Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
indy100
indy100
Kelsey Chapman

17 holiday dresses you’ll shine in this Christmas party season

It’s been a couple of years since we could properly celebrate the holidays in person, but if you’re raking in the invites for Christmas parties this year, it’s time to show up and show off in a new dress.

Below are some of our favorite festive sartorial offerings available this year, from those featuring classic elements like red or green velvet, to sparkly minis made for showing off after dark. Take a look, bookmark a few, and see which Christmas party dress is perfect for helping you look fab as you make your long-awaited return to holiday gatherings.

Kenia Mini Dress

Let’s start things off with a classic LBD, updated with a one-shoulder shape and slanted hemline to add intrigue. It hugs all the right curves, looks appropriate yet sexy in a variety of situations, and you can wear it for years to come thanks to its versatility and style.

Buy now £108.00, Revolve

Sure To Be Splendid Swing Dress

Retro-inspired and perfectly suited for a cozy gathering at home, this plaid dress will call up nostalgic memories of Christmases of yore and look divine as you pose in front of the tree for a photo.

UPDATE 11/29: Buy today to save 50% off! Hurry up before this beauty sells out.

Buy now £59.50, Mod Cloth

Hell Bunny Plus Size Black & Gold Stars Infinity Swing Dress

Unique Vintage has so many gorgeous dresses that it’s hard to narrow down which we want to suggest most. This shimmery, celestial number is up at the top, though, with its gorgeously flowy silhouette and delicate sheer overlay. It comes in a wide array of sizes, plus flatters any body type by nipping in at the waist and providing a supportive bustline.

Buy now £88.00, Unique Vintage

Velvet Sweetheart Dress

Few fabrics are more festive than golden velvet, and this one come with the added benefits of a swishy skirt and flattering sweetheart neckline. The real kicker here is the price: Buy now during Forever 21’s holiday sale and you’ll pay less than $20!

Buy now £17.99, Forever 21

Brand New You Gold Sequin Bodycon Mini Dress

A simple shape, plunging neckline, and gold sequins are all you need to be the star of the party. This dress ticks off all those boxes, throws in a trendy puff sleeve, and clocks in at under $100–we have a winner.

Buy now £88.00, Lulu’s

Imani Glitter Knit Jumpsuit

Skip the dress and rock a sparkly pantsuit instead if you’re feeling like a switch-up this year. The glittery fabric and deep red shade will shine like a beacon in the night, and you’ll never have to worry about your skirt flying up in blustery winter winds once you’ve left the party.

Buy now £29.00, Francesca’s

Gold Shimmer Fringe Mini Dress

The Roaring ‘20s are here once more, especially when you don this shimmering, flirty fringe dress made to show off your legs as you dance the night away.

Buy now £64.75, Torrid

MSK - Velvet-Floral-Print Bell-Sleeve Dress

For some flirty, flippy, and bright like the apple of your eye, try this MSK number with contrasting black detail that looks amazing without showing too much skin or constricting your movements.

Buy now £56.99, Macy's

Beacon Velvet Dress

Green velvet is an obvious choice for a holiday party, but with good reason: It never looks out of place at this time of year, rich emerald looks great on every skin tone, and it feels sumptuous to the touch. When done up in a timeless tube dress shape like this, you’ll be thankful for years to come that you invested in this beauty.

Buy now £178.00, Reformation

Carmen Shimmer Maxi Dress

For a Christmas getup that screams cheer, you can’t go wrong with red, flowy, and dripping with sparkles. Pair this with a dainty decklace you’ve been dying to show off for a head-to-toe shimmering dream look.

Buy now £67.00, Baltic Born

Ana Sequin Mini Dress

We’re getting intense Tina Turner vibes from this short, swingy number, and that is always a good thing. Liven up the party when you swish your way through the crowd and let your wallet rejoice when you snatch this up for under $50.

Buy now £49.97, Nordstrom Rack

Puff-sleeve dress in Good Tidings plaid

You’ll look like a Christmas gift all wrapped up in this cute mini. Use code CYBER today, November 29th, and you’ll save 40% off!

Buy now £128.00, J. Crew

Sweetheart Knit Wrap Dress

The Sweetheart Knit Wrap is built to enhance and flatter curves on every body type, from pin-straight figures to hourglasses and everything in between. While navy and black are colors that work all year long, we think it will look fantastic dressed up with a sparkly pump and plenty of jewelry piled on that catches the light just right.

Buy now £98.00, Woman Within

Asymmetrical One-Shoulder Maxi Dress

Yes, that Abercrombie & Fitch is still around, and they’ve grown up as much as we have.

Try this asymmetrical little red number to wow at the office party or quasi-formal get-together this season, and enjoy the stunning simplicity of a bold red shade paired with minimal accessories to keep all eyes on you.

Buy now £105.00, Abercrombie & Fitch

Prowling Around Ruched Leopard Dress

If all this velvet and red and green has you feeling less than joyful, say to hell with tradition and rock this leopard frock at your next gathering. The side ruching, boat neckline, and three-quarter sleeves are flattering as can be, and leopard is basically a neutral so you can pair it with any number of shoes, accessories, and layers to create unlimited outfits throughout the year.

Buy now £99.00, Betsey Johnson

PrettyGuide Women's Vintage Sleeveless Sequin Cocktail Dress

If you’re on a tight budget but still want to make a statement, try this sequin stunner from Walmart. Its simple shape allows the sequin placement and sparkle to take center stage, and with embellishment like this, you won’t even need jewelry!

Buy now £38.99, Walmart

Studded Velour Tie Back Dress

In keeping with the slightly more “punk” theme (just barely, a little touch of tough), this studded velour mini is fantastic when paired with chunky boots or slim heels, a pair of bold silver earrings, and a fancy Christmas updo.

Buy now £79.50, LOFT

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.