Perfect party dresses for the festive season
From the micro-mini to the glamorous ball gown, pull out all the stops in this year’s most frivolous frocks
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If ever you needed an occasion to wear a glamorous, glittering outfit, Christmas and all the festive parties it brings with it, is the perfect one. Treat yourself and seize the rare opportunity to wear sparkly sequins, luxe velvet and festive frills: after all, the party season only comes around once a year. If you’re in need of a little inspiration, our edit of the best party dresses for Christmas 2023 has got you covered, from stunning black tie gowns to fashion-forward frocks.
The Little Black Dress
While it may be the most classic party style, these designs show that the Little Black Dress is anything but boring. Embellishment is a perfect way of adding oomph to any festive look (just add a great pair of heels and plenty of attitude) or opt for something more minimalist that plays with unusual silhouettes. Either way, we guarantee you’ll turn heads.
ME+EM Sequin Mini Shift Dress
Simple but extremely effective, Me+Em has covered the classic LBD with a layer of lavish sequins to transform this party staple into something truly dancefloor-worthy. The boxy frame will complement every body shape and be styled for practically any occasion.
16 Arlington Minelli Feather-Trimmed Mini Dress
Add a flutter of feathers to the classic LBD and you’ve got an iconic outfit for any festive event. Adding a dash of fun to a minimalist mini silhouette, 16 Arlington’s Minelli dress is fashioned from crepe and edged with a feather hem.
Oceanus Sofia Embellished Mini Dress
Sparkle all night long in this embellished micro mini adorned with tonal beads to make your outfit totally eye-catching. Start the night pairing it with a faux fur-lined cape before ditching the layers at the dancefloor to strut and shimmer.
Valentino Garavani feather-trimmed mini dress
This elegant outfit is perfect for a Christmas cocktail party, with its lush black wool and silk blend and glamorous off-shoulder neckline trimmed with feathers. Pair with statement, block-colour heels and you’re on to a winner.
The Sequin Dress
There’s no such thing as too much when it comes to Christmas party dressing – especially if we’re talking about sparkle. Channel your inner magpie with a frock worthy of Studio 54 or, if you’re not quite ready to step out in full bling, ease yourself in with a well-chosen smattering of sequins. We guarantee you’ll dazzle through the festivities.
Rotate embellsihed maxi dress
Catch the disco lights in this flattering maxi dress. While emerald is a fantastic festive colour, this sparkly number is perfectly versatile and can be worn all year round — especially when you need a shimmering uplift.
Altuzarra Lily shirred sequined midi dress
Opt for Altuzarra’s bold approach with this shirred bodice midi dress. Oozing glamour and opulence in equal parts, there’s nothing more festive than head-to-toe gold.
Jenny Packham Lotus Lady sequin-embellished gown
Make your seasonal soiree one to remember with this stand-out evening gown from Jenny Packham. Imagined with a rainbow of sequins, it features a central slit so you can show off your favourite pair of party mules, too.
Clio Peppiatt Lucina embellished stretch-mesh mini dress
Stroll into the starry night with this dream-like dress, which is scattered with a crescent moon and constellations of crystals. A foolproof way to have your fellow party-goers in awe all night long.
The Evening Gown
It’s easy to get wrapped up in the fantasy of a ballgown but, on a practical level, we recommend you choose an evening dress which boasts as much versatility as it does timeless glamour. There’s no escaping the fact that evening gowns are pricey and buying a new dress for every event isn’t exactly great for the planet — our edit can be worn year-round.
Rixo Leanna Midi Dress
Become the lady in red with Rixo’s show-stopping floor-length frock. Adorned with an irresistible scarlet bow, dresses really don’t come much more festive than this.
Ulla Johnson Aveline silk-crepon gown
Exude romantic elegance with Ulla Johnson’s floral maxi dress, which has gathers at the bodice for an elegant fit, before flowing to the floor in an abundance of silk-crepon.
Huishan Zhang Antonia midi dress
An outfit fit for an Ice Queen, this aqua-blue dress is characterised by its high neck and feather trim. Perfect for those who prefer a more modest look, it’s detailed with pleats around the waist for a flattering silhouette.
SemSem Crystal-Embellished Maxi Dress
This wonderfully sculptural pleated pine green design treads a fine line between bohemian and disco queen, perfect for someone looking for a bit of festive flair.
The Textured Dress
Velvet! Ruffles! Tulle! Feathers! There’s nothing more festive than going OTT on texture. Have a serious feminine side? Unleash your inner Cinderella in frothy confections or go full throttle in gowns worthy of any diva.
Gucci one-shoulder dress
Add a hint of Hollywood glamour with this black Gucci gown featuring a draped, one-shoulder design that is decorated with sparkling sequins. Just add a pair of metallic heels and you’re red carpet ready.
Taller Marmo Ubud Feather Trim Gown
This snow-white feather trim gown has diva written all over it, especially thanks to its long batwing sleeve and elongated feathered hemline.
Maria Lucia Hohan Silk Esther Gown
Pop in pink thanks to Maria Lucia Hohan’s lustrous raspberry-toned silk gown. The pleated silk one-shoulder gown is cinched at the waist for a flattering fit.
Needle And Thread Carmen Sequinned Gown
Primed for star-studded galas, the Carmen gown is a shining example of decadence and glamour. Better yet, it’s made entirely from recycled materials, meaning it’s kind on the planet too.
Read more: The best slip dresses to elevate your style