Meghan Markle and Anne Hathaway say gold dresses are *in* for 2023—here’s how to style them subtly for summer events

Celebs are loving a gold dress moment but how can we style the metallic shade off the red carpet?

Brie Larson, Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel wearing gold dresses/ in a gold glitter template
(Image credit: Getty Images: (L) Mike Marsland/WireImage (M) Claudio Lavenia/ (R) Raymond Hall/GC Images)

Much like how silver fashion has dominated the spring fashion trends, celebrities from Meghan Markle to Anne Hathaway are proving that gold—in particular gold dresses—is in for summer 2023 occasionwear. But how do we go about styling this glimmering and possibly garish shade with the rest of our capsule wardrobe?

While we know flowy maxi skirts and 'coastal cowgirl' staples are dominating the casual style trends, 90s fashion-esque looks are making a comeback for formal events and party looks—from sparkly numbers to slip dresses. Just one glance at the recent red carpets will prove that gold, especially is having quite the moment.

In May 2023 alone, we've seen Anne Hathaway rock a glittery, gold hooded Versace dress in Venice, while Meghan Markle stepped out in a gold strapless dress look for the Ms. Foundation Women of Vision Award. So, now we know it has the celeb stamp of approval, how do we go about wearing this shade in our everyday lives?

How to wear gold dresses for summer 2023

So, while we know gold looks are a hit with the world's A-listers, how do we go about rocking the hue to our own summer events?

It's safe to say, it's a statement color. No matter the piece, gold is bold. We'd recommend wearing it as the focal point of your outfit. If you're opting for a gold dress, tone down the accessories—simple is key, like small gold huggie hoops—and pair the shade with neutrals, like cream, grey or black.

If you're headed to an event or date night, pair your gold number with a black or grey blazer, with a pair of pointed-toe heels, or naked shoes.

We've also spied a lot of gold shimmery pieces walking the red carpet, so if you want a formal but subtle look, opt for a gold glitter skirt or top. You could even go for a gold-tinted sheer dress if you are wanting more of a statement look.

Our edit of stylish gold dresses

If you've got a few weddings, parties or proms to attend this summer, a gold dress belongs in your closet rotation—and we've found some great options that are both low-key (as much as you can go with gold, that is!) and glamorous.

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ASOS Design Satin Milkmaid Lace Trim Midaxi Dress

RRP: $77

This dress is the perfect summer wedding vibe, with its waist cut-outs and puff sleeves!

This is a vibrant, yellow-gold hue that would look perfect for an outdoor do and features the most flattering tie-up back.


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Mango Halter Neck Long Dress

RRP: $139.99

If you're looking for something more low-key, this dress is a soft, light gold shade with a slight shimmer.

It also features a halter neck and flattering tie-waist.


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ZARA Sequin Knit Slip Dress 

RRP:$119

This ZARA is another perfect party number, with its shimmery knit fabric. Available in sizes S to L.


Best celebrity gold dress moments 

Now we've sussed out the gold dress sitch, if you're looking for some visuals of celebs rocking the look, we've got you covered...

1. Anne Hathaway's Versace dress

Anne Hathaway wore this gold and silver number to the Bulgari jewerly event in Venice on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, and we're obsessed with the hood detail!

Anne Hathaway wearing a gold halter neck dress as she attends the "Bulgari Mediterranea High Jewelry" event at Palazzo Ducale on May 16, 2023 in Venice

(Image credit: Getty Images/ Claudio Lavenia)

2. Meghan Markle's gold strapless dress

Meghan rocked this gold dress as she attended the Ms. Foundation Women of Vision Awards...

Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex wears a gold strapless dress as she attends the Ms. Foundation Women of Vision Awards: Celebrating Generations of Progress & Power at Ziegfeld Ballroom on May 16, 2023 in New York City.

(Image credit: Getty Images/ Kevin Mazur/Getty Images Ms. Foundation for Women)

3. Brie Larson's gold look for Cannes

Brie's Cannes look was a gold dream and the sleeves were everything...

Brie Larson wears a gold dress as she attends the "Jeanne du Barry" Screening & opening ceremony red carpet at the 76th annual Cannes film festival at Palais des Festivals on May 16, 2023 in Cannes, France.

(Image credit: Getty Images/ Mike Marsland/WireImage)

4. Michaela Coel's gold Met Gala 2023 look

Michaela Coel's Met Gala look also proves that gold is a must for summer—we especially love all the sun detailing on her fit!

Michaela Coel wears a gold embellished dress while attending the 2023 Met Gala Celebrating "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line Of Beauty" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 01, 2023 in New York City.

(Image credit: Getty Images/ Raymond Hall/GC Images)
Naomi Jamieson
Lifestyle News Writer

Naomi is a Lifestyle News Writer with the Women's Lifestyle team, where she covers everything from entertainment to fashion and beauty, as well as TikTok trends for Woman&Home, after previously writing for My Imperfect Life and GoodTo. Interestingly though, Naomi actually has a background in design, having studied illustration at Plymouth University but lept into the media world in 2020, after always having a passion for writing and earned her Gold Standard diploma in Journalism with the NCTJ.


Before working for Future Publishing’s Lifestyle News team, she worked in the Ad production team. Here she wrote and designed adverts on all sorts of things, which then went into print magazines across all genres. Now, when she isn’t writing articles on celebs, fashion trends, or the newest shows on Netflix, you can find her drinking copious cups of coffee, drawing and probably online shopping.