The phrase ‘hell hath no fury like a woman scorned’ was inspired by a 1697 play called The Mourning Bride.
And whether it’s showing an ex what they’re missing, or flaunting a newfound self-possession, celebrities have long used their outfits to convey a vengeful message to those who have wronged them.
While Princess Diana’s 1992 dress is a quintessential example, other legendary moments include Mariah Carey’s 1997 more revealing appearance following a separation from her ‘controlling’ ex-husband Tommy Mottola.
Lily Allen, 40, is the latest celebrity to give the revenge dress a whirl, but unlike some of her predecessors, fashion experts have claimed that the singer ‘missed the mark’ with her daring look at Monday evening’s CFDA Awards at the American Museum of Natural History.
It was one of Allen’s first red carpet appearances following the release of her tell-all album, West End Girl, which detailed the breakdown of her marriage to Stranger Things actor David Harbour.
The union came to an end in December 2024, after she accused David of cheating, including during a three-year affair with a younger costume designer, who was later exposed as Natalie Tippett.
Her revenge look, consisting of a white lace bra and low-rise, racy skirt with a semi-sheer lace back, was just as revealing as her new album.
The daring ensemble, however, largely fell flat with fashion experts, who claimed Allen’s look was ‘too extreme’ and was desperate cry for attention.
Revenge dresses have long been used as a way to show a former lover what they’re missing – but, according to fashion experts, Lily Allen’s version at yesterday’s CFDA Awards at The American Museum of Natural History in New York missed the mark
Talking to the Daily Mail, style coach Shauna Colaci said: ‘Revenge dresses work when they hit that sweet spot between glamour and autonomy – when a woman owns her narrative, not just her hemline.
‘For example – Princess Diana’s off-the-shoulder LBD? It is a masterclass. The neckline and figure-hugging silhouette showed off her shape confidently, but the addition of sheer black tights, closed-toe heels, and minimal jewellery gave it polish. She looked intentional, not attention-seeking.
‘What makes Lily Allen’s version feel less successful is that it veers into provocation without balance.
‘The see-through lace lingerie moment feels more costume than comeback – less “watch me rise” and more “look at what you lost”, which can read as reactive rather than empowered.
‘The most iconic revenge dresses whisper power – rather than shout “look at me”. True style doesn’t chase a reaction. It creates one.’
Stylist Angela Kyte thought similarly, explaining: ‘The most successful revenge dress is never about out-sexying or out-shocking someone. It’s about reclaiming your narrative with elegance and precision.
‘That’s why Lily Allen’s recent look feels like a departure, not in the sense of self-expression, which she has always embraced bravely, but in its absence of nuance.
‘The sheer bra-and-lace moment isn’t a power play, here it veers into costume territory, reading as provocation rather than evolution. Modern revenge style shouldn’t feel like a dare or an attempt to out-perform a former partner, it should radiate confidence and independence.’
The most memorable revenge dresses of all time…
PRINCESS DIANA
In a 1997 Vogue article, Princess Diana’s close friend Anna Harvey revealed that she originally feared the mini black dress was ‘too daring’
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.
MARIAH CAREY
Audiences were stunned when, months after announcing her separation from Tommy Mottola, the star flaunted her legs and toned midriff in a sultry co-ord piece at the 1997 MTV Video Music Awards
When Mariah Carey, 56, first started her career, her ensembles – while still chic – were more modest than the ones fans will be used to today.
Mariah married Tommy Mottola, 71, when she was just 23-years-old and he was 20 years her senior. Before their marriage she already was a rising star with the success of her debut namesake album.
The couple lived in matrimony from 1993 until 1998, after he discovered her in the late 1980s, as the then-head of Columbia Records.
During their marriage, her career skyrocketed, with the success of her hit songs Hero, Fantasy, All I Want For Christmas Is You, and Always Be My Baby, among others.
During a 2019 Cosmopolitan interview, she also candidly opened up about her and Tommy’s relationship.
‘You might want to picture a child bride,’ she said of her dynamic with Mottola, 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 style evolution began after they split. Audiences were stunned when, months after announcing their separation, the star flaunted her legs and toned midriff in a sultry co-ord piece at the 1997 MTV Video Music Awards.
While a the designer of the jaw-dropping ensemble isn’t known, the iconic outfit’s thigh slit and chic strappy crop top have been remembered to this day.
In 2020, as she geared up to release her memoir The Meaning of Mariah Carey , the hitmaker told an interview with CBS Sunday Morning that her marriage to the music executive was ‘like having a completely controlling father or warden’.
Mariah recalled a moment during her marriage to Tommy when she decided to leave their house with rapper Da Brat, who she was collaborating on an Always Be my Baby remix with, alongside Jermaine Dupri and Xscape.
But at the time, even a simple outing caused ‘huge drama,’ she said.
‘I was like, yeah, let’s go for a ride because it was normal for most people to just leave their house and go literally five minutes down the street to get French fries or just take a ride,’ she said.
ELIZABETH HURLEY
The English actress, 60, had dated the Four Weddings and a Funeral star for 13 years and even though their break up was reported to be amicable, the gown indeed still encapsulates the spirit of revenge dressing
Elizabeth Hurley has had her fair share of iconic dress moments – but her appearance at West Hollywood’s Pacific Design Center in 2000 – months after her split from Hugh Grant, is a truly honourable mention in revenge dressing.
The English actress, 60, had dated the Four Weddings and a Funeral star for 13 years, and even though their break up was reported to be amicable, the gown did the job of showing him exactly what he’ll be missing.
She flaunted her curves in the revealing, champagne halter neck piece, adorned with glittering designs.
However it would seem that, even years later, the famous exes are still on good terms.
In 2021, Elizabeth discussed her ‘strong’ friendship with Hugh, saying that they ‘went through so much together’ as a couple.
She also revealed that she thinks the best way to ‘keep good relations with your exes’ is to have respect for their current life, partners and children.
The actress told People Magazine: ‘I’m still extremely good friends with Hugh, you know, we went through so much together.
‘But I’ve been thinking, one of the most important things to keep good relations with your exes is to have a lot of respect for their current life.
‘We haven’t been romantically involved for 20 years, I think, even though we have such a strong friendship, but we’re always very aware that there are other people in our lives.’
KYLIE JENNER
The snaps came after allegations that her partner Travis Scott – who the reality star shares two children with – cheated on her with a former girlfriend
It’s not rare for the Kardashian-Jenner sisters to pose up a storm in Instagram photoshoots – but in October 2022, Kylie sent social media into a frenzy when she posted sultry snaps in a faux-leather bodysuit.
The photoshoot came following allegations that her partner Travis Scott – who the reality star shares two children with – cheated on her with a former girlfriend.
Make-up mogul Kylie posed intimately in her bedroom – using a Balenciaga bag as a prop.
Sporting a sultry look, one of the posts’ captions cheekily read, ‘in ur dreams’, prompting many to link it to the scandalous rumours.
‘It’s giving you can’t have any,’ one user commented. ‘Massive L on Travis, he lost a one in a million,’ another added.
Only days later, the rapper jumped onto Instagram to defend himself against the allegations.
He quickly responded to an Instagram video posted by a woman named Rojean Kar in which the two reportedly were seen on the same music video set.
The two allegedly had a fling before the singer began dating reality star, Kylie Jenner, according to TMZ. However, Travis claimed the woman was actually an ‘uninvited guest’ on the set and additionally stated that he doesn’t ‘know this person.’
DailyMail.com reached out to Travis’ representatives for comment at the time.
KATIE HOLMES
According to Harper’s Bazaar, searches for the brand increased by 217 per cent after Katie’s debut of the look
Katie Holmes has had her fair share of incredible looks – but her 2019 knitwear ensemble perfectly demonstrated the very essence of a revenge ‘dress’ – looking both comfortable and confident.
The cardigan and bralette – from label Khaite – were one of the star’s first looks weeks after news of her break-up with Jamie Foxx became public.
Needless to say, social media was obsessed with the laid-back glam, which was both sophisticated and sexy.
According to Harper’s Bazaar, searches for the brand increased by 217 per cent after Katie’s debut.
The Dawson’s Creek star, 46, looked delightfully relaxed as she basked in the last of the summer rays during a stroll in New York City.
Speaking to Vogue, the actress however admitted that she didn’t realise what a sensation it would become, revealing that she enjoyed the timeless nature of the pieces.
‘It was very comfortable and easy and I think they do such a good job with creating beautiful luxury items,’ she explained.
‘They are very accessible and classic so you can have it for a long time, and I like to shop that way.’
BEYONCE
While Sorry was the song that introduced the world to Becky With The Good Hair, Hold Up was the song that say Beyoncé unleash her fury at her, taking it out on some unlucky cars
The album explored various themes, including various references, seemingly to her marriage with rapper Jay-Z
Nobody does fierce like Beyoncé – and the iconic artist proved that and more, when she released Lemonade in 2016, which went on to win countless accolades.
The album explored various themes, including various seeming references to her marriage with rapper Jay-Z.
One of the songs, Hold Up, in particular drew attention – not only because of its biting lyrics but due to its electrifying music video – in which the star dons a stunning mustard yellow dress.
The ensemble is both ethereal and figure-accentuating, channelling a regal nature as Beyoncé took a bat to her surroundings in the clip, which she released on her 35th birthday.
While Sorry was the song that introduced the world to Becky With The Good Hair, Hold Up was the song they saw the singer unleash her fury at her, taking it out on some unlucky cars.
The two-part video opened with her Denial interlude poem, in a visual which saw the star float in a completely submerged bedroom, watching her sleeping self.
Segueing into the song, she opened the doors wearing the exquisite layered yellow dress as the waters gushed out behind her.
The lyrics of the track had fans wincing for both Becky and Jay-Z, and many assumed the rapper had cheated on the former Destiny’s Child star upon first listen.
‘I don’t want to lose my pride but I’m going to f*ck up a b*tch,’ she sang. ‘What’s worse, looking jealous or crazy?’.
BELLA HADID
The star (pictured left and right), 26, was no doubt determined to put on a spectacular show reminding The Weeknd of exactly what he is missing
Bella Hadid made a show-stopping appearance at the 2017 Met Gala in a glittering catsuit – and very little else.
And the model likely had in her mind that her former boyfriend of two years, The Weeknd, would be attending the event with his then-new squeeze Selena Gomez.
The star, 29, was no doubt determined to put on a spectacular show reminding the recording artist of exactly what he is missing.
She left hardly anything to the imagination in the backless Alexander Wang number, which perfectly showcased her long legs and flawless figure, completing the look with a pair of stilettos.
Luckily, though, Bella had the support of her family at the Met Gala as sister Gigi, also a model, mother Yolanda and brother Anwar were on the exclusive guest list too.
JENNIFER ANISTON
The star, 56, looked phenomenal in the halter neck design, looking glamorous in the champagne-hued ensemble at the premiere of her movie Derailed
It’s difficult to forget the drama which gripped Hollywood when Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston split to make way for ‘Brangelina’.
While gossip in 2005 – when they finally divorced – ran rampant, with many pitying ‘poor Jen’, the star paid no mind to the tattle and showed showed everyone she won’t be defined by her romance in a shimmering, golden dress.
The actress, 56, looked phenomenal in the halter neck design, appearing glamorous in the champagne-hued ensemble at the premiere of her movie, Derailed.
Jennifer showed Tinsel town – and the rest of the world – that she was still every bit the glitzy, shining gem she is without Brad on her arm.
Fast forward to this week, and Jennifer went Instagram official with her Hollywood hypnotist and ‘love guru’ boyfriend Jim Curtis.
The Friends star shared a sweet black and white photo of her hugging Curtis, 50, to mark his birthday.
‘Happy birthday my love. Cherished,’ she captioned the post, along with a red heart emoji. Curtis commented on the snap with a kissing face emoji.
JENNIFER LOPEZ
Jennifer Lopez donned a daring Tamara Ralph gown at the premiere of her film Unstoppable in September last year following the news of her divorce from Ben Affleck
When Jennifer Lopez took to the red carpet in September last year amid her divorce from Ben Affleck, she stunned in a nearly-naked revenge dress.
The actress arrived at the premiere for her film, Unstoppable, dressed in a revealing Tamara Ralph gown with head-to-toe side slits.
She carried a metallic Judith Leiber clutch, accessorized with Hassanzadeh jewelry and Dolce & Gabbana platform sandals.
In an interview with People after the event, Lopez revealed that she was hesitant about wearing the uber revealing Tamara Ralph dress.
‘There was a discussion about whether I should or shouldn’t. And I was like, f**k it,’ she told the outlet.
At the time of the premiere, the Jenny from the Block singer was grappling with the end of her relationship with Affleck.
She has since declared that her divorce from the actor was the ‘best thing that ever happened’ to her.
While reflecting on their split over a year later, the 56-year-old actress admitted that their split ‘changed’ her and ‘helped me grow in a way that I needed to grow.’
Back in August 2024, Lopez filed for divorce from Affleck on their second wedding anniversary, citing ‘irreconcilable differences.’
After their divorce was finalised earlier this year, she said she ‘had so much fun’, but later admitted it has been a ‘tough time’.