25 Anniversary Dress Ideas For Dinners, Parties & Trips

Whether it's your one-year dating anniversary or your 50th wedding anniversary, your partnership is worth a celebration. But what's a girl to wear!? If you're looking for anniversary dress ideas, look no further. We've scoured the web and found some beauties no matter how you're celebrating, from a weekend getaway to a dinner out. When deciding what you want to wear, consider which silhouettes, colors and prints you typically feel your best in, advises personal stylist Meg Gallagher, who works with clients in Los Angeles and New York City.

"Perhaps you'll choose a mini dress to highlight your legs or are you more comfortable with a midi that gives some coverage?" she says. "Do you want strappy or a sleeve? Are you more confident in a fitted style that highlights your torso or a fit and flare that highlights your waist but is kind to your hips and thighs?" No matter your answer, we've got all the anniversary dress options right here.

25 Wedding Anniversary Dress Ideas for Every Milestone

Keep in mind when looking at anniversary dresses that the dress is just one piece of the look, says Gallagher. Don't forget to style your top layer (such as a leather jacket or wrap), shoes, bag, jewelry and hair accessories. "The dress is one thing, but the look is everything!" she says. As you peruse the ideas below, picture how they'll look once you accessorize.

FEATURED VIDEO FROM THE KNOT

For a Romantic Anniversary Celebration: Majorelle Montauk Gown

Photo: Revolve

Nothing screams romance like a siren red dress with rosette detailing along a hemline that bares some serious leg. It's both sophisticated and sexy without being too over the top—a true showstopper. Made of a luxurious crepe fabric, it's also lightweight, making it easy to move around in.

Size range: XXS–XL

For the 2nd Wedding Anniversary: J.Crew Sweetheart Tank Dress

Photo: J. Crew

Dress ideas for a wedding anniversary are easy when there's a theme you can follow. Since the traditional theme for the second wedding anniversary is cotton, this A-line cotton dress is a sweet option with its sweetheart neckline and swingy skirt—we love it for a picnic date. It's available in black, white and red.

Size range: XXS–3X

For the 3rd Wedding Anniversary: Alice + Olivia Lena Faux Leather Mini Dress

Photo: Saks Fifth Avenue

Slip on a little faux leather number to ring in your third wedding anniversary, for which the traditional theme is, what else, leather. A crew neck and sleeveless cut balance out a shorter hemline for a look that's all leg in this mini dress. It would look great with a pair of pumps or knee-high boots.

Size range: 0–14

For an 8th Wedding Anniversary: Petal + Pup Santiago Off-Shoulder Midi Dress in Bronze

Photo: Petal + Pup

We love a good midi dress, and this sparkly bronze confection doesn't disappoint. Plus, it's perfect for the bronze anniversary. An asymmetric neckline and attached waist tie somehow manage to be both flattering and modest. The shoulder style and side split emit a hint of sexy without revealing anything.

Size range: XS–XL

For an Anniversary Weekend Trip: Runaway the Label Sari Maxi Dress

Photo: Runaway The Label

If you're celebrating your anniversary with a weekend trip, this maxi dress is bound to fit the occasion no matter where you go. With flowy bell sleeves and a classy polka dot print, it will look just as great on the laidback coast as it would on the streets of a city.

Size range: XXS–3XL

For a 50th Wedding Anniversary: Adrianna Papell Metallic Leaf Jacquard Draped Gown

Photo: Nordstrom

The 50th wedding anniversary is a huge milestone, so you better go all out with an eye-catching gold dress befitting the theme. We love the gilded leaf print on this Adrianna Papell design, complete with flutter sleeves, a side slit and draped bodice.

Size range: 4–16

For a Night Out Anniversary Celebration: Mango Strapless Floral Dress

Photo: Mango

Celebrating with a fun night out on the town? Then a playful mini dress is a must. This one boasts a bold red floral pattern that will pair well with a pair of strappy black heels, a low slicked-back bun and gold hoop earrings. Now, she's ready to go dancing.

Size range: 2–10

For a One-Year Wedding Anniversary: Reformation Shai Dress

Photo: Reformation

You can't exactly wear a paper dress to celebrate your paper anniversary, but you can get a little creative with the theme. A white dress can symbolize paper, and this one in particular is a baby doll silhouette, which reminds us of paper dolls. Plus, we can't resist the sweet bow detailing at the top.

Size range: 0–12

For a 25th Wedding Anniversary: Ralph Lauren Metallic Knit Twist-Front Gown

Photo: Ralph Lauren

A quarter of a century of marriage is no easy feat. You deserve to shimmer in something jaw-dropping for the silver anniversary. This Ralph Lauren evening number absolutely delivers with an elegant twist-front design, metallic finish and column silhouette.

Size range: 00–18

For an Anniversary Dinner: Lulus Found Your Love Black Lace Sleeveless Trumpet Midi Dress

Photo: Lulus

This floral lace dress strikes the right balance of dressiness without being too formal for a classic anniversary dinner. Spaghetti straps, a sweetheart neckline and a bustier bodice give way to a trumpet hem for a body-hugging fit. You'll feel like dynamite wearing this one.

Size range: XS–XL

For a 12th Wedding Anniversary: Lilysilk Cowl Neck Oblique-Layered Silk Dress

Photo: Lilysilk

We love a good silk slip dress, which is the perfect thing to wear when celebrating 12 years of marriage, which happens to be the "silk anniversary." The cowl neck, spaghetti straps and oblique layered design on this one come together for a sophisticated look.

Size range: 0–16

For a 15th Wedding Anniversary: Sandro Rhinestone Midi Dress

Photo: Sandro

The 15th wedding anniversary theme is crystal, so look for a dress with jeweled embellishments. In true Sandro fashion, this satin effect dress is utterly chic thanks to its round cutaway neckline trimmed in rhinestones, which gives way to a ruched front.

Size range: 2–10

For a Vineyard Anniversary Celebration: ASTR Calista Floral One-Shoulder Dress

Photo: ASTR The Label

Going wine tasting for your anniversary? This brown and white floral midi dress will look great among the vineyards this fall. The asymmetric ruffled hemline and one-shoulder neckline give it a little something extra special for the occasion. Pair it with a suede jacket.

Size range: XS–XL

For a Daytime Anniversary Celebration: By Anthropologie The Gabbie Strapless Ruched Tube Dress

Photo: Anthropologie

Whether you're celebrating your anniversary at the beach or on a picnic, you'll want a dress that's more casual but that you'll still feel pretty in. This strapless maxi dress strikes a balance of both, with a ruched and shapely bodice in a lightweight material. Plus, it's available in nine different colors.

Size range: XXS–XL

For an Anniversary Party: HELSI Serena Strapless Floral Sequin Column Gown

Photo: Neiman Marcus

If you're celebrating in a big way this year and need a dress for an anniversary party, you can't go wrong with this showstopper of a gown. It glitters in all its sequined glory. A column silhouette, center back split and strapless neckline come together for a chic design.

Size range: XS–XL

For a 10th Wedding Anniversary: Bardot Verona Sequin Long-Sleeve Maxi Dress

Photo: Nordstrom

Celebrating the 10-year milestone calls for a scene-stealing marriage anniversary dress. With sequins, a keyhole cutout and a low scoop back, this midi dress does the trick. It comes in dark chocolate, burgundy and beige, all perfect colors for a fall anniversary. Now, you'll just need to complete the look with a pair of diamond studs—the modern wedding theme and gemstone for the 10-year anniversary.

Size range: 2–12

For an Anniversary Vacation: 12th Tribe Aruba Floral Mesh Maxi Dress

Photo: 12th Tribe

Finding a dress for a vacation and an anniversary can put on the pressure, but all you need to do is look for something a little tropical-inspired. The blue floral printed mesh on this dress does just that, while off-shoulder sleeves and a ruffled skirt with a slit add a note of fun.

Size range: S–L

For a 40th Wedding Anniversary: Tuckernuck Red Feather Mod Ellie Dress

Photo: Tuckernuck

The gemstone for the 40th wedding anniversary is ruby, so this is obviously a great excuse to find a smoking hot red dress. The mod silhouette on this one gives a subtle nod to the '60s and feels modest without the frump thanks to the shorter hemline and playful feather cuffs.

Size range: XXS–XXXL

For a Brunch Anniversary Celebration: Tommy Hilfiger Crossover-Hem Midi Dress

Photo: Macy's

If you're opting for brunch over dinner, you'll want a marriage anniversary dress that's a little less fancy but still polished. This floral printed midi dress nails the style with a semi-sheer design and twirl-worthy skirt. Pair it with a pair of black ankle boots to complete the look.

Size range: 2–18

For a 30th Wedding Anniversary: Chiara Boni La Petite Robe Natalia Pearl-Embellished Cocktail Dress

Photo: Saks Fifth Avenue

There's no need to confine the pearl anniversary to your jewelry—get your clothes involved, too! This cocktail dress is chic and timeless thanks to its boatneck and bell sleeves, which are framed at the elbows with pearl embellishments. It makes for a subtle nod to the anniversary theme.

Size range: 2–18

For a 45th Wedding Anniversary: Betsy & Adam Ruffle Long-Sleeve Sheath Gown

Photo: Nordstrom

Whether you're going to the opera or the fanciest five-star dinner to date, this floor-grazing gown with a subtle ruffle is an elegant choice. Available in deep green, it works well for the 45th or 55th wedding anniversary, whose themes are emerald and sapphire.

Size range: 4–16

For a 7th Wedding Anniversary: Sezane Harper Dress

Photo: Sezane

With fall and winter approaching, you might be looking for a dress that's a bit on the warmer side. Or, you might just be looking for a befitting dress for the wool anniversary. Made of Merino wool, this Sezane option will not only keep you toasty but keep you looking good with its flattering silhouette and pretty vintage blue color. We love the button detailing along the side slit.

Size range: XS–XXL

For a 6th Wedding Anniversary: Aqua Sleeveless Racerback Mini Dress

Photo: Bloomingdale's

The sixth wedding anniversary calls for some out-of-the-box thinking—the theme is candy, so you'll want an anniversary dress where you look as sweet as candy. A mini dress usually does the trick, and the bubble hemline on this offers a fun surprise that separates it from the other LBDs in your closet.

Size range: XS–XXL

For a 4th Wedding Anniversary: Selkie The Veronica Slip Dress

Photo: Revolve

With flowers as the theme for a 4th wedding anniversary, what more excuse could you need to find a floral-printed dress? We're swooning over this delicate silk piece, which is delightfully feminine from its pastel flower print to its lace trim.

Size range: XS–6X

For an Intimate At-Home Anniversary: Rumored Verona Maxi Dress

Photo: Rumored

You can get just as dressed up for an intimate at-home dinner anniversary date as you would going out. This maxi dress is a good choice for its breezy comfort and chantilly lace that's a little reminiscent of lingerie. It feels both vintage and romantic, thanks to its scalloped neckline, butterfly sleeves and velvet bow trim.

Size range: XS–L

How to Choose an Anniversary Dress for Any Celebration

The most important things to think about when shopping for wedding anniversary dresses are location, time of day, climate and who will be attending, says Gallagher. A five-star romantic dinner is different from a low-key meal at your favorite casual neighborhood spot, for example. And will you be with friends or just the two of you? Celebrating during the day, or late into the night?

"All of these things will impact your decision as to what to wear that is celebratory but appropriate," Gallagher says. "First and foremost, you want to be comfortable and love how you look and feel. That's hard to do if you're shivering in a flimsy dress and strappy stilettos on a long walk to a picnic."

You might want to gravitate toward something more elevated or even sexy, like a body-hugging red dress or a black lace number if it's a night out for just the two of you. If you're doing something during the day, you might want to opt for a more casual sundress or a stylish but low-key midi- or maxi-dress.

If you're celebrating your wedding anniversary, you can also take inspiration from anniversary gift milestones. "Most of the milestone anniversaries represent textiles, textures, color and gemstones," Gallgher says. "These are creative springboards to style dress and outfit ideas for you and your partner for your unique celebration."

For example, cotton is the theme for the second anniversary and leather for the third anniversary, serving as an easy guide for a dress choice. But you might have to get creative with other themes, like the paper anniversary or crystal anniversary. Gallagher suggests trying an all-white outfit to represent paper or chandelier earrings or a rhinestone dress to express crystal.

But, she adds, the most important thing "is to be present and share the anniversary with the one you love."