Festive season is upon us, and with it the scramble for the perfect party dress to wear. Every year, the struggle is the same. Where does one find something stylish, sparkly and that – God forbid – won’t be seen on someone else?
Thankfully, after years of experience, and my fair share of scouring the internet and shop floors for last-minute party dresses, I’ve discovered some gems that I always turn to for the perfect party look. These brands, some of whom you’ve probably heard of, have come to dominate the party dress space with their fashion-forward designs that continue to evolve and elevate with the trends of the season, so you’re not stuck with yet another sequinned slip dress.
From cult Turkish evening wear labels to a resortwear label turned ready-to-wear, these brands have become the go-to for those in fashion who always have some place to be and nothing to wear. Now, you have them to turn to too.
Below, take a look at these nine brands all fashion insiders swear by that answer all their party dressing woes.
1. THE NEW ARRIVALS
A relative, well, new arrival on the fashion scene, The New Arrivals by Turkish designer İlkyaz Özel was launched during the height of the pandemic in 2020. But as the world emerged from isolation, so did people’s appetite for parties, and The New Arrivals was there to dress them. Hedonism and glamour are part of their DNA, and the dramatic and sometimes-risqué looks from extreme cutouts to capes prove that the brand is for the woman who’s not afraid to turn heads at a party. It’s no wonder supermodels Ashley Graham and Heidi Klum are fans.
2. OSÉREE
