It’s party season, a time of year that either fills you with sartorial dread or has you screaming with excitement as you get to wear yet another embellished dress to the pub on Friday night (‘tis the season after all).
I spend most of the year wearing navy trousers and oversized shirts, but there’s something about a party dress that speaks to my inner J-Lo. Give me applique flowers, cowl necks, asymmetric hemlines and lace edging, perhaps with an oversized blazer or knee-high boots. The options are endless and, in my opinion, during the silly season, the usual rules don’t apply. Here are the best party dress picks for December and beyond.
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The best party dresses for 2025
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Velvet midi dress
£41.50 at AsosThis green velvet off-the-shoulder dress from Asos looks super-luxe and is the very spirit of Christmas. It goes up to a UK30, too.
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Dress with bow neckline
£79.99 at Mango £79.99 at John LewisThe mini dress is having a resurgence, and this one from Mango is sweet without being too saccharine. Style it with a pair of black mules and a faux-fur jacket for a fun, cool-girl party look.
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Sicily midi dress
£112 at Monsoon £160 at M&SA fit-and-flare style is a failsafe: it will pretty much suit all figures. So go bold with leopard print, like this version from Monsoon, then add a red lip and a sparkly shoe.
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Asymmetric dress
£119 at the White CompanyI love this White Company dress. It’s simple and chic but with a touch of directional difference. I’d dress it up with gold jewellery and some embellished court shoes. Style it with a black blazer and it will see you from the theatre, to dinner, to a party. Ideal.
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Crystal-necklace mini dress
£240 at Reiss £240 at NextWhat screams “festive fun” more than a green satin mini dress, complete with a velvet trim and a crystal bow halter necktie? Wear with silver flat pumps for dancing.
For more, read our guide to the best party flats
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Laverna dress
£328 at ReformationSometimes I struggle to find a dress that ticks any of the party-style boxes, and sometimes a dress strides in and effortlessly ticks them all. The Laverna dress from Reformation has 3/4-length sleeves and the perfect square neckline, showing just the right amount of collarbone, and it’s a fitted, midi length without being too milkmaidy. You will wear it all season.
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Embellished A-line dress
£54.99 at H&MWinter whites always make an impact at a party, and you’ll stand out among the black and jewel tones. I’d wear this H&M shift with chunky silver jewellery and a pair of platform heels.
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Green velvet midi dress
£89 at Asos £95 at Nobody’s ChildNod to the 90s and opt for a fitted cowl-neck dress. Add gold chunky jewellery and gold sandals.
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Silk-blend velvet dress
£350 at Me+EmThis burgundy lace and velvet shift from Me+Em might be an investment, but the style is timeless and you’ll be able to wear it for years to come. Wear your hair up to show off the beautiful high neckline.
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Black velvet lace insert dress
£89 at Never Fully Dressed £129 at AsosIf you haven’t heard about Never Fully Dressed, I’d suggest having a look at its website now. Specialising in fun, colourful, flirty and embellished styles, it’s my first stop for party wear. I’m a huge fan of this black lace dress, which is just the right amount of naked for me. The prices won’t break the bank either.
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Jacquard lace mini dress
£99 at M&SThere’s something quite chintzy 60s about this dress, which I love. Wear it as it is, or style it with a sheer polo neck underneath for a throwback look.
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Selene dress
£159 at AYM StudioMade in small batches in London, AYM Studio’s gorgeous, weighty jersey dresses really flatter all shapes. Chocolate brown is such a sophisticated colour choice for a party look – warmer than black, but still very chic.
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Gold metallic shift dress
£139 at Boden £139 at John LewisHead to Boden for the most timeless festive looks this season. This dress is my absolute favourite: find me by the drinks trolley in this gold brocade shift, which comes with a black velvet belt.
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Red corsage mini dress
£56 at River IslandSometimes you want your party dress to really step up and exude fun, glamour, power and affordability all in one go – and that’s exactly what this dress from River Island does.
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Satin midi dress
£295 at RixoMidnight blue can be overlooked as a party wear colour, but it looks great with gold accessories and dark burgundy nails. This satin dress from Rixo will work as an evening look all year round.
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Diamante trim midi dress
£220 at Mint Velvet £220 at John LewisWith perfectly placed keyhole cutouts so that you can still wear a bra underneath, this Mint Velvet dress will be your most hard-working look during party season. Keep it simple with black sandals and a black clutch bag.
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Satin party dress
£109.99 at AligneA drop waist dress isn’t for everyone, but it does speak to a certain kind of laidback glamour that’s very much up my street. This silver dress from Aligne looks great with black knee-high boots.
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Claudia maxidress
£330 at Queens of ArchiveQueens of Archive is really establishing itself as the place to go for dresses with drama, and this floral-print 1970s-inspired style is no exception. It’s perfect for winter parties, NYE drinks and beyond.
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Cape satin midi dress
£149 at Whistles £149 at John LewisA cape-style dress will effortlessly inject some glamour into your evening. Wear with black velvet platform heels.
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Statement gold maxidress
£135 at Kemi TelfordMade in limited quantities, this Kemi Telford dress is the ideal amount of wearability v luxe. Add a pop of colour with red suede sandals.
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Midnight tartan dress
£195 at Pink City PrintsTartan is the ultimate festive party print; I adore this full-skirted dress from Pink City Prints.
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Red maxidress
£189 at Phase Eight £189 at John LewisThis showstopper of a dress from Phase Eight has so much personality. Just add some simple shoes, fine jewellery and a slicked-back up-do.
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Sheer embellished mini dress
£89 at NextA sheer overlay is the ideal way to signal that you’re up to date with all things fashion (all the kids are doing it) – and it’s just very wearable.
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Velvet midi dress
£365 at ba&shIf bows and embellishments aren’t your thing, then opt for a style like this print kimono and pair with knee-high boots.
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Frill dress
£109 at ArketThe dusky pink colour of this dress from Arket is perfectly unexpected for this time of year. A romantic style like this calls for harder accessories, so wear with chunky silver hoop earrings and black boots or mules.
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Velvet halter dress
£45.99 at ZaraI always think an ochre velvet style is the ideal alternative to a glitzy gold dress: it’s warmer, suits all skin tones and looks opulent with a deep red lip.
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Velvet bell-sleeve mini dress
£76 at AnthropologieWhen all else fails, a tunic-style dress is a forever winner. Not so form-fitting that you feel restricted, but fun enough for any party. I love the scallop trim and embroidery on this version from Anthropologie.
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Printed slip
£88 at Free PeopleI really like the ultra-feminine detailing on this dress from Free People. To make it look modern, I’d offset it with an oversized tuxedo blazer and black ribbon tie heels.
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Printed dress with knot detail
£129 at Massimo DuttiMassimo Dutti always offers luxe-style dresses with beautifully draped fabric, which aren’t always easy to find on the high street. I love this subtle print.
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Asymmetric midi slip dress
£48 at Topshop £48 at AsosOpt for a twist on the LBD and try an asymmetric hemline – wear it with heels or with knee-high boots.
For more, read Jess Cartner-Morley on the rules of Christmas dressing and sequin-free party looks
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Melanie Wilkinson is the Guardian’s styling editor
