The twinkly lights are up, the mince pies are warming, and our diaries are once again filling with seasonal events, all of which means one thing…Christmas is fast approaching.
There is much to celebrate this year. Regular scheduled programming is finally returning for the first time since 2019. This year marks the resurgence of the party season post the lacklustre lockdowns and ubiquitous Omicron variant and so we need to go all out to make up for lost time.
From the annual office soiree to a raucous night out with the girls, celebrations are firmly on the agenda and we couldn’t be more excited – well, that’s until the sartorial stress kicks in.
Finding a one-and-down dress to suit all your Christmas plans is the easiest way to solve these woes but that’s just where the difficulty begins. The right balance of festive and fun yet office appropriate and timeless to give re-wear appeal is no mean feat, and so it comes as no surprise that we’re all planning ahead where searches for party outfits have surged 207 per cent this month already.
When it comes to choosing the perfect party piece, there are sure-fire ways to dress for sartorial success in the lead up to the big day. Sequins will immediately elevate your ensemble and bright and bold suits the time of year so don’t be afraid to go out of your colour comfort box.
Embellishment can also come in other forms whether that’s in velvet constructions, well-placed cut-outs that flash some skin while still feel demure enough to wear in front of your colleagues, or beautiful bows that will make you feel like the ultimate gift during the gift giving season.
Shop our favourite party-ready festive frocks below
Best plus size party dresses of 2022 for the Christmas season and beyond
Best wedding guest dresses: The stylish wedding guest dresses and outfits to shop now
Best gifts for women 2022: Christmas present ideas she will love
Best faux fur coats and jackets to suit your style this winter
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
Nensi Dojaka Cutout sequinned mini dress
Choosing just one of the Nensi Dojaka dresses is not an easy task. The fashion set favourite label is a master in special occasion wear with tactically-placed cut-outs and eye-catching constructions as the eponymous designer’s signature style. This sequin piece comes in a beige hue that enhances the seductive aesthetic.
Buy now £1948.00, MatchesFashion
Reformation Alexei cut-out stretch-jersey midi dress
For the party season and beyond, this midi dress from Reformation will be a style that you’ll re-wear constantly whenever a formal occasion arises. With its versatile all-black colourway, the accessories can transform it into a new look each time, while the cut-out detail ensures it remains fun and flirty. The jersey fabric proves black tie events can be comfy too.
Buy now £150.00, Selfridges
Self-Portrait Crystal-bow off-the-shoulder dress
Self-Portrait has a few variations on this bow adorned dress; it comes in black, black and white and this head-turning red hue as well as different cuts. The detail may be minimalistic but it packs a real punch, giving a luxury feel thanks to the glitzy crystal adornment.
Buy now, MatchesFashion
MICHAEL Michael Kors Crystal-embellished velvet mini dress
This dress is glamour defined with its figure-hugging fit, plush velvet fabric and crystal detailing. It comes as part of Michael Kors’ lifestyle label that was created for those out-out occasions. As such, it boasts feminine details like the neckline and slim shoulder straps that enhance the bust.
Buy now £375.00, Net-A-Porter
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
RIXO Daisy sequin-embellished open-back maxi dress
Not all formal occasions call for mini flirty numbers and so when you need something a little more covered up but still has a flash of skin, this may be the style for you. London-born Rixo is beloved for its retro aesthetic and has brought that feel to the realms of party dressing with this striped sequin number. It has an open back with a tie detail for added intrigue.
Buy now £370.00, Selfridges
Sister Jane Poppy floral-embroidered woven mini dress
Even at the more price-friendly end of the spectrum, this mini dress proves that you can still make a statement with its bold red colourway and fun heart-shaped cut-out open back. That’s only where the fun begins though as the frock is complete with ruffle trims, faux pearl buttons and a floral embroidery.
Buy now £75.00, Selfridges
Saloni Camille cutout embellished velvet jumpsuit
Cut from a sumptuous velvet, this jumpsuit will form the basis of your formalwear from this moment on. Comfort and style combined, it brings a cosy element to the art of elegant dressing. From the soft fabric to the relaxed fit, it is effortless to wear yet the faux pearl and crystals bring the bling to make it black tie worthy.
Buy now £750.00, MatchesFashion
Amy Lynn Mimi Rainbow disc sequin mini dress
For the Paco Rabanne signature coin detail without the Paco Rabanne price tag, this mini dress from Amy Lynn makes a convincing case for a dupe. It retains the titillating sheer look but puts a vibrant twist on it with the rainbow hue and 60s feel.
Buy now £109.00, Selfridges
Karen Millen Draped Beaded High Neck Mini Dress
Taking a more subtle approach to disco ball dressing, this mini is one for the minimalists with an all-black colourway yet still adheres to the party memo with the draped beaded detailing.
Buy now £159.20, Karen Millen
Rowen Rose Embroidered checked wool-blend mini dress
You may not typically associate check prints with party fashion but in the suitably festive hue of green, we hope you’ll give it a chance, especially when it’s as chic as this Rowen Rose mini. Looking straight out of Clueless, it is finished with a constrast braided trim and a side slit, the latter of which gives a lengthening effect to your pins.
Buy now £1165.00, Net-A-Porter
Staud Landscape velvet and moiré mini dress
Have you noticed? Corsets are the figure-contouring construction that is everywhere and has infiltrated eveningwear as shown here by Staud. The bodice has been given a structured detail with boned moire but hits the party dress code on the head with the voluminous velvet skirt.
Buy now £350.00, MatchesFashion
Alessandra Rich Cutout floral-print silk-satin mini dress
This floral frock oozes opulance with its silk-satin construction and braided cord trims that look borrowed from Renaissance fashion. The Mandarin collar also gives it a throwback feel, while the cut out bodice and split hem keep things sultry and sensual.
Buy now £1080.00, Net-A-Porter
ROTATE Birger Christensen Dawn puffed-sleeve woven midi dress
From the Scandi favourite, this dress will feel like you’re dripping in sparkle. Not the minimalism you may have typically associated with the style of the label’s birthplace but instead the statement piece you have been looking for with a modern prom-like feel and an 80s puffed sleeve detail.
Buy now £440.00, Selfridges
AllSaints Hadley cowl-neck sequinned woven midi dress
AllSaints is known for its edgy fashion staples where the leather pieces are some of the best on the market and with this dress, it retains that rock sensibility but in the category of party dressing. It has an all-over striking sequin design and a midi length with a side slit.
Buy now £199.00, Selfridges
F.ILKK Feather-trimmed maxi dress
The effortless elegance of this maxi dress will make it a timeless addition to your special occasion wardrobe. The strapless ankle-grazing fit keeps things demure, while the feather adornment across the neckline make it an interesting style that is striking and party ready.
Buy now £550.00, Cult Mia
