I don’t want to jinx it, but it looks like the season for office parties, festive drinks, Christmas dinners and New Year’s celebrations is back on, and so there’s finally a reason to invest in party dresses that you’ll actually be able to wear.
Yes, they are frivolous, but so be it. Not only will they spread some much needed cheer after a depressing couple of years, but they’ll slot nicely into your forever wardrobe. Because while it’s easy to think you’ll only wear a party dress once, but buy right and you’ll have a timeless piece to see you through many an event to come, including weddings, christenings and birthdays.
As seen on the (virtual) catwalks, feel-good dressing is one of the hottest autumn trends for 2021. Designers such as Ashish, Stella McCartney and Paco Rabanne had a field day with sequins and metallic details galore, making us excited to hit the dance floor again.
Keep scrolling to find out which party dresses to invest in this season, from your favourite designers and high-street stores.
Sequin dresses
I understand sequins aren’t for everyone, but there really is an option to suit all personalities out there. If you’re feeling OTT, go for full-on 80s sequins. But for something more muted, choose a matte or dark sequin accent.
White party dresses
Forget any preconceptions you might have about wearing white in winter, there really is very little as chic as a creamy satin gown or minimal white suit.
Black dresses
When in doubt, an LBD will see you through any occasion. This season, opt for a paired-back 90s silhouette. Cut out details were everywhere on the catwalk, but if that’s a little too daring, opt for a plunging neckline or back keyhole.
Dresses with sleeves
The emphasis on statement sleeves this season means there are plenty of stylish options about if you’re not keen on showing your arms.
Designer party dresses
While they may seem pricey, designer dresses can be worth the extra money, thanks to more durable materials and impeccable craftsmanship. You can shop my favourite designer party dresses below, including Stella McCartney, The Vampire’s Wife and Lee Mathews.
BIMBA DRESS, £245 at GHOST
Designed in silk velvet, this long midi dress in sage green is a pretty button-through style. Featuring pleats at the padded shoulders, seaming at the waist for a glamorous silhouette and a wrap tie to complete the elegant look – wear yours with stylish heels for a cocktail party or dinner date.
ESKIA SEQUIN CUT-OUT MIDI DRESS, £99 at ALIGNE
This sequin dress by sustainable label ALIGNE is perfect if you're looking to go all out glam.
Brigitte Gown, £780 at KALITA
This full sleeved waterfall effect backless gown is as glamorous as it is dramatic. It is crafted from luxurious swathes of silk habotai which can be worn cinched in at the waist with the detachable tie or left free flowing.
AJE Vanades ring-embellished cutout linen-blend dress, £460 at MATCHESFASHION
Aje’s black linen-blend Vanades dress features short, puffed sleeves and a cutout centre linked with a gold ring.
Strappy pink dress, £454 at OROTON
The picture doesn't do this dress justice. Simply imagine a floor-length pink gown Jackie Kennedy would wear for a ball at the White House and you're there.
THE ONE-SLEEVED FEATHER MINI DRESS, £595 at SILKED LONDON
Wear this mini dress on its own or over some fluid black trousers.
BASSIKE Ribbed organic cotton midi dress, £250 at Net-A-Porter
Sometimes a classic dress works best. You can dress this organic cotton midi up with metallic sandals or down with chunky slip-ons.
Carlotta Diamond Checker Print Mini Dress, £145 at KITRI
The ultimate retro mini party dress: a pink and red Harlequin diamond print mini dress on viscose satin.
HANIA DRESS GREEN, £1,650 at VILSHENKO
This ditzy floral dress is perfect for wedding season.
RETROFÊTE Doss pleated lamé gown, £550 at Net-A-Porter
This 'Doss' gown is cut from green lamé that catches the light from every angle and has a flattering pleated bodice and daring front slit.
ZUKI dress, £300 at ILTA
Drenched in tiny star sequins, clusters of dangling teardrop shape paillettes and strings of tiny silver beads, this dress shimmers as you move.
STELLA COLLARED MAXI DRESS, around £350 at Lee Mathews
Sometimes a simple black dress is all you need. The Stella Collared Bias Maxi Dress in Black from the Resort 22 collection is made from 100% silk satin. This full-length dress features a Chelsea collar, short sleeves with tie detail, and a fluted skirt that's been cut on the bias for a flattering fit.
JAEGER Pure Silk Blouson Sleeve Maxi Wrap Dress, £399
This pure silk maxi dress from Jaeger is inspired by Hollywood glamour, and is cut in a regular fit, with long blouson sleeves and a flattering tie waist.
Toulin Dress, £210 at FRESHA LONDON
This mini dress is perfect if you're averse to sequins but still want to make a shimmering statement.
DE LA VALI Clara asymmetric gathered polka-dot satin mini dress, £375 at Net-A-Porter
De La Vali's 'Clara' dress is one of the label's best-sellers. Cut on the bias and printed all-over with polka dots, it has romantic blouson sleeves, a fitted bodice and swishy asymmetric hemline evocative of bohemian '70s styles.
THE VAMPIRE’S WIFE The Falconetti ruffled metallic silk-blend dress, £1,195 at MATCHESFASHION
Embrace The Vampire's Wife's off-kilter glamour with this shimmering silver The Falconetti dress, which is shaped from silk-blend lamé with defined shoulders and fluted cuffs.
HALPERN Cutout sequinned jumpsuit £1,430 at MATCHESFASHION
This isn't technically a dress, but it's too fabulous not to include. This sparkling black and white jumpsuit captures Michael Halpern’s disco-infused glamour, for which the label is known.
SELF-PORTRAIT Tiered sequinned-chiffon midi dress, £380
An embroidered lattice of sequins brings a light-catching finish to Self Portrait’s black midi dress. Cut from airy chiffon with flounced cap sleeves, it’s pintucked through the bodice, then cascades in tiers from the satin waistband.
LIMITED EDITION SEQUINNED DRESS, £59.99 at ZARA
This long-sleeved sequin dress looks way more expensive than it is, a true keeper.
HARRIS TAPPER Satin Martin Dress, £219 at Harrods
Throw an oversized blazer over this satin beauty and you're good to go.
