The Ultimate Party Season Dress Edit, Covering Every Style and Budget
Party season is officially here!
It’s not the most practical of purchases, but there’s something about shopping for a party dress. Maybe it’s the promise of carefree revelry. Or perhaps it’s because your opportunities to go out-out (and dress up-up) have been reduced to a once-in-a-blue-moon frequency this year. Both reasonable explanations but, in fact, swathing oneself in sequins, velvet or satin until one appears positively festooned is reason enough to enjoy, nay, cherish the process of finding “the one”.
This year, party season kicked off early courtesy of one trend, which looks set to continue into late December—the lace slip dress. Earlier this summer, street-stylers wore their negligee-style camisoles over wide-leg trousers or under oversized blazers (Zara’s was the one spotted on influencers, FYI). For a wintry interpretation of the ubiquitous trend, shops have dialled the lingerie-factor down a notch without losing any of the original’s sex appeal. Zara’s animal-print version, with lace bra cups that extend into straps, is mighty tantalising (and only £39.99).
If a slip isn’t your vibe, there’s nothing stopping you from opting for a gown, whether or not your night involves a red carpet. Taller Marmo, the kaftan label who this year is celebrating its 10th birthday, has just released its sumptuous resort collection, Nocturne, full of draping, fringing and the kind of colours that will knock your socks off (chartreuse, violet and ruby).
In between a slip and a swooshing ball gown, of course, there exists a spectrum of party dresses, from a rather angelic take on the “naked dress” category to a draped satin frock with a neckline that’s 100% chic. Keep scrolling to shop our edit of the best party dresses in the business. Trust us, these are so good that next year you might not be able to shop for “the one”. Why? Because it’ll already be hanging in your wardrobe.
Under £150
This classic LBD feels fun and fresh with the addition of lace panelling.
Effortless, timeless, and a dress you will wear time and time again. Just add sheer tights and you're good to go.
Gold is a guaranteed winner when it comes to party season - this draped style from M&S looks way beyond its High St price tag.
New Look is great for party dresses with an inclusive size range fitting up to a UK size 22.
While black, gold, silver and red are particularly popular colour choices come Christmas time, if they aren't quite your style, step into a different direction. You'll get plenty of wear out of this burgundy and blue frock year-round.
I like to take a very literal approach to party dresses at Christmas time. So if the bows on the tree or your presents inspire you—then go for it.
You may have already spied this Cos option in our workwear dress edit, making it a perfect pick for the red carpet.
Some times the most understated of dresses can have the most impact. This sheer style from Asos can be dressed up this party season, but will look amazing with a pair of sandals next Spring too.
The thigh-high hemline of this velvet mini puts a fresh spin on the fabric.
No brand does affordable satin — that still feels sumptuous — quite like Ghost.
The Spilt sleeve mini dress from independent label Odd Muse has one of the most flattering silhouettes we've ever come across. Its a great desk to dance floor option too.
Sold on sequins? This Jigsaw midi dress needs little accessorising to make it the star of any dancefloor.
Invest in party dresses you can dress up and down depending on the occasion to make sure you get the least cost per wear - case in point is this simple tunic dress with exaggerated shoulders.
Under £250
Mint Velvet's forest dress dress has an ever-so-slight spangle, plus, and this is important, sleeves.
Arrange at ASOS is our go-to high-street label for standout party dresses. This embellished style won’t be around for long and is sure to turn heads on the dance floor.
Faux fur detailing isn't just for outerwear. We love this mini from Reiss' Atelier collection to make a statement this party season.
Pair this sheer green lace midi dress with tights and classic courts for an effortless yet impactful party look.
The M&S x 16 Arlington collection was one of the most highly anticipated collabs of the year, and the good news is, it's still in stock. This faux-feather Bardot dress? Perfect for party season.
If you prefer to wear black but want to add some interest to your look, opt for vibrant embroidery like this Cheongsam-inspired dress.
Translucent at the bodice and below the mid-thigh, Baum und Pferdgarten puts forward the butter-wouldn't-melt naked dress for party season.
Looking for a softer alternative to classic black? Consider adding navy to your collection.
Boden's leopard-spotted shift dress can be paired with knee-high boots for a '60s take on party season.
When it comes to party season, comfort can still be key. This mini dress from Reiss, featuring cape details, gives you room to move on the dance floor while still delivering the wow factor.
Under £500
Rixo's beaded starfish mini dress is a real fan-favourite. Plus, it looks just as chic in the sunshine as it does, well, in the snow.
Love the Norma Kamali cut but not the green lace fabric? It also comes in classic black, hurrah!
If you're someone who rarely steps out of jeans, we may have found a clever solution: the Self-Portrait denim mini dress. Both knee-high boots and strappy sandals will pair perfectly.
Queens of Archive know how to design a great party dress — and this is just one of many from their collection on our wishlist.
The high cowl neck on this satin dress makes for a super chic silhouette.
Seen on the catwalk, COS' black dress has a swathe of fabric that can either encircle the waist or the elbows.
Flaring and gorgeously feminine, Alemais' party dress is the fairytale.
Under £750
This timeless bustier dress will easily take you from boardroom to bar. Just add a button up blazer by day and statement accessories before you jump in a taxi.
If elegance is the aim of the game, few gowns are better suited than this deep purple Solace London one. Style with drop earrings to elevate the look.
Retrofête's tiered silver mini dress is made to be noticed (and to dance in).
You can never go wrong with a great pink dress.
One of the most beautiful, yet incredibly underused festive shades is cream. Case in point: this Posse dress, that wouldn't look out of place at any elegant festive bash.
This dress is party season personified. Featuring a slit opening and removable faux fur sleeves, what's not to love?
Under £1000
Sparkles aren't exclusive to sequins. So, if you're after a little shine without the bulk of the dainty discs, consider a metallic thread like the one used in this Isabel Marant style.
Throw-on-and-go dresses are my favourite, and this Simkhai dress delivers on low-effort, high-impact.
Tove's grown-up take on the party dress is given festive spirit courtesy of a berry-red colour scheme.
The timeless botanical print together with feathers make this a great party dress investment to wear all year round.
Australian label Zimmermann may make your mind immediately wander to summertime buys, but this knitted midi is proof its Autumn/Winter offering is just as chic.
Have a penchant for pink? This Roksanda dress is a failsafe for almost any occasion, Christmas parties included.
Self-Portrait's dress ticks off "razzle dazzle"—and then some.
Sequins and feathers are the best of friends come party season, especially when in the hands of 16Arlington.
Over £1000
Now, if you have a seriously fabulous festive party to attend, few dresses would be better suited than this Vivienne Westwood number. Even Mrs Claus would be jealous.
Buck the trend for black, red or metallics this festive season, and stand out in primary coloured brights. You'll be the talk of the party.
This Carolina Herrera gown will stay in any wardrobe for years to come. Weddings, birthdays, Christmas parties—you name it.
The ultra-feminine bow and fit-and-flare shape of this dress are balanced by the unexpected chocolate brown colourway—obsessed.
Few brands are better known for extravagant eveningwear than Oscar De La Renta, and this modest gown proves why.
A floral dress isn't usually a common sighting on the party circuit, but why not opt for this surprising take of Tory Burch's. The blown-up lily print is beautiful, no?
Magda Butrym knows how to design dresses that flatter the female form, and we love the contrast between the modest coverage and the figure-hugging ruching in this midi dress.
Huishan Zhang's floral dress, meanwhile, is embellished so its surface resembles liquid sequins.
We love the draped neckline and thigh-split of this dress. Pair with a pair of 15 denier tights and strappy heels.
