Are you a boutique or dress wholesaler looking to get into the higher end segment of the dress market?

While many fashion sellers focus on the lower and medium end range of the market, there is a strong retail market segment that consists of dresses in the $1,000 range.

Whether you a store owner looking for more expensive wholesale clothing, or you're a consumer looking to wear higher unique clothing, you should enjoy this list.

25 $1,000 Brand Name Dresses

Wearing dresses is like a Rite of Passage – no girl ever went through life without having to wear one. Whether it is an informal gathering where you wear a simple day or evening dress, or a formal one for your prom night, debut party or wedding, dresses have been our statement for centuries.

In ancient societies, women wore tunics overlaid with fabrics. During the Middle Ages, women continued to wear tunics; however, wearing fabric became a way for nobility to showcase their wealth. By adding more fabric to tunics, females could show off their position in society. From this, dresses evolved. Thus, the tunic was reduced to merely peasant-wear, and gowns became the symbol of high society. Clothing became so important during the Middle Ages that laws were passed about what types of clothing people of various social strata could and could not wear.

There are so many reasons to get dressed like a queen or a princess, simply look like a beautiful simple chic on a date or reunion. Here are some dress ideas for you that you wish to lavish yourself on that’s worth about a thousand dollars.

Wedding Dresses

A wedding dress or wedding gown is the clothing worn by a bride during a wedding ceremony. Color, style and ceremonial importance of the gown can depend on the religion and culture of the wedding participants. Most brides choose a dress of white to symbolize purity of the soul.

Wedding rituals have existed in many beliefs for centuries, but the Western wedding gown as we know it — white and once-in-a-lifetime profligate — hasn't always been the norm for brides. For example, the white wedding gown is modern, only about 180 years old. Here's how the white wedding came to be.

Why Wwhite?

Queen Victoria started the craze for the white wedding dress. She wore plain white to marry Prince Albert in 1840, and generated a trend that's continued to this day — but, astonishingly, she didn't wear it to signify purity. She just wore it because, well, she liked white.

The implications of virginity we know so well today happened later in her reign, as the romantic Victorians admired innocent brides and their wholesome white gowns. "It is a motif of their purity and innocence of girlhood, and the untarnished heart she now yields to the chosen one," said the Godey's Lady's Book (a bit sickeningly) a decade later.

What did they wear before white?

What did brides often wear instead? Something blue, as blue was associated with the Virgin Mary, so it meant purity, and more notably, it didn't display stains.

Back in the day, wedding gowns could be almost any color or style, depending on where you came from. The early Celts liked red wedding dresses because they implied fertility, and you wore black if you were wedding a widower or your last husband had died (which happened a lot). Shoddier brides wore their best church dresses, which were sometimes patterned.

There is a rhyme from the mid-1800s recorded in the Farmer's Almanac:

Wedded in White, you have chosen right

Wedded in Grey, you will go far away

Wedded in Black, you will wish yourself back,

Wedded in Red, you will wish yourself dead,

Wedded in Green, ashamed to be seen,

Wedded in Blue, you will always be true,

Wedded in Pearl, you will live in a whirl,

Wedded in Yellow, ashamed of your fellow,

Wedded in Brown, you will live in the town,

Wedded in Pink, your spirit will sink.

And so, White became the standard.

Today though, we mostly use white wedding gowns, especially we want to have a solemn church or garden wedding. Here are some great wedding dress ideas for you that fits your one thousand dollar budget.

1. A Greek Goddess for a Bride

Grecian-inspired draping on one long swoosh of tulle elongates the body and shows off the new erogenous zone: the shoulders. This Greek inspired wedding dress will surely give you that sexy look.

Melissa Sweet Gown Style MS251007

$950

davidsbridal.com

2. This body-hugging draped dress lets you show off your sex appeal without looking like you're about to do a wild, quickie Vegas wedding.

Wtoo Isla Gown

$999

wtoo.com

3. You have tons to worry about on your big day, so why not knock a few things off the list? The gorgeous satin wedding dress is impeccable for brides who don't want to strain about having faultlessly steamed gown while the beaded embellishment means there's no necklace required.

Claudine for Alyce Bridal Gown Style 7861

$998

alyceparis.com

4. Looking totally girly your thing? You're in luck: This lace-covered fit-and-flare with cap sleeves shows off your shape and will wow guests.

Melissa Sweet Gown Style MS251005

$950

davidsbridal.com

5. What do you get when you combine a sweetheart neckline, a blingy belt, and a romantic train? We say a confectionary creation, but you might just call it a-ma-zing!

Maggie Sottero Kensington Gown

$998

maggiesottero.com

6. The Perfect Ball Gown

Luminous rhinestones and crystal beading add glamor to the classic ball gown silhouette of this romantic signature bridal gown. The fully gathered net overlay skirt is beaded to match, embedded with beads too. Available sizes in 0 to 18;16W to 26W.

Alfred Angelo Signature Bridal Collection

$1000-$1499

7. Chic Bride

A dress with sheath silhouette made from laec fabric, this is an sophisticated dress to remember. It has a lace over lavish satin sheath wedding gown featuring Diamante beading on its sweetheart neckline, low back, and sexy spaghetti straps. The back zips up with ease under matching crystal buttons. The Knot provides price estimates to give you a general idea of the cost of a dress. Please visit retailers in your area for exact pricing. Prices will vary by region. Available in sizes 2-20.

Essense of Australia

$1000-$1499

8. Cold shoulder, portrait neckline with embellished shoe string straps and Swarovski crystal neckline adorn this lightweight A-line gown. Scalloped lace trails to a crystal button over zipper back closure. Available in sizes 0-28.

Maggie Sottero

$1000-$1499

9. If you're looking for an adorable twist to the classic ball gown, consider wearing this tea length tulle ball gown. Complete with sheer three-quarter length sleeves, a plunging V-back, and a bateau neckline, this darling dress is any young bride's first choice. Complete with lace appliques and scallop trim for a fun and flirty finish. Available in sizes 2-28

Moonlight Tango

$750-$999

10. Strapless Soft Tulle Ball Gown with Sweetheart Neckline & Embroidered Lace Appliqués. 3D Flowers Accent the Bodice & Cascade Down the A-Line Skirt. Colors Available: White, Ivory, Nude. Available in sizes 2-28.

Morilee by Madeline Gardner

$1000-$1499

11. Classic trumpet gown with soft-rushing on the bodice and crystal beaded detail at the waist, featuring a rich and luxe gold color, and great simple and light style for all sizes. Plus Size Available.

Jasmine Collection

$1000-$1499

12. Bring out the princess in you.

Sparkling asymmetry draws the eye to this strapless ballgown's full skirt. With a floor length skirt, this dress is sure to give you that beautiful damsel look. This wedding dress has a sweetheart neckline with natural waistline design made from tulle fabric and lace embellishment.

Allure Bridals

$1000-$1499

PROM AND PARTY DRESSES

High school prom is a happy memory or not-so-happy memory for some, but we can all agree that it's plain fun to dress up like a beautiful princess for one day of the whole year. Shopping for those long, elegant and colorful dresses with your friends, getting your hair, nails and makeup done — it was so easy to feel like a pretty, pretty princess for just a day.

If you were fortunate, you had the opportunity to go to more than two proms. But no matter how many more than two is still not enough. And now, those beautiful and expensive dresses are sitting in the back of your closet, probably begging to come out. Here are some beautiful prom and party dresses you want to dress up in.

Once you’re looking in the right place, you will want to know what to avoid. Here are just a few things to be wary of:

Sparkly chunks of plastic/glitter/anything that might just make you look a little too much like a Disney Princess

Dresses with massive poof — it usually looks far sillier than you realize

Very complex dresses — not an altogether horrible idea, but be sure that it is still elegant

Very simple dresses — meaning no structure at all. Unless you have an absolutely killer body, you want to find something that does a little more for your figure

Anything too flowy — you aren’t getting a dress to wear while frolicking in the meadow

Very thin straps on a dress that could be strapless. They will make your shoulders look fat, and they always look like they are about to rip.

Strapless dresses — not because of fashion, strapless dresses totally work for Prom, but because you will be dancing in this and you don’t want to spend the entire evening pulling your dress up. Make sure it fits snugly around your chest.

And we’ll say it again, anything that is too revealing

To most of those rules, there are exceptions. Sparkles can look amazing. Complex dresses can work. Thin straps can look gorgeous on the right person. The one rule to never break, though, is the last one. Seriously, don’t dress for sexy. Dress for beautiful.

Now here’s is the million dollar question: short or long? Our answer is either, however for each option be mindful of the following rules.

Short Dresses: Here we go again with the “cover up” advice: Remember the fingertip rule? This rule applies to your Prom dress, and maybe a little more. Please, ladies, keep it classy; we know you are.

Long Dresses: Make sure it is properly hemmed. Not too short, not too long. Figure out which shoes you are wearing early and wear them when the tailor is pinning your dress, this way the length will turn out perfect.

Essentially, when looking for a Prom dress, the rules are less about what to do and more about what not to do. Most importantly, you need to feel like a princess. So please, Prom-going women, pick carefully and embrace the inner classy lady that we know you all can be.

13. Opt for this elegant Sherri Hill dress 11314 for your engagement or reception dress. Made in lace from head-to-toe this long dress showcases thin straps with a plunging neckline and illusion inset. The dainty beaded belt helps define your waistline and leads into the full a line skirt. Pair with pearl earrings and a single strand bracelet.

Sherri Hill Lace A Line Dress

$1,150

14. Look absolutely amazing in this stunning Vizcaya ball gown dress style 89138 by Morilee. Showcases a scoop neckline, dainty cap sleeves, and matching stole. Nude bodice is embellished with a combination of dazzling clear crystals and milky color stones that continue around back highlighting a cutout and corset lace up back. Organza skirt has large ruffles that ends with a lovely sweep train. Search for more Morilee long dresses at PromDressShop.com.

Vizcaya Organza Beaded Dress

$998

15. Make a grand entrance in this stunning Jovani prom dress 45997 at your senior prom. All eyes will be on you in this magnificent mermaid silhouette that showcases a beaded halter neckline on the fitted bodice completely encrusted in crystals and beads with has illusion detail and large keyhole open back. The layers of tulle on the floor sweeping trumpet bottom creates a dramatic tone. See more of the amazing Jovani collection at PromDressShop.com.

Jovani Fitted Mermaid Dress

$990

16. Look absolutely regal in this stunning Sherri Hill dress 32343. Long gown showcases a plunging neckline with an illusion inset. The fitted silhouette with sweep train is fully embellished with vertical beaded patterns. Gorgeous scoop open back has a lower zipper closure. Complete your pageant look with minimal accessories.

Sexy Plunging Neckline Sherri Hill Dress

$1,050

17. Perfect for the bold fashionista, this Sherri Hill prom dress style 51048 is a beautiful gown sure to make an entrance to any upcoming event. This dress has a high illusion sweetheart neckline to give your look a unique twist. The fitted bodice is adorned with gleaming bead work in a flirty design. The long skirt is covered with light and whimsical feathers to have you in the center of all the attention. Find this and more at PromDressShop.com

Sherri Hill Hight Neckline Beaded Dress

$1,050

PAGEANT GOWNS

Whether you’re competing in a Miss or Teen pageant, there comes that moment when you need to Say Yes to the Dress – the evening gown, that is.

There are so many choices when it comes to evening gowns. It could be sequined, lacy, poufy, tight, short, or long. All that really matters is that the dress represents your essence when you’re onstage. While the style of your dress is important, the color of your evening gown also plays into the vibe you’ll portray to the judges and the audience.

Angelena Plummer – a licensed professional counselor and certified professional coach in Rapid City, SD – says, “Color can both enhance and inhibit our moods, attitudes, and self-expression. Start by becoming aware of what colors feel the best for you. Be aware of the colors that lift your confidence and your spirit. Which colors do you have the most fun in?”

In other words, these are your precious moments on stage where all eyes are fixed on you. Make your time count by choosing the color of dress that best radiates the personality you hope to portray.

Based on my years observing and coaching pageants, I’ve created my own guide based on what evening gown colors can reflect onto your personality:

Black. You are wise, reserved, refined and elegant. You might also be edgy and have a mysterious side. Choosing the color black is often an unpopular choice in pageants – possibly because of the association with funerals – but because it’s not a popular color, it makes the woman who does choose this color stand out as unique. In its favor, black is a classic color that never goes out of style. It also flatters every body shape by slimming it. I recommend this color for Miss contestants, who are in a more mature phase of their lives than Teens.

White. You are pure, innocent, virginal, and angelic. White is likely the most popular color for pageant evening gowns. Since many of the contestants will choose a white gown, the problem is that you won’t stand out if you also pick it. It’s one of the safest pageant dress colors on the planet. Therefore, it can work to your advantage or your disadvantage. The key is: don’t let the white dress wear you. You must wear the white dress. Selecting a white dress with unique beading, detail work, or cutting is a good choice, because at least you will have a chance of being noticed. White works for both Miss and Teen contestants.

Gray. Just don’t. Go bold – pick white or black instead of gray. Gray is an ashen color that washes people out and doesn’t have much of a “Wow” factor. Gray is fine for prom, but not for the spotlights of pageantry.

Champagne. This is the white dress’ stepsister. You aren’t as innocent as the girl who wears white, but you are still wholesome. Champagne can be a great alternative for Miss or Teen contestants who want to stray from the traditional white gown, but who don’t want to stray too far. Tip: Look for a dress with some bling. Champagne excels when it has some sparkle.

Red. You are vibrant, vivacious, and confident. In other words, you’re a firecracker! You are classy but you also have a trendy edge. Red is one of my personal favorite colors for pageant gowns, because it complements almost any skin tone and hair color, and it emanates energy. Red is a good choice for both Teens and Misses.

Pink/Peach. You are soft, delicate, tranquil, and kind. Pink or peach are great colors for those with fair skin and blonde hair. This color family is perfect for Teens, but a dress in this shade might read too young or babyish for Misses.

Blue. You are intelligent, precise, level-headed, and powerful. Blue projects immense confidence and class. In my mind, blue reads future politician, CEO, doctor or lawyer. It’s a color that is suitable for both Misses and Teens, and a color that is growing in popularity among winning pageant gowns.

Purple. You are regal, sophisticated, and adventurous. Your style is rich and respectable, but you also have a bit of a wild side. Purple is a great color for all ages of Misses and Teens; and it stands out as fun, yet Queen-like onstage.

Green. You are earthy, like a precious gem. You are smart, cunning and diplomatic in your interactions with others. You may be slightly quirky. Green is a vibrant color for Misses and Teens who want to get noticed.

Yellow/Orange. You are sassy, have a great sense of humor, and an artistic side. Yellow and orange aren’t my favorite colors for pageant dresses, because they seem a bit too experiential for my preference. I think they are better for Teens because they have a younger and more carefree vibe.

“Avoid colors that don’t give you a lift or spark joy in your world,” Plummer concludes. “The famous American poet Ralph Waldo Emerson said, Nature always wears the colors of the spirit.’ Be true to yourself, and wear the colors of your spirit.”

No matter what color you pick, confidence will take you to places you can never imagine – and the gown too. Here are some pageant gown ideas for you for a thousand dollar budget.

18. Using a black crepe fabric for this style, this stunning floor-length pageant dress is sure to give your audience a hard time looking away. The front of the dress has a closed straight naeckline, but when you turn around, a surprise of a v shaped back embedded with beads will leave your audience in awe.

TARIK EDIZ 92057

$1040

19. Brand New Claire's Collection Dress, Size 6. Halter top with exquisite beading on front and back of dress. Built in cups and elastic waist band inside dress that helps the dress fit to the body like a glove. Beautiful train in a sheer material that has been gorgeously embellished. This unique dress will gain you second looks by the judges!

Beautiful Claire's Collection Pink Gown

$979.00

COCKTAIL DRESSES

These days, a cocktail party can be anything from a glamorous society affair with that glittery knee-length number from the “special occasions” departmentto a low-key group of friends grouped around a platter of crudités. Mostly, “cocktail parties are usually about casual dresses, so you can’t go wrong if you wear a top with some distinct details and a skirt or custom-made pants, plus heels or fancy flats,” says Williamson. “Avoid too casual clothes like chino, jersey, and denim.”

A tailored cashmere or fine-gauge merino-wool top with a knee-length satin skirt, heels, earrings, and stacked bangles is just right, he says. Sue Fox, an etiquette authority based in Paso Robles, California, and the author of Etiquette for Dummies ($22, amazon.com), also suggests a pantsuit, provided it doesn’t look too corporate.

Here are some cocktail dresses for your thousand dollar budget.

20. Italian designer Valentino Garavani held his first significant show in 1962 at Florence's Pitti Palace, an appropriate setting for his opulent collection. Gorgeous lace, feminine details, gossamer-like chiffon, and a vibrant shade of red were Valentino's hallmarks. Today, Pierpaolo Piccioli honors the house's heritage while adding more modern touches.

Italian Sizing

Valentino Garavani

$1300

21. A great partnership was born when best friends Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig met in college. A few years after graduating and working in separate fashion fields, they created Notte by Marchesa—named after the eccentric '20s society icon Marchesa Luis Casati. Their vintage-inspired designs make the line a celebrity and socialite favorite.

Marchesa Notte

Strapless 3D Floral Cocktail Dress, Lilac

$1,095.00

22. After a few years' break from fashion, in which Chiara Boni dedicated herself to politics with an important role in the Regione Toscana, Chiara asked herself a new question: "What would I wear?" This pushed her to create a brand new concept: La Petite Robe di Chiara Boni, in 2007. Elegance, comfortable, versatility, and great fits are key drivers of this line. Perfectly folded up in an organza pouch, her creations represent the ideal wardrobe for traveling.

La Petite Robe di Chiara Boni

Lady Cap-Sleeve Peplum Mermaid Gown

$1,190.00

23. After time at Christian Dior and Nina Ricci, designer Carmen Marc Valvo debuted his self-named line in 1989. The collection includes ready-to-wear, glamorous evening gowns often worn on Hollywood's red carpets, and exquisitely made swimwear.

Carmen Marc Valvo

Chiffon Toga Gown, Black

$1,075.00

LITTLE BLACK DRESSES

During tight economic times, the “little black dress” is one of the best fashion investments you can make. Every petite woman looks great in it. Here are five good reasons to own the little black dress (LBD):

The little black dress never goes out of style.

The little black dress was introduced to the fashion world by Coco Chanel and remains a timeless classic for every petite woman’s wardrobe. In 1926 Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel issued a picture of a short, simple black dress in Vogue that is calf-length, straight, and decorated only by a few diagonal lines. Vogue called it “Chanel’s Ford.” This little black dress was simple and accessible for women of all social classes.

Vogue also alleged that the LBD would become “a sort of uniform for all women of taste.”

The little black dress looks right for any occasion.

You can dress it up or dress it down. The best little black dresses go right from the office to a formal affair with just a change of accessories.

You can be all business in a little black dress with a brightly colored jacket and patent leather pumps.

That same little black dress paired pearls and strap black beaded sandals can take you out for a night on the town!

The little black dress is unmatched in versatility.

The only possible equivalent is a men’s navy blazer. The little black dress solves the dilemma of what to wear because it always looks right! You can wear your little black dress everywhere, special events and always on holiday occasions you simply can’t go wrong. Hollywood celebrities got it down when it comes to the LBD, so if you are ever in doubt go black you just can’t miss! By Ann Lauren

24. Scottish designer Christopher Kane turned heads as soon as he launched his line in 2006. His edgy yet wearable clothes often feature eye-catching embellishments or colors. Christopher's sister Tammy is co-owner of the company and oversees not only the business side of things but also uses her own fashion expertise to guide fabric choices.

UK Sizing

Christopher Kane

Sleeveless Side-Slit Midi Dress, Black

$1,095.00

25. After apprenticing at Balenciaga in Spain and at Lanvin in Paris, Dominican designer Oscar de la Renta launched his own eponymous line in 1965. His refined, ladylike looks garnered many awards, including one in 1990 for Lifetime Achievement. In 1998, he launched a successful line of lingerie; the house now includes collections of eyewear, fragrance, home decor, handbags, and shoes. In October of 2014, Peter Copping was appointed Creative Director of Oscar de la Renta. Hand picked by Mr. de la Renta before his passing, Peter is responsible for setting the design direction across all product categories in the New York based company.

Oscar de la Renta

Scoop-Back Lace-Cuff Sheath Dress, Black

$990.00

When you dress up, you feel great, you act happier and you're more personable towards the people around you. First impression is truly based off of your appearance. When you look the part people will believe you can perform better. Dressing up does not really require you to spend a lot of money on, however, you also must understand that these wonderful and stunning dresses are made by designers – experts who spent their time, money and intellect to give you that look you always wanted.

It wouldn’t really hurt to spend a few more dollars for a dress, if your goal is to really impress. But best of all, your dresses, whether it be a wedding dress, prom dress, or a cocktail one, you must always remember to be confident and strut your way up and that gown with beauty.

So, put on a pretty outfit and walk out that door feeling confident and sexy. Start each day with a positive attitude and a bold appearance. As Rachel Zoe says, “Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.”