With the party season approaching fast, we're all searching for that show-stopping party dress. Well we've hunted down the cream of the crop so you can forget the rest.
There are so many party dresses to choose from, and a lot of them are not worth your time. These ones on the other hand are from the Marie Claire edit – a selection of handpicked dresses from the team which we know will start the party this season.
Long or short, lace or beads, it’s all here. Party dresses come in all shapes and sizes and you need to be sure that you won’t just wear it once.
Harvey Nichols have put on an array of party dresses this season from brands such as House of Holland, Alice and Olivia and Mason by Michelle, not to mention the selection from The Outnet.

50 Party Dresses You’ll Never Wear Just Once
So get your party on this season with some extra special dresses.

Topshop Limited Edition Embellished Organza Shift Dress, £160
Ever since we spotted this gem on the X Factor, we couldn't get it out our heads. So when we found it at Topshop, we had to have it.

Miss Selfridge Beaded Lace Pencil Dress, £195
Miss Selfridge have laid on a beautiful array of vintage-inspired dresses for the season ahead. With beading and embroidery gallore, these party dresses will be special enough for the finest of occasions.

Alice and Olivia Elliotte Embellished Silk Chiffon Dress, £485
Add a little sparkle to your wardrobe - it is nearly Christmas after all. We're loving this embellished emerald dress from Harvey Nichols.

Zara Embroidered Satin Dress, £79.99
Feel utterly glamorous in this silky satin number from Zara.

Phase Eight Colette Sequin Full Length Dress, £295
You'll find your sexy siren dress at Phase Eight. With a fiery contrast of colours from hot to cold in this little number you're sure to warm up even the coldest nights.

Wallis Camouflage Belted Midi Dress, £38
If, for you, a party dress cannot be without the season's hottest trend running through it, then this camou belted midi is the one for you.

Topshop High Neck Satin Maxi Dress, £58
There's no need to worry about your hair or how you do your make-up with a dress that's as stunning as this one. For a more formal party, pick this Topshop high neck dress.

Mondrian Colour Block Silk Dress, £180
Colour blocking is a great way to coordinate with any shoes or any bags you might have at your disposal. Now that's smart dressing.

H&M Strapless Dress, £29.99
The perfect little black dress has landed at H&M. For a petite price tag of under £30 this is our new favourite old faithful.

French Connection Fauna Fantasy Embellished Dress, £250
French Connection is the go-to for party dresses. Make this Fauna fantasy dress your next weekend purchase.

French Connection Shimmer Midi Dress, £200
Go all Gatsby for this French Connection midi dress. With tons of sparkle and that 1920s vibe, this is a dress that's guaranteed to dazzle.

House of Holland Cigarette Jersey Dress, £145
If you're looking for a quirky alternative to party dressing, you'll find some delights at House of Holland. Pick up this fun jersey dress for fabulous fashion dressing this season.

Mango Combi Leather Dress, £149.99
Who can say no to a little leather in a weekend dress? Get the party started with this combination mini at Mango.

Asos Xmas Party Dress, £33
A classic shape and a spot-on party colourm this velour dress from Asos has skipped to the top of our wishlist.

Valentino Scalloped Sheer Panel Dress, £1,685
Balance the cut out trend with a long sleeve if you don't want to show too much skin for your party. This covered cut out has the perfect balance.

Karen Millen Jacquard Full Skirted Dress, £175
A-line skirts flatter every figure. Take your party dress back to its routes and embrace the look of a full skirt and tiny waist.

Herve Leger Dress, £590
Brave the bodycon to show off your figure at the party. The lines of this Herve Leger dress are sure to give you killer curves.

Mason By Michelle Mason Floral Mini, £420
Whether a wedding party or just a special occasion, florals are always a fashion hit. The contouring of this two tone mini is beautifully flattering, too.

H&M Jersey Dress, £9.99
Last minute dress, on a budget? This is the one. The H&M jersey dress in a pink-cum-coral colour had us at hello.

H&M Chiffon Dress, £49.99
A party dress is no fun if you can't float around a dance floor like you own it. Fall head over heels for this chiffon dress from H&M.

House of Fraser Colourful Lace Dress, £210
Everyone needs just one dress that makes them feel like a million dollars. This is definitely one of them, snap it up quick.

Finders Keepers Nightlight Crepe Mini Dress, £115
The stunning coral colour is the first thing to note about this party dress. The second is the exquisite crepe shape that, combined, make this dress a total Saturday night winner.

Karen Millen Colour Blocked Velvet Dress, £190
A classic high neck is a perfect option for a party - it's classy and sophisticated.

Jigsaw Georgette Trim Sequin Dress, £198
Make your party dress one that's positively angelic, like this Jigsaw Georgette dress. The colour and the sparkle scream glamour.

H&M Cupro Dress, £34.99
H&M present the loose-fiiting solution to the figure hugging midi. We love this midi because beneath the slouchy shape, there's still the seductress with sheer low-cut panelling.

Dorothy Perkins Blue Velvet Swing Dress, £23
If you're ready to dance this weekend, pick up a cute party dress. The Dorothy Perkins velvet blue dress was made for strong dance moves.

Jaeger V Panel Dress, £225
Sheer panelling is a style to look out for on the approach to the party season. This dress is one of our faves.

Dorothy Perkins Stone Sequin Embellished Dress, £55
If you're feeling the aztec fashion vibe it's worth checking out this gorgeous sparkly number at Dorothy Perkins this season.

ASOS Petite Exclusive Lace Jacquard Tulip Skirt Dress, £55
Combine gorgeous lace with florals for your party wardrobe. We're wearing purple this year for that ultra Christmassy vibe.

Coast Arletta Short Dress, £175
The detailing on this little black dress is so unique. Feel glam in an aline dress for your next party.

Oasis Amber Lace Sleeve Dress, £85
No need to splurge on that extra cover up for your party outfit when this beauty has long lace sleeves.

Phase Eight Fay Dress, £150
Get that instant 1920s glamour from a floaty at Phase Eight. With detailing on the bodice and fringed skirt you'll definitely be ready party.

The Outnet Peter Pilotto Ruffled Dress, £813
Put a little character back into your party wardrobe with some splashes of refreshing lime - they contrast perfectly with the monochrome to make one gorgeous outfit.

Reiss Opie Lace Fit And Flare Dress, £195
You won't be able to resist this sweet and angelic dress from Reiss. If you're party wants to be a pretty one, this is pick is ideal.

Miss Selfridge Embellished Maxi Dress, £180
Opt for a floor length gown for all out weekend glamour. You'll be the belle of the ball.

Mango Open Back Sequined Dress, £109.99
Who can resist a few sequins on the approach to the party season? That's no one and especially not when it comes to this mini.

Topshop Snake Cut Out Bodycon Dress, £45
Wear a snake print to try a new style this season. These mermaidian colours make a refreshing change for winter.

Warehouse Collar Dress, £65
A sequined collar is a great party option for your weekend purchase. Grab this sweet dress before it's gone.

Harvey Nichols Opening Ceremony Flared Lame Dress, £555
We've picked out a copper metallic dress that we can't take our eyes off. Get the attention of everyone in the room in this from Harvey Nichols.

French Connection Feline Wonder V Neck Dress, £89
Introduce some leopard print into your wardrobe and let your wild party side show.

John Lewis Alexon One Shoulder Jacquard Dress, £108
For a formal party, we recommend this Alexon dress. It's a total show-stopper in shimmering green.

Coast Goddess Short Dress, £135
If you dare to bare this season, it's all about this Coast dress with contouring cut outs. Try it in a bright cobalt blue for the full effect.

ASOS Paisley Velvet Dress
Wear a low 'V' to get elegance with sex appeal. The tapestry print is definitely one to watch, too.

French Connection Lavinia Lace Panel Dress, £110
Combine red with black for a really glorious party dress - you'll definitely be ready for the night in this lace dress.

Coast Elodie Dress, £250
Your party dress just got truly fabulous. In a glorious Christmas red you definitely have a dress that you'll wear and wear.

Coast Breita Short Dress, £175
Step away from the little black dress, it's time for the hot pink to have it's time at the party.

Warehouse Gold Embellished Jacquard Dress, £65
Gold must feature in your party wardrobe at this time of year, it's essential. Pick up Warehouse's beautiful jacquard dress.

The Outnet L’Wren Scott Bow Back Satin Dress, £585
Pluck a little black dress out of The Outnet's collection that has twice as much impact as any coloured item. We're in love.

Oasis Savannah Lace Skater Dress, £65
Sweet and simple. This little blue lace party dress is already ready for the weekend.

Warehouse Coloured Stone Dress, £80
Let's face it, a little bit of gem detail can go a long way. Sprinkle on some sweet decoration and there's no need to pick out a necklace.