They say it’s a dish best served cold – but there’s nothing frigid about revenge dressing.
Often associated with showcasing one’s personal style after a breakup, the term gained popularity around thirty years ago when Princess Diana made a notable appearance at the Serpentine Summer Party in June 1994.
All attention was fixated on the Princess of Wales as she arrived at the event adorned in a striking black velvet off-shoulder dress by Greek designer Christina Stambolian, featuring a daringly low neckline.
This attention-grabbing ensemble was a deliberate choice; Diana donned the iconic little black dress – a departure from typical royal attire – at the same time her then-estranged husband, Prince Charles, was making a televised admission of his relationship with Camilla Parker-Bowles.
In the end, Diana’s dress spoke louder than Charles and her message was clear: ‘I’m moving on.’
For years, powerful women across the world have harnessed the power of haute couture to carry them through their most difficult and high-profile moments – from messy public breakups and incredible comebacks, to award show snubs and successes.
And the First Lady Melania Trump followed in this tradition with an Inaugural ball outfit strategically curated to let her haters know ‘I’m back and I’m better than ever’.
The characteristically quiet wife of the newly-inaugurated 47th president Donald Trump made a dramatic return to the White House, with the whole world watching, while wearing a Hervé Pierre black and white crepe column gown.
As she reclaimed the spotlight, Melania appeared unbothered by the hostility that has trailed her since her husband’s rise, fall, and rise to political power – with the 54-year-old’s glamorous gown her impenetrable shield.
As Melania reclaims the revenge dress, Femail looks back at some of the most iconic couture comebacks that have ever been delivered…
THE STAR: Melania Trump, FLOTUS of the USA
THE OUTFIT: Hervé Pierre black and white crepe column gown
THE DRAMA: Returning to the White House in full gaze of the world while many snobby designers declined to dress her
THE MESSAGE: I’m back – bigger and better than ever
Melania’s comeback wardrobe made it clear that the FLOTUS was returning to the White House bigger and better than ever, honing in on previous looks and elevating them
But while the look from five years ago channelled a demure energy – adorned with cream detailing and a slender red belt – this week she was all about sharp contrasts and sharp angles
Melania’s comeback gown made it clear that the FLOTUS was returning to the White House bigger and better than ever.
The white crepe column dress, with black ribbon detailing and a daring split, was custom-made by Hervé Pierre, the same designer who crafted her 2017 inaugural outfit.
Melania, 54, also appears to be making an homage to her first Inaugural ballgown, mirroring the same fitted silhouette and open-shoulder design as she did on her debut eight years ago.
But while the look from five years ago channelled a demure energy – adorned with cream detailing and a slender red belt – this week she was all about bold contrasts and sharp angles.
Evolving from simple, understated earrings for accessories, Melania has this time gone for a bold, chic choker necklace.
It was if she was saying, I have been here before, I know what I am doing and I am going to shine brighter than ever before – it’s Melania mark 2! And in that sentiment, the FLOTUS was also mirroring her husband’s own intentions to give the American public a reinvigorated new MAGA administration.
The strict adherence to her old look – spruced up with flashier accents – could also be seen as a defiant comeback to the fashion industry, a large chunk of which has turned its back on the FLOTUS.
In the wake of Trump’s 2016 victory a slew of designers – Marc Jacobs, Jason Wu, Zac Posen and Tom Ford to name a few – were quick to declare they would never dress the incoming first lady.
By his own admission, her stylist, Hervé Pierre, was once turned away at the front door of an American designer’s Madison Avenue boutique. He hasn’t named the designer in question, preferring not to give him (or her) free publicity.
‘I understand that you can criticize Mrs Trump,’ he told the influential industry magazine Women’s Wear Daily (WWD), ‘but to say to someone who is coming to shop – full-price – “You are not welcome here.” That is something that I would have never expected.’
Ninety-five percent of what Pierre reportedly buys is off the rack, a radical departure from the approach taken by most first ladies who preferred designer showrooms or custom designs.
‘I don’t really do that but for the good reason that the fashion industry is not very welcoming,’ Pierre continued.
‘That’s no secret. Some are very open-minded and would be able to do something special. But a lot of people are not.’
Donald and Melania hit three inaugural balls in one night a they lit up Washington D.C. to mark the beginning of a new MAGA era.
The newly sworn-in president and his glamorous first lady started at the military-themed Commander in Chief Ball, before heading to the nearby Liberty Ball where they danced onstage with the entire Trump family. Then, they motorcaded to Union Station for the Starlight Ball.
‘We needed three because we have such support,’ Trump told the crowd at the Liberty Ball at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center Monday night.
They did their first slow dance to The Battle Hymn of the Republic, played by the United States Marine Band, before being joined onstage by Vice President J.D. Vance and his wife, Usha.
Both couples then danced with members of the military, as is the custom.
‘This is quite a gathering huh?’ the 47th president said to the crowd that numbered in the thousands, with many servicemembers sporting their dress uniforms.
THE STAR: Reese Witherspoon
THE OUTFIT: Canary yellow brocade mini-dress by Olivier Theyskens
THE DRAMA: Breakdown of her marriage to Ryan Phillippe
THE MESSAGE: I’m happy without him!
For her first appearance since their breakup, the actress decided to channel some happiness with a canary yellow brocade mini-dress by Olivier Theyskens for Nina Ricci at the 2007 Golden Globe Awards
They were the IT couple of the noughties – but Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe shocked fans when they announced their split in 2006.
Many were heartbroken to hear that the picture-perfect pair, who met at Reese’s 21st birthday party and later starred in Cruel Intentions together – before tying the knot – were done.
At the time, the young couple (who both later reflected that their age was a factor in the relationship’s breakdown) issued a joint statement, which read: ‘We are saddened to announce that Reese and Ryan have decided to formally separate.
‘They remain committed to their family and we ask that you please respect their privacy and the safety of their children at this time.’
For her first appearance after their breakup, the actress decided to show the world she was bouncing back with a canary yellow brocade mini-dress by Olivier Theyskens for Nina Ricci at the 2007 Golden Globe Awards.
The message was clear – I’m here and I’m happy. The bright yellow tone, often said to psychologically evoke happiness and excitement (think smiley faces) – was on show to be the perfect pop of colour. It was all the more accentuated by the star’s striking blonde hair.
The cut of the dress, showing off Reese’s tan and toned shoulders and legs – also marked a flirty new beginning for the actress.
The dress has been named one of the most iconic of all time, with fashion director Hal Rubenstein even calling it the ‘Ryan Who?’ dress in his book, 100 Unforgettable Dresses.
THE STAR: Nicole Kidman
THE OUTFIT: Completely sheer black Chanel dress, six inch heels
THE DRAMA: Seeing Tom Cruise in public for the first time since their 2001 divorce on the red carpet at the premiere of their movie The Others
THE MESSAGE: I’m towering above you, and showing you what you’re missing!
When Nicole Kidman chose a sheer Chanel dress for the World Premiere of The Others in February 2001, she knew what she was doing
When Nicole Kidman chose a sheer black Chanel dress – with no bra underneath – for the premiere of The Others in 2001, she knew what she was doing.
The outing was the first time she was seeing her ex-husband Tom Cruise in public – and she was keen to show him what she’d been missing, and also get in a little dig at his expense.
In February 2001, just days before Nicole debuted this outfit, Tom Cruise announced his separation from Nicole – telling reporters at the time: ‘It’s over, we’re moving forward with our lives and I think it’s important for people to mind their own business.’
Although the actor insisted his ex-wife ‘knew why’ he filed, Nicole’s representative told the Daily Mail: ‘This divorce was not her decision. Tom made the move.’
When Nicole went on the Late Night with David Letterman show after Tom’s announcement she couldn’t resist barbed comment about the 5ft6 actor’s diminutive stature saying – ‘Well, I can wear heels now’.
And the 5ft11 Australian took the chance to do just that when she hit the red carpet for The Others – a film she had starred in and Cruise executive produced.
The couple – who met on the set of Days of Thunder in 1989 and married the following year – shared two adopted children and were once one of Hollywood’s most influential power couples, raking in millions with every project.
Although the split reportedly came as a ‘major shock’ to Nicole, she refused to fade into her ex-husband’s shadow, and was on top form for the first premiere back.
In a 2021 interview with Dujour, Nicole said she believed her life with Tom and their children was ‘perfect’ and she was blindsided by the split.
But Nicole, now 57, since got her revenge and has even eclipsed her ex-husband on the big screen – most recently starring in Babygirl and becoming an awards darling.
THE STAR: Mariah Carey
THE OUTFIT: Sultry black bandeau top and a high-slit skirt combo – which no designer has ever claimed
THE DRAMA: Splitting from her record boss husband – with whom she had a 20 year age gap and dubbed a ‘controlling father’
THE MESSAGE: I can do what I want now!
When Mariah Carey first started her career, her ensembles – while still chic – were more modest than the ones fans will be used to today
When Mariah Carey first started her career in the 1980s, her ensembles – while still chic – were very modest compared to the slinky and daring numbers fans will be used to today.
The songstress had married her record label boss Tommy Mottola in 1993 when she was just 23-years-old and he was 20 years her senior.
Her career skyrocketed under his control, with the success of her hit songs Hero, Fantasy, All I Want For Christmas Is You, and Always Be My Baby, among others.
But Mariah has since spoken at length about how she felt stifled by her powerful older husband who she claimed kept her in a gilded cage and allowed her few freedoms.
The couple eventually separated in late 1996 before publicly announcing it in May 1997.
And it was then that her style evolution began,when she emerged in this VERY daring ensemble, flashing more flesh than ever before, at the 1997 MTV Video Music Awards.
The look – one Mottola would never have condoned for his starlet wife – left audiences aghast and garnered endless headlines – it was clear she was telling the world she was finally free to be her own boss.
While the designer of the jaw-dropping ‘revenge’ ensemble isn’t known, the iconic outfit’s thigh slit and chic strappy crop top are still lauded as one of the most famous ‘revenge dresses’.
During a 2019 Cosmopolitan interview, Mariah spoke candidly about the marriage.
‘You might want to picture a child bride,’ she said of her dynamic with the mogul, who was more than two decades her senior.
‘There was a conscious effort to keep me as this all-American, whatever that means, girl. It was very controlled. There was no freedom for me as a human being. It was almost like being a prisoner.’
THE STAR: Taylor Swift
THE OUTFIT: A striking an Oscar de la Renta dress that showed the world she really is Bejewelled
THE DRAMA: Paying homage to Kanye Wests’ infamous interruption of Taylor’s speech in 2009
THE MESSAGE: I’ve grown up and proved my legacy!
Taylor Swift has been known for her revenge anthems – especially following her recent hits Karma and Vigilante Sh*t. And it should surprise no one to learn that her wardrobe is no different
The then 19-year-old Taylor was at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2009, accepting the Best Female Video award for You Belong with Me
Taylor Swift has been known for her revenge anthems – especially following her recent hits Karma and Vigilante Sh*t.
And it should surprise no one to learn that her wardrobe is no different.
The chart-topping singer, 35, dressed in a sensationally silver frock at the 2022 MTV VMAs, which was eerily reminiscent of the gown she wore 13 years earlier at the very same event – where Kanye West interrupted her acceptance speech.
The then 19-year-old Taylor was at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2009, accepting the Best Female Video award for You Belong with Me.
Suddenly, in the middle of her speech, Kanye jumped on the stage, grabbed the microphone out of her hands and bellowed: ‘Yo, Taylor, I’m really happy for you and I’mma let you finish, but Beyoncé had one of the best videos of all time. One of the best videos of all time!’
The outburst sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry – prompting even the then president Barack Obama to call Kanye a jack-ass.
But in 2022 Taylor was back on the VMA stage, not as a teenager, but a 33-year-old woman with an impressive back catalogue and a string of accolades to her name.
And in a nod to her shier younger self, Taylor chose a sparkling silver gown in homage to the long, loose demure frock she wore as Kanye attempted to humiliate her.
But this time, it was Taylor the confident adult and she made sure nobody would be messing with her in a barely-there bejewelled mini dress that showed off her incredible legs.
And it wasn’t just her outfit that told the haters what’s what, as she led the way for the winners while picking four gongs at Düsseldorf’s PSD Bank Dome in Germany.
She took home the Best Video and Best Longform Video award for her 10-minute version of All Too Well (Taylor’s Version), beating top global stars including Foo Fighters and Stormzy.
Her video for Taylor Hawkins Tribute concert, Wembley Stadium, London was also nominated in the Best Longform Video category.
Elsewhere, Taylor was named the winner of the Best Artist category, the Best Pop prize, while she was also nominated in the Biggest Fans section, which was won by BTS.
THE STAR: Miley Cyrus
THE OUTFIT: A victorious, golden sheer mesh Maison Margiela minidress and sky-high heels
THE DRAMA: Winning her first Grammy in 2024
THE MESSAGE: You can’t overlook me!
Miley Cyrus’s dress – in victorious gold – was an opulent and stark ‘I made it!’ moment after years of being snubbed by the Grammy’s
Miley Cyrus’s dress – in victorious gold – was an opulent and stark ‘I made it!’ moment after years of being snubbed by the Grammys.
The songstress, 31 – who was the recipient of two accolades at the glitzy event in 2024 – arrived on the red carpet at the Crypto.com Arena in L.A. in the show-stopping number.
Despite being in the music industry for 20 years this marked the first time she was ‘taken seriously’ at the major awards.
And with her her choice of outfit, she made sure she could no longer be ignored.
Displaying acres of flesh (with no underwear!), matching the gold of the awards she was about to win and with a nod to the style of Tina Turner – another female artist who was not taken seriously as a solo artist at first – Miley let everyone know she had arrived.
During her speech, where she thanked everyone who helped on her track Flowers, humorously concluded with, ‘I don’t think I forgot anyone, but I might have forgotten underwear.’
Speaking to Grazia about her win – after a 20-year snub – Miley later said: ‘No shade, but I’ve been doing this for 20 years, and this is my first time actually being taken seriously at the Grammys?’
‘’ve had a hard time figuring out what the measurement is there. If we want to talk stats and numbers, then where the f*** was I? And if you want to talk, like, impact on culture, then where the f*** was I?
‘This is not about arrogance. I am proud of myself.’
THE STAR: Coleen Rooney
THE OUTFIT: A daring scarlet minidress with revealing cut outs lined in diamante
THE DRAMA: A messy court case story dubbed ‘Wagatha Christie’ which saw her embroiled in drama with fellow WAG Rebekah Vardy
THE MESSAGE: Don’t mess with me!
In November 2022, Coleen Rooney wowed in a red mini dress as she attended the Julie Perry Ladies Lunch in Manchester
After years of wrangling over the Wagatha Christie scandal which began in 2019 with the infamous Instagram post accusing Rebecca Vardy of leaking stories to the press and ended with a High Court ruling against her in 2022, Coleen Rooney was clearly ready to celebrate.
In November of that year, Coleen decided it was time to let her hair down and enjoy herself, sending a message to the fascinated public that she was back on top and ready to embrace life after the gruelling defamation trial.
She attended the Julie Perry Ladies Lunch in Manchester for one of her first public outings after it was ruled Vardy must pay 90 per cent of her legal costs – and her appearance even coincided with the payment deadline set by the judge.
And to mark that occasion, Coleen sent a very clear message with her bold choice of outfit.
Wayne’s wife chose a dress in a striking red hue – long associated with courage, passion and joy…. and also danger. She is letting her detractors know that she is not to be messed with.
The thigh-skimming number also had a daring cut-out section, and was embellished with an eye-catching snake-like diamante design.
The dress was clearly Coleen’s freedom outfit, as she was finally able to relax after the stressful period.
At the event she was seen sipping on glasses of red wine and beaming as she enjoyed an evening with her friends at a bar while chatting and joking around.
THE STAR: Jennifer Lopez
THE OUTFIT: A curve-hugging white Georges Hobeika gown
THE DRAMA: Announcing Her first red carpet appearance with Ben Affleck since sensationally announcing the Bennifer 2.0 romantic comeback
THE MESSAGE: We are back – and more in love than ever!
Jennifer Lopez at the 2021 Venice International Film Festival, donned a gorgeous, figure-hugging white dress – alongside living, breathing proof of the short but sweet return of ‘Bennifer 2.0’
A revenge dress is not always a break-up dress – sometimes it’s part of a whole debut.
No one proved that better than Jennifer Lopez, who, at the 2021 Venice International Film Festival, donned a gorgeous, figure-hugging white dress – alongside living, breathing proof of the (short but sweet) return of ‘Bennifer 2.0’.
The singer and actress, 55, had weeks earlier broken off her engagement to Alex Rodriguez – and was suddenly in the arms of her famous former flame.
And for their first public event together – at the 2021 Venice Film Festival – Lopez chose an outfit that sent a very clear message.
Dressed in brilliant white floor-length Georges Hobeika gown, and next to her man in a tux, it was a very bridal look for the couple who had already gone through an engagement which ended when they split in 2004 after two years together.
Jennifer’s choice screamed – we are serious, and back for round two.
And sure enough, the singer and actress followed through on the intention her statement dress made and she tied the knot in Las Vegas.
Their rekindled romance came two decades after their first failed engagement, but it wasn’t to last. On January 6, 2025, the divorce was finalised.
… AND THE ONE THAT STARTED IT ALL
THE STAR: Princess Diana
THE OUTFIT: Christina Stambolian black ruched above-the-knee low-cut mini dress
THE DRAMA: Stepping out on the same night her ex-husband King Charles confessed to being unfaithful on TV
THE MESSAGE: I’m standing strong, and daring to start over!
The late Princess of Wales famously wore a Christina Stambolian black ruched mini dress on the same evening King Charles confessed to being unfaithful in a television documentary in 1992
The late Princess of Wales famously wore a Christina Stambolian black ruched mini dress on the same evening King Charles confessed to being unfaithful in a television documentary in 1992.
That year, the new monarch’s BBC documentary – Prince Charles: The Private Man, the Public Role – aired to the public in an effort to restore his reputation following his divorce.
During the infamous interview, Charles admitted to journalist Jonathan Dimbleby that he had been unfaithful in his marriage – but only once it had ‘irretrievably broken down’.
In a 1997 Vogue article, Princess Diana’s close friend Anna Harvey revealed that she originally feared the mini black dress was ‘too daring’ and planned on wearing a Valentino design to the event.
But after finding out about her ex-husband’s documentary, the insider claimed Diana wanted to ‘look like a million dollars’ on the difficult evening, and opted for the off-the-shoulder short cocktail dress instead.
Wearing a design that exposed so much flesh was certainly a departure from royal protocol, and a public sign that she was ready to move on from her fractious dealings with the family she dubbed ‘The Firm’, and embrace life as a single woman admired the world-over.
The gown has now gone down in the annals of history as the ultimate revenge dress.
