The best dress stores in NYC

Beyond Anthropologie's usual array of boho-chic womenswear, shoes, accessories and home decor, this Upper East Side shop offers stunning bridal gowns ($850-$2,950) and formal dresses for wedding guests, engagement parties, honeymoons and more. Elaborately embroidered and beaded party dresses and jumpsuits are true showstoppers, making any day you wear an Anthro dress your special day.

If you’re on a mission to find a dress, leaving Bloomingdale’s without one is nearly impossible. Women’s clothing dominates floors 2, 3 and 4, so start on the second floor, where contemporary designers’ pods and sale racks hold stylish treasures. Then head upstairs, where a floor devoted to formal dresses from labels like Parker Black is your evening-wear showroom. Take advantage of the in-house tailors and arrange alterations on the spot.

On 5F, Bergdorf’s contemporary level, you’ll find dresses and ready-to-wear options from designers like Rebecca Taylor and Milly, ranging from cute but cheap clothing to affordable evening styles. Up on the sixth floor, you’ll find more extravagantly priced evening gowns that go unmatched with any store in the city. Consult a complimentary personal stylist to help find and accessorize the dress of your dreams.

A vast array of vintage dresses dating to decades past will ensure you’re the only one wearing your frock at an upcoming event. Expect eclectic evening-wear finds as well as gowns from Shareen’s own collection at this Flatiron showroom. 

Stylish dresses under $200 to wear for occasions from work to wedding showers can be found at this eco-friendly boutique. Reformation’s formal jumpsuits are another great alternative to a traditional dress.

If you’re in the market for an evening gown, save on a ticket to France and instead shop this luxe French-owned boutique, where elegant dresses (starting at around $500) are laden with sparkles, sequins, intricate beading and more.

Head to the Washington Street headquarters of the wrap-dress queen for brightly patterned work wear and colorful dresses (starting around $400) galore. Don’t forget to seek out a sale in the basement!

Tossed treasures from Upper East Side closets get a second life at this iconic resale shop. Old Lanvin frocks, Oscar de la Renta gowns worn to a single benefit dinner and customized Marchesa gowns that may have graced the red carpet are just some of the high-end designer pieces you can find on the racks.

Former Lower East Side favorite Pixie Market has been reincarnated as The Frankie Shop, a city girl’s style destination for Instagram-worthy OOTDs. Find übercozy yet statement-making dresses (from a budget-friendly $99 to a ball-out $1,200) along with all the pieces to layer under and over your look.

Credit cards feel right at home at this luxury Upper East Side boutique catering to avid shoppers. Gowns seen on runways worldwide are for sale along with more casual daytime dresses for the ladies-who-lunch crowd.