The 31 Most Iconic Gowns of All Time

There are gowns, and then there are the gowns. The gowns women around the world idolize and model their wedding dresses and formal wear after. And the last few centuries are full of dresses that have long outlasted their wearers and established young starlets as timeless icons for the ages.

From Marie-Antoinette's 18th-century Robe á la Française, which defined generations of fashion, to modern looks from the red carpet and Met Galas, we're highlighting some of history's most iconic gowns—and the incredible women who wore them so well.

Red, black, white, and gold hues dominate this list, with pops of pastel and neon and some of the most dazzling jewels of all time along the way. These timeless looks serve as fashion inspiration across the globe and are sure to influence for decades to come.