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    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.

    By Claire Blackmore
    Published 23 October 2013 In Features

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    Occasion Dresses
    Occasion Dresses
    (Image credit: Rex Features)
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    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

     

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    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.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW

    Marie Claire Newsletter

    Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

    By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

    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.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW

    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.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW

    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.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW

    What to read next
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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...

    CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW

    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.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW

    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.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW

    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.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW

    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.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW

    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.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW

    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.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW

    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.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW

    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.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW

    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.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW

    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.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW

    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.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW

    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.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW

    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.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW

    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.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW

    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.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW

    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.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW

    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.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW

    Coast Delphinus Maxi Dress, £450

    Coast Delphinus Maxi Dress, £450

    Occasion Dresses
    (Image credit: Coast)

    This classic beaded maxi dress will compliment curves perfectly.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW

    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.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW

    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.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW

    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.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW

    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.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW

    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.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW

    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.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW

    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.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW

    Claire Blackmore
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