With our fashion choices ruled by comfort - whether that’s due to the enduring appeal of athleisure, the Arctic temperatures or our penchant for cosy clothing post lockdown - there are very few occasions that we can really go all out with our outfits.
Yet the festive season is one such occasion. After the less-than-memorable Christmases of the last few years, we’re making up for lost time in 2022.
Our diaries are once again filling with seasonal celebrations, whether it’s the annual friendsmas roast, the office soiree or the big day itself - and with the party season is full swing, it calls for a suitably striking ensemble to shimmy and shine in.
When it comes to party dressing, velvet and sequins have their hold over our out-out wares for a long time but feathers are emerging as the embellishment to watch to elevate our eveningwear. In fact, so popular is the trend that in the last month alone, Google searches of feather dresses rose by 733 per cent - and it’s clear why.
With just a trim of feathers, your outfit is immediately transformed from minimalistic to dance floor-ready. If you prefer a muted colour scheme, this dopmaine dressing detail is mood-boosting without needing to stray too far from your colour comfort zone.
See below for our favourite feather dresses for the Christmas party season and beyond.
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16ARLINGTON Syrma feather-trimmed sequined tulle mini dress
What 16ARLINGTON doesn’t know about party dressing is not worth knowing. The brand excels in its striking dance floor-ready designs where sequins and feathers are regular features across the collections.
The Syrma will be a workhorse in your formalwear rotation as it’s demure enough to wear for office parties as well as eye-catching for a night on the ties. It is crafted from tulle set with sequins and feather trims at the cuff and hem.
Buy now £1395.00, Net-A-Porter
Karen Millen Feather Bardot Stretch Crepe Maxi Dress
Feathers may have connotations with playful party pieces but this maxi from Karen Millen proves that it can be brought into the realms of sophisticated formalwear with sultry style. In a coral hue that breaks away from the traditionally muted palette of dresses of this ilk, it has a figure-hugging crepe construction complete with a high leg slit.
Buy now £223.20, Karen Millen
Warehouse Feather Sequin Mini Dress
Warehouse has combined two party-ready embellishments for this mini dress to create a dress that is oozing with Christmas soiree appeal. The liberal use of sequins and the feather trims make for a statement design, while the black hue will suit the colourphobes among you.
Buy now £151.20, Warehouse
Rixo Lina feather-trimmed velvet mini dress
A classic LBD given a luxe touch, this Rixo mini will be the piece that you reach for year after year thanks to its effortless elegance. Lean into the glamour and pair with equally striking glitzy heels and the bag to match.
Buy now £145.00, Harvey Nichols
Kitri Carlotta printed feather-trimmed mini dress
While the print is anything but subtle, this dress from Kitri has employed a pared-back feather trim detail that allows you to tap into the embellishment with ease. The playful heart print seems apt for festive celebrations as well as through to the New Year.
Buy now £145.00, Harvey Nichols
De La Vali Limousine Satin and Feather Dress
Plumes of feathers are the finishing touch to this elegant satin piece from De La Vali. It is constructed with the label’s signature band collar and has retro 60s sentiments. The frock is offered in one of the most festive colours possible where the emerald green hue is calling to be worn for a seasonal soiree.
Buy now £450.00, Coggles
ASOS EDITION floral sequin and bead midi dress
This high shine floral frock from ASOS is made for those who live by the maxim that more is always more. From the pop of yellow at the embroidery and the same hue replicated on the feather trims to the all-over sequins, this is a true showstopper.
Buy now £205.00, ASOS
Karen Millen Feather & Ponte Bandeau Mini Dress
Our winter wardrobes are typically filled with muted neutrals, while we reserve our most eye-catching colourways for summer - but no more. This head-turning neon yellow mini is dopamine dressing personified with its mood-boosting hue and the feather neckline that’s the icing on the cake.
Buy now £95.20, Karen Millen
Warehouse Feather Trim Swing One Shoulder Dress
This shoulder-baring style flashes some skin while remaining demure enough for those black tie dress codes. The cobalt blue hue is striking but there’s a black variation available too if you’re looking for a piece that will work harder in your collection. Feather embellishments steal the show at the one cuff and hem.
Buy now £103.20, Warehouse
Amy Lynn multi striped sequin mini dress with feather trim
Party dressing and sequins are almost synonymous and even more so when combined with feathers as is done with this mini dress from Amy Lynn. This is only enhanced by the detailing at the straps, all of which combine to help you ace the festive frock season.
Buy now £99.00, ASOS
16Arlington Cynthia feather-trim halterneck mini dress
If you’re not yet familiar with 16Arlington, let this be your official introduction as party dressing is what the London-born label does best. With feather embellishments, all-over sequin constructions and feminine cuts, these are dresses designed to be noticed. There’s dance floor-ready appeal in spades.
Buy now £1095.00, MatchesFashion
