The Best Revenge Outfits Of 2024
When it comes to post-breakup fashion, everyone knows that it plays a major role in reinventing yourself, finding the courage to move on, and creating a fresh start. In fact, Princess Diana's revenge dress has become one of the most iconic looks in fashion history, and for good reason. "Revenge dressing can be hugely therapeutic," fashion psychologist Dawnn Karen explained to Glamour. "Princess Diana was breaking the rules with her dress. She was a royal, and it was off-the-shoulder and fitted. She probably felt so controlled, like she was in a figurative prison, so the dress was a way to break out of that."
Today, revenge dresses have become a big part of moving on, and for celebrities, the revenge-dress moment is often very public. Taylor Swift — who has had plenty of revenge-dress moments of her own — has said it best in her song "Vigilante S***" when she sings, "I don't dress for women / I don't dress for men / Lately I've been dressing for revenge." While some assume that a revenge dress has to be the first look you wear when going out after a breakup, that isn't really true — it just needs to be a fashion moment that gives you confidence, regardless of whether it happens two days after the breakup or two months. And in the world of the rich and famous, Swift isn't the only one who lives by this mantra. Without further ado, here are the best celebrity revenge-outfit moments of 2024, from Jennifer Lopez to Cardi B.
Lupita Nyong'o's revenge dress is a sparkly silver number
In the fall of 2024, Hollywood stars Lupita Nyong'o and Joshua Jackson parted ways. Nyong'o confirmed this in her October 2024 interview with Harper's Bazaar by saying, "My love for my cat is singular. If I'm ever so lucky to be in a romantic relationship again, it'll be because of him. I was ready to shut that door and lock it and bolt it. He has ensured that my heart remains open."
While not much is known about their breakup, Nyong'o certainly had her major revenge-dress moment at the 2024 SCAD Savannah Film Festival. The actor walked the red carpet in a sparkly silver number by Markarian. The metallic details certainly made sure everyone noticed the star, who looked as fresh and happy as ever! To ensure the minidress remained the focal point of the look, Nyong'o opted out of many accessories, except for the matching silver metallic heels.
Victoria Monét takes the term revenge dress to a whole new level
In September 2024, musician Victoria Monét and fitness guru John Gaines announced that they had ended their relationship in a joint statement on X. "Though we still completely adore and respect each other, we are not a couple anymore," they explained. Even though the separation seems to have been mutual, Monét couldn't deny herself a dramatic revenge-dress moment — and oh boy, did she deliver.
For the 2024 CFDA Fashion Awards, the singer-songwriter decided to rock a jaw-dropping LaQuan Smith dress. Even though the gown was floor-length, its cutouts left very little to the imagination, making this attire a perfect choice to regain her power and show the world she is dressing for revenge. Well, she probably isn't — but with this look, we'd like to think she is! Since this look is edgy and intricate enough on its own, Monét skipped on any accessories — being the true fashionista that she is.
Rumer Willis' revenge dress serves us ethereal glam
Actor Rumer Willis revealed on her Instagram Stories in August 2024 that she and her partner Derek Richard Thomas have parted ways. "Are you and Derek still a couple?" a follower asked her (via People). She responded with, "Nope I am single momming it and co-parenting."
For her revenge-dress moment, Willis decided to wear a breathtaking ethereal gown with a see-through cape to Oceana's An Evening Of Jazz in New York City in September 2024. The deep-V sequin dress was dramatic enough for us to include on its own, but the addition of the cape took the look from classic red-carpet glam to otherworldly diva. While we love dark and edgy revenge dresses, there is something so innocent and pure about going with a lighter color for a new start. Willis — who is no stranger to a complete transformation — is clearly ready for a fresh beginning.
Jennifer Lopez knows a thing or two about revenge dresses
Jennifer Lopez certainly knows a thing or two about revenge dresses, and when she filed for divorce on the two-year anniversary of her nuptials to Ben Affleck, we knew her revenge dress was going to be majestic. "Jennifer said she was tired of being humiliated by Ben and she waited until the two-year anniversary because she wanted to sting," a source told Daily Mail. Even though those with Y2K nostalgia were thrilled when the couple reunited, the truth is that there were quite a few red flags in Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez's relationship. Frankly, we weren't too surprised when their love came to an end.
When Lopez walked the red carpet at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, all eyes were on her. The musician and actor wore a bedazzled Tamara Ralph floor-length dress with super-dramatic side cutouts. In fact, the entire side part of the dress was missing, and the front and back were held together by only a bunch of black bows. To make this revenge-dress moment even more dramatic, Lopez walked the red carpet for the premiere of "Unstoppable," a movie that Ben Affleck produced. Now, this is a revenge moment we can totally get behind!
Taylor Russell's revenge dress is a classic black one
In late spring of 2024, news broke that actor Taylor Russell and popstar Harry Styles had called it quits. "They're taking some time to reevaluate things and see if this relationship is [one] that they really want to be in for the long run," a source told Us Weekly. The private couple split after a year of dating, and even though they didn't really address the separation — Russell gave us a majestic revenge-dress moment.
For a Casa Loewe opening in Seoul, South Korea, in July 2024, Russell went with a gorgeous black number that left our jaws on the floor. Between the leather, fur, and high slit, the Loewe dress was giving everything a revenge dress is defined by. It is sexy and unique, but most of all — it makes Russell look like she is on top of the world!
Halle Bailey's revenge dress is extra fun
Actor and musician Halle Bailey and rapper DDG separated at the beginning of October 2024 after being together for two years. The separation was mutual, and DDG opened up about it on Instagram Stories. "After much reflection and heartfelt conversations, Halle and I have decided to go our separate ways," he revealed (via Los Angeles Times). "This decision was not easy, but we believe it's the best path forward for both of us. I cherish the time we've spent together and the love we've shared."
In mid-October, Bailey walked the red carpet of a VIP screening of "The Line" in New York City, and the dress she was rocking was definitely giving revenge energy. The Dijon-mustard color is a bold choice, but the tight silhouette and latex-like finish (thanks to the sequins that could have fooled us) take this dress from a great night-out look to a dress that screams, "You lost me, and you will regret it." Unfortunately, Bailey doesn't always nail it like this — just recently, she was featured on our worst-dressed celebs at the 2024 BET Awards list.
Cardi B's revenge-dress moment is giving diva energy
After an on-and-off again relationship that began in 2016, rappers Cardi B and Offset finally called it quits (for now). In the summer of 2024, Cardi B filed for divorce, and in October, she admitted that she is having fun with dating again "I've been having fun, but I feel like me being single and me having fun, I have to stop it because I don't want it to get in the way of my work," she said on X Spaces (via Billboard). "I'm paranoid to give people my time, I'm just playing around right now."
While all of her Paris Fashion Week moments from September could easily be revenge dresses, we've picked the look she rocked to the Balmain show. Cardi B rocked a green fur coat that definitely made her look like the glamorous and ultra-rich diva that she is. Just one look at this outfit, and we've completely forgotten who Offset is!
Madelyn Cline served a preppy look as revenge
News of Netflix star Madelyn Cline and comedian Pete Davidson calling it quits broke in July 2024, but as we know, for the rich and famous, life quickly moves on. And lucky for us, a great revenge-outfit moment arose from this breakup — one that checks off all the traditional boxes.
The "Outer Banks" star wasn't going to miss New York Fashion Week to cry over an ex, so she put on her best preppy 'fit as she headed toward the Tommy Hilfiger show. No, seriously — this look has everything that posh revenge calls for: It's giving schoolgirl energy thanks to the loafers and knee-high sheer socks, it's smart and dark academia-esuqe (which makes it very trendy), and most important of all — it's not serving "in your face" revenge but still most likely makes Davidson regret that the two parted ways.
Christine Quinn looks stunning in a bodycon revenge dress
Reality star Christine Quinn is definitely someone who is always dressed to the nines, which is why her stunning revenge-dress moment isn't really a surprise. After entrepreneur Christian Dumontet was arrested in March and filed for divorce from Quinn in April 2024, the Netflix diva was spotted looking better than ever.
In June, the "Selling Sunset" star was photographed on her way to the White Fox Hot Summer Nights in Los Angeles, California, and even though she rocked a very simple strapless black midi bodycon dress — the revenge moment was there. Quinn always looks great, but after her relationship ended, she has been looking even fiercer! Of course, the fact that she is a tall blond bombshell certainly helps — after all, there's no denying that Quinn would look great in anything.
Larsa Pippen's revenge dress checks off all the marks
When it comes to revenge dresses, there are two ways to do it: You can either go glamorous and classy to let them know you're on a different level, or you can go sultry and sexy to show them what they will be missing. While both ways are perfectly fine, television personality Larsa Pippen definitely prefers the latter. In fact, her revenge dress might just be the most daring on the list.
When she and basketball player Marcus Jordan broke up in February 2024 after a year together, Larsa decided to make her revenge-dress moment as eye-catching as possible. "The history between Michael and Scottie made things complicated, even if Larsa and Marcus did their best to make it a non-issue," a source told Page Six, referring to Larsa's ex-husband Scottie Pippen and Marcus' father Michael Jordan. In March, "The Real Housewives of Miami" star showed up at the Xerjoff Perfume Collection launch in New York City wearing a Jessica Bara dress, which is probably the shortest mini we've seen in a while. With sheer sides and a plunging neckline, this dress may have been a bit too much for some — but Larsa Pippen undoubtedly pulled it off.
Charli D'Amelio's revenge dress is white and fresh, signifying a new start
While a majority of the ladies on our list went the "dark colors and edgy silhouettes" route, TikTok star Charli D'Amelio stayed loyal to her style. She and musician Landon Barker — the son of drummer Travis Barker — ended things at the beginning of 2024. In early February, Barker even addressed the breakup on Instagram Stories. "Hey everyone, I would like to let you guys know that Charli and I are no longer together," the musician wrote (via Billboard). "We broke up to focus on ourselves. We are still friends and have so much love for each other. I am incredibly grateful for the time we shared and hope you can respect our decisions."
Only a few days later, D'Amelio attended Michael Rubin's Fanatics Super Bowl party in Las Vegas with her sister Dixie, and for the occasion, she decided to go with a white minidress. The lace number looked cute and feminine, but in terms of it being a revenge dress, it certainly signified a fresh new start! Honestly, we are used to dramatic revenge dresses but D'Amelio's approach is so fresh and Gen-Z — we're obsessed!
Rachel Zoe is all about the extravagant revenge dress
Queen of fashion Rachel Zoe knows how to dress for any occasion, and revenge is no exception. After more than three decades together, she and entrepreneur Rodger Berman decided to go their separate ways in September 2024. "After 33 years together and 26 years married, Rodger and I have come to the mutual decision to end our marriage," the announcement began. "We are incredibly proud of the loving family we have created and our countless memories together," the two shared on Instagram. "Our number one priority has been and will always be our children. We are committed to co-parent our boys and to continue to work together within the many businesses we share."
Later that month, Zoe attended Goldie Hawn's Love-In Gala in Beverly Hills, California, and she looked like a golden goddess at the event. Considering that she is a fashion designer and stylist, we're not surprised that Zoe stole everyone's spotlight with her look. The fashionista definitely knows what suits her, and a one-shoulder golden revenge dress certainly does!
Bethenny Frankel's revenge dress made our jaws drop
After almost six years, reality television star Bethenny Frankel and film producer Paul Bernon called it quits in May 2024. A source revealed to Us Weekly that "it just wasn't going to work" as the two "are so different — he's an under the radar kind of guy."
For her first big appearance after news of the breakup broke, Frankel decided to give us her best Barbie moment with a baby-pink bustier midi dress. The star attended the "It Ends With Us" premiere in New York City, and she certainly looked red-carpet ready. While a revenge-dress moment has a lot to do with the choice of clothing, plenty of it also relies on exuding confidence and looking fresh and ready for a new beginning — both of which Frankel certainly did! Of course, fun accessories like a pink bag and statement heels definitely help.
Tori Spelling's revenge-dress moment wasn't a dress at all — but it still made an impact
Last but certainly not least is actor Tori Spelling, who filed for divorce from her husband, actor Dean McDermott, in March 2024. "We're really amicable," Spelling revealed to People after the divorce went public. "I know in Hollywood people think divorces have to be ugly, ours are not. We co-parent really well, we're good friends, and he's one of my biggest supporters."
In April of the same year, Spelling attended the iHeartRadio Music Awards, and while she didn't wear a dress per se, her look was still revenge-moment worthy. The star walked the red carpet in a black cropped tank top and baggy trousers, which she paired with platform heels and layered necklaces. The look was youthful, fun, and unexpected, making it the perfect way to welcome a new chapter in her life. In fact, Tori Spelling has undergone a stunning transformation over the years, and there is so much more to come!