We know there are a couple of months to go, but there’s no time like the present to start thinking about Christmas party dresses (and your party season heels, bags and jewellery, too…) The fashion pack had previews of the winter collections as far back as March, so our wish list is ready to checkout as soon as stock hits the store (or arrives on the new-in page). To make sure you’re not missing out, don’t wait until your beauty advent calendars are up. Now is the time to act.
Although the 31 party dresses in our edit are unashamedly festive, the best part is that you can keep said dresses and don them all over again for New Years Eve or use them for your wedding guest attire. Style yourself sustainably and remember, a Christmas party dress is not just for wearing the once. In fact, stats show we should be aiming for 30 wears for every item in our wardrobe (deep breath…)
December weekends are already getting booked up and invites to romantic restaurants, bottomless brunches and cocktail parties are flooding in so if you’re ready to invest, you’ll have plenty of chances to wear your festive season favourites.
Whether you’re looking for an understated Little Black Dress (Zara’s satin slip dress is a wardrobe staple) or are ready to wow in red satin (Miss Selfridge’s strapless dress is festive perfection) we have all the inspiration you need.
Sequin dresses always feel right during party season. There’s something wonderfully decadent about them and seeing that Christmas is the season for all things sparkly, from over-the-top decorations to fairy lights, it’s only right to match the vibe with what you wear. Retrofete’s rose gold strappy sequin dress is a dazzling dream while Topshop’s cut-out detail dress has a subtle scattering of sequins for something more understated.
These are the 29 best Christmas party dresses that fashion editors are rushing out to buy ahead of this year’s festivities.
1. Best work party Christmas dress
Nothing is more festive than holly berry red but for winter 2023, it’s also the shade we spotted most on the catwalk. There was leather at Alexander McQueen, velvet at Alberta Ferretti and cutaway sheer chiffon at Gucci.
2. Best designer party dress
Sequins = party season. 16 Arlington is consistently the label we turn to for high octane glamour.
3. Best sequin bandeau Christmas party dress
If you want something that has a flash of sparkle, but isn’t all out dazzle, ASOS’s sequin detail bandeau dress is a winner.
4. Best high-street Christmas party dress
When you’re on a budget, H&M should always be your first port of call for high end lewks at accessible price points.
5. Best smock-style Christmas party dress
If velvet doesn’t scream Christmas, we don’t know what does. ASOS has tonnes of party dresses ready and raring to go, but this one is our fave.
6. Best sleeveless shift dress
This gem-encrusted dress would look divine with a slick, sharp blazer slung over your shoulders at any Christmas parties.
7. Best bodycon party dress
If you choose a colour that doesn’t instantly make you think of Christmas (like hot pink) you’ll get wear from it all year round. Winner winner.
8. Best satin mini shirt dress
For the office party, you’ll want something that is fun but not too revealing. This is the dress to do the job.
9. Best mini Christmas party dress
We’ll be wearing this wintry dress at all our Christmas parties, then again on Christmas day, and again for NYE. Sue us.
10. Best v-neck Christmas party dress
This midaxi dress is stunning as it is, but if you want to go the whole hog this Christmas we suggest jazzing it up with sparkly gold jewellery and some metallic heels.
11. Best strappy Christmas party dress
As ready to dance as you are, this sequin dress promises to sparkle with your every swish. What more could you want?
12. Best black Christmas party dress
The cinched bodice of this sleek mini dress gives a corset effect that’s sure to be appreciated by anyone fond of good tailoring.
13. Best leather-look LBD
If your personal style sways towards rock chick, you don’t have to go prissy and prim just because it’s Christmas. This faux leather skater dress is ideal with biker boots for a glam grunge aesthetic.
14. Best plus-size Christmas party dress
Christmas party dresses don’t have to be all reds and greens. This berry toned number with ruffle and frill trims is just as festive.
15. Best midaxi party dress
16. Best cowl neck party dress
We love Boden all throughout the year, but we have to say no one does it like them around Christmas. Case in point with this dress.
If sequins and sparkles aren’t your thing, opt for satin. Equally as lustrous, this dress features a flattering draped cowl neck.
17. Best velvet party dress
Velvet is always a winter winner for it’s luxe, ultra-glam finish. This style takes the mini dress one step further with it’s lush festive shade.
18. Best beaded party dress
Puff sleeve and sparkly? How did we get so lucky? Miss Selfridge’s beaded offering features tiny silver star bursts that’ll mimic the fairy lights around you.
19. Best satin slip party dress
Got a black tie Christmas party to attend this year? Let this be the slip dress you wear.
20. Best backless party dress
Modest from the front but party in the back, this mini dress from Mango has a stylish surprise element we’re here for.
21. Best leather blazer dress
Don’t let the festive season cramp your style. If slick tailoring is your usual vibe, we’ve found plenty of options that will feel party appropriate but still ‘you’ – like this faux leather blazer dress.
22. Best strapless party dress
This red satin dress has ticked all the boxes on our Christmas party wish list.
23. Best velvet party dress
Ideal for the Christmas season, yes, but we’ll be wearing this chic halterneck dress far beyond the festivities. All it calls for is a sleek up-do to show off the neckline and some killer heels.
24. Best long sleeve party dress
Guaranteed to swish while you dance at every Christmas party, Zimmermann’s wrap dresses are a fashion pack fave.
25. Best floral print party dress
Florals for winter are ground-breaking, especially if you choose a black background for your pattern. This would work all year round as a wedding guest dress, too.
26. Best sequin party dress
Christmas party dresses are some of the most unsustainable fashion purchases because we wear them so rarely, but choose wisely and pick a style that you will be able to wear again and again (especially if it comes with recycled elements).
27. Best high-neck party dress
The little black dress is iconic for a reason. This style from NET-A-PORTER will work for every occasion in your festive diary.
28. Best long sleeve Christmas party dress
The sparkly thread through this cobalt blue midi dress gives the bold colour a totally festive feel.
29. Best ruched party dress
This dress would work for so many after-dark occasions and the rich chocolate shade would look particularly beaut with golden-toned accessories.
Read more from Glamour UK Fashion Director at large Alex Fullerton here or follow her on Instagram @alexandrafullerton // For more from GLAMOUR UK’s Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd