Occasion Dresses: 30 Showstoppers That'll Steal The Spotlight

Ensure you look nothing short of breathtaking at your next glamorous event by shopping our selection of dazzling dresses worthy of a red carpet.

Occasion Dresses
Occasion Dresses
(Image credit: Rex Features)

Ensure you look nothing short of breathtaking at your next glamorous event by shopping our selection of dazzling dresses worthy of a red carpet.

It's not often you indulge in a decadent occasion dress fit for the flashbulbs of a red carpet. But when you do, we understand it's a tough task finding the perfect shaped evening gown to flaunt your figure.

Throw into the sartorial mix the right amount of detail, embellishment and fabric to suit your style, as well as a colour you can't tear your gaze from, and you find yourself struggling to snap up the occasion dress you ve dreamt about.

So, whether you want to stun in a gorgeous floor-length gown like Gwyneth Paltrow at The Oscars in 2012 or parade your pins in a flirty mini frock à la Laura Whitmore at 2013 s Brit Awards, we ve scanned a host of chic online stores and hand-picked 30 occasion dresses that'll ensure all eyes are on your striking silhouette...

Occasion Dresses

 

Occasion Dresses

Occasion Dresses

Occasion Dresses
(Image credit: Rex Features)

 

Alice By Temperley Regalia Lace And Georgette Gown, £525

Alice By Temperley Regalia Lace And Georgette Gown, £525

Occasion Dresses
(Image credit: Net-A-Porter)

Stand out in this deep coral maxi at any occasion. Wear with metallic accessories for maximum impact.

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Topshop Limited Edition Strappy Bias Cut Dress, £165

Topshop Limited Edition Strappy Bias Cut Dress, £165

Occasion Dresses
(Image credit: Topshop)

This satin Topshop maxi will make you feel amazing. We love the classic shape teamed with the interesting neckline.

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Roberto Cavalli Embellished Leather Mini Dress, £589.50

Roberto Cavalli Embellished Leather Mini Dress, £589.50

Occasion Dresses
(Image credit: The Outnet)

Channel a Gatsby vibe with a contemporary twist in this leather flapper girl dress.

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Miss Selfridge Aztec Beaded Midi Dress, £89

Miss Selfridge Aztec Beaded Midi Dress, £89

Occasion Dresses
(Image credit: Miss Selfridge)

We love the icy blue of this beaded midi dress. Dress it down with a blazer and black courts.

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Matthew Williamson Silk Chiffon Gown, £1,695

Matthew Williamson Silk Chiffon Gown, £1,695

Occasion Dresses
(Image credit: Net-A-Porter)

Guarantee feeling TOTALLY incredible in this Matthew Williamson gown. Have you ever seen such an intricate neckline? Didn't think so...

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Ted Baker Pleated Maxi Dress, £199

Ted Baker Pleated Maxi Dress, £199

Occasion Dresses
(Image credit: Ted Baker)

Show off a winter tan in this gorgeous mint green maxi.

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Somerset By Alice Temperley Cap Sleeze Sequin Dress, £299

Somerset By Alice Temperley Cap Sleeze Sequin Dress, £299

Occasion Dresses
(Image credit: John Lewis)

This dress makes us want to go out dancing NOW - and that's no mean feat in this weather. Wear with delicate strap sandals so you don't take attention from the detail.

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Victoria Beckham Belted Wool And Silk Blend Gown, £1,225

Victoria Beckham Belted Wool And Silk Blend Gown, £1,225

Occasion Dresses
(Image credit: Net-A-Porter)

You're guaranteed to stand out in this red Victoria Beckham number - and it's wool and silk, meaning it's perfect for the winter months.

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Miss Selfridge Gold Foil Drape Maxi Dress, £45

Miss Selfridge Gold Foil Drape Maxi Dress, £45

Occasion Dresses
(Image credit: Miss Selfridge)

Work a luxe look in this metallic dress - and stay warm with an elegant fur stole.

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Miss Selfridge Empire Beaded Maxi Dress, £95

Miss Selfridge Empire Beaded Maxi Dress, £95

Occasion Dresses
(Image credit: Miss Selfridge)

Fancy something dark and elegant? This beaded maxi is perfect for a party.

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Somerset By Alice Temperley Short Sequin Dress, £249

Somerset By Alice Temperley Short Sequin Dress, £249

Occasion Dresses
(Image credit: John Lewis)

Make a statement with this short sequinned dress and flatforms.

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Reiss Leather Maxi Cognac Dress, £495

Reiss Leather Maxi Cognac Dress, £495

Occasion Dresses
(Image credit: Reiss)

Ever wondered how you can make a maxi more sexy? Here's your answer: opt for leather.

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Reiss Alice Raspberry Maxi Dress, £195

Reiss Alice Raspberry Maxi Dress, £195

Occasion Dresses
(Image credit: Reiss)

Stay on-trend and pink with this raspberry maxi. You'll be sure to stand out against a sea of black and navy dresses.

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Ted Baker Feather Applique Motif Dress, £399

Ted Baker Feather Applique Motif Dress, £399

Occasion Dresses
(Image credit: Ted Baker)

This Ted Baker dress reminds us of the ballet tu-tus of yesteryears, and we love it.

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Vineet Bahl Embellished Swiss Dot Tulle Dress, £475

Vineet Bahl Embellished Swiss Dot Tulle Dress, £475

Occasion Dresses
(Image credit: Net-A-Porter)

Have you ever seen such a special dress? We haven't. This Vineet Bahl tulle dress looks a lot more expensive than the £475 price tag.

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Notte By Marchesa Lace Peplum Gown, £865

Notte By Marchesa Lace Peplum Gown, £865

Occasion Dresses
(Image credit: Net-A-Porter)

Channel red carpet glamour in this gorgeous white Marchesa maxi.

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Zara Long Gathered Dress, £79.99

Zara Long Gathered Dress, £79.99

Occasion Dresses
(Image credit: Zara)

Fancy something a little more low-key? This Grecian-inspired green maxi will ensure you stand out without looking too dressed up.

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Phase Eight Sequin Gold Dress, £295

Phase Eight Sequin Gold Dress, £295

Occasion Dresses
(Image credit: John Lewis)

Metallics are big this season, and what better way to wear them than in a maxi dress.

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Paul Smith Black Lace Panel Silk Dress, £375

Paul Smith Black Lace Panel Silk Dress, £375

Occasion Dresses
(Image credit: Paul Smith)

This elegant lace dress is versatile enough to wear to any party, as well as dinners and drinks. Make an impact with colour pop heels.

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Coast Natalya Dress, £195

Coast Natalya Dress, £195

Occasion Dresses
(Image credit: Coast)

Feel like working a pretty 60s look? Team this babydoll-style dress with peeptoes.

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Halston Heritage Stretch Jersey Gown, £370

Halston Heritage Stretch Jersey Gown, £370

Occasion Dresses
(Image credit: Net-A-Porter)

Any dress that makes us look like Keira Knightley in Atonement one bit, we love.

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Coast Millie Lace Maxi Dress, £195

Coast Millie Lace Maxi Dress, £195

Occasion Dresses
(Image credit: Coast)

Go for old school glamour in a red maxi, minimal eye make-up and classic red lipstick.

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Coast Delphinus Maxi Dress, £450

Coast Delphinus Maxi Dress, £450

Occasion Dresses
(Image credit: Coast)

This classic beaded maxi dress will compliment curves perfectly.

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Coast Jazzy Red Dress, £160

Coast Jazzy Red Dress, £160

Occasion Dresses
(Image credit: Coast)

We love the voluminous fringing of this jazzy red dress.

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Alice + Olivia Sequined Silk Mini Dress, £364.98

Alice + Olivia Sequined Silk Mini Dress, £364.98

Occasion Dresses
(Image credit: The Outnet)

Sequins can be too much, but this Alice + Olivia dress gets it just right with this casual cut.

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Ariella Aria Beaded Dress, £229

Ariella Aria Beaded Dress, £229

Occasion Dresses
(Image credit: John Lewis)

Fancy something classic? With the cut and colour of this dress, you can't go far wrong. Wear with silver heels.

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H&M Chiffon Dress, £29.99

H&M Chiffon Dress, £29.99

Occasion Dresses
(Image credit: H&M)

Flash a bit of skin at the Christmas party in this sexy thin-strapped mini dress.

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Coast Harrika Dress, £195

Coast Harrika Dress, £195

Occasion Dresses
(Image credit: Coast)

We love the voluminous skirt on this Coast dress, and the icy colour keeps the outlandish cut elegant.

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Phase Eight Full Length Black Dress, £350

Phase Eight Full Length Black Dress, £350

Occasion Dresses
(Image credit: John Lewis)

Channel red carpet glamour in this gorgeous black maxi.

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Karen Millen Colour Block Velvet Maxi Dress, £265

Karen Millen Colour Block Velvet Maxi Dress, £265

Occasion Dresses
(Image credit: Karen Millen)

Perfect for the Christmas party, this velvet maxi exudes luxury and glamour - if you fancy a little extra, wear with a fur stole.

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