option on its own in summer.

This Aegean slip dress was ethically made using natural dyes and Ahimsa silk, also known as peace silk. In case you didn’t know, unlike the conventional kind, Ahimsa silk does no harm to the insects that spin the threads used to make it.

PS: Want some hot tips on how to rock underwear as outerwear? Check this article out!

Price: $265

One of the best ethical evening dresses for: Seasonal versatility

Slip Dress

9. Matchmaker Top & Pants

Not everyone wants to wear a dress when going out. And this Matchmaker set is the perfect alternative! It consists of a bustier top made from natural fibres, and exaggerated pointed cups.

It’s paired with pleated, cropped slacks. The best part of this outfit is that you can mix and match the pieces any time. Wear the bustier with a maxi skirt later, and as for those pants…they go with anything, any time!

Price: Top: $750 Pants: $850

One of the best ethical evening dresses for: A touch of Gothic elegance.

zimmerman corset top

10. The Senna Dress

We may have saved the best for last! The Senna dress adds a touch of vintage glam to your night out. It’s made of 100% pure silk, and just glides gently over the body. It’s delicate, breathable, and that gold floral pattern is simply stunning! Play it up by sporting gold accessories.

Price: $448

One of the best ethical evening dresses for: Showing off curves. Ooh la la!

Ethical Evening Dresses For Events In 2024

Main and second image: Reformation

Diane Small
RSS
Follow by Email
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Reddit

1 thought on “The Best Ethical Evening Dresses For Events In 2024”

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

RSS
Follow by Email
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Reddit
Scroll to Top