‘Tis the season for all the parties, which means it’s also the season of shopping for all the best holiday party dresses a gal could ever want. I’m talking sequins, velvet, silk and tons of chic little black dresses to fit every style and budget. Whether you’re headed to a festive cookie exchange, your office party or an all-out rager with friends, I’ve got you covered—here, 21 of the best dresses to wear to every fête on your calendar, including sweater dresses, dresses with pockets and a couple of Tuckernuck gems that devoted PureWow readers will love.
The 21 Best Holiday Party Dresses to Buy and Wear Right This Very Second
End the year on a stylish note
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Published Oct 31, 2024
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Dasha Burobina for PureWow
The Best Holiday Party Dresses at a Glance
1
Best Maxi Dress
Anthropologie The Somerset Maxi Dress
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2
Best Mini Dress
Tuckernuck Red Fil Coupe Palmerston Dress
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3
Inspired by Princess Diana
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4
Best Off-the-Shoulder Dress
Lulus Always Celebrating Mini Dress
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5
Best Wrap Dress
Cupshe Surplice Belted Dress
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What Are Some Current Holiday Dress Trends?
There are four main trends breaking through the sea of sequins and velvet this holiday season. First, and perhaps the easiest one to wear, is metallics. Gold, silver, bronze, rose gold, really any shade and variation will do, as will any fabric. You can go for a more obvious sequin frock, or try a lightweight gold lamé or even a glittering silver velvet. Next is burgundy. The burgundy trend is everywhere this season—it’s rich in color and looks great on every skin tone, so it’s evident why it’s having a moment. I expect to see similar colors, like cherry or fiery red, dominate amongst holiday dresses. Next, sheer layers. Now I’m not talking completely see-through fabrics. Rather, I’m seeing plenty of designs that incorporate sections of sheer material, whether that be with lace overlays or sheer tulle skirts. It’s a sexy moment that doesn’t feel too risqué. And last, we have bow adornments and ties or belts that can be tied into bows. If you’re worried about this trend looking too juvenile, try balancing it with something more overtly sexy or grown-up, like knotting a velvet ribbon around the waist of a slinky slip dress.
How I Chose the Best Holiday Party Dresses
All of the dresses below were pulled straight from the wishlists of PureWow’s most stylish editors, and come highly reviewed by shoppers, too. I included a mix of trendy and timeless designs, various fits and materials and prices ranging from less than $50 to $500.
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This stunning evergreen maxi uses strategic pleating and smocking to create a gorgeous, slight A-line silhouette that’s just asking for a spin on the dance floor. The super stretchy, smocked waistband will never pinch, and it’s complete with a mock neckline, which will allow you to wear it with a regular bra for added comfort and support. “I wore this to a conference with 40,000 attendees and I can't quantify you how many compliments I received,” says one buyer. “It was very comfortable, professionally appropriate (but also fun for holiday parties) with the high neckline and still quite stylish.” Another shopper mentions that the fabric at the chest might billow and feel too roomy if you have small boobs.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: XXS to 3X, also Petite
This best-selling cutie comes in multiple colors and patterns, but I’m partial to this vibrant red-and-pink floral print that can be styled to work for just about any season. For the holidays, pair it with jewel tones, shades of silver and other overtly wintery textures like velvet or tartan. Maybe include a fun pair of tights to make it more seasonal and warm. P.S. Reviews say this dress runs large, so if you’re between sizes, you may want to go with the smaller of the two.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: XXS to XXXXL
Have yourself a modern “revenge dress” moment with this form-fitting Norma Kamali midi made from a soft jersey fabric. In fact, the material is quite stretchy to hug your curves in all the right places, and the sweetheart neckline is that extra nod to Princess Diana, plus it will hide your bra straps. Note that the care tag says this dress should only be hand washed (not dry cleaned or machine washed).
Fast Facts
- Size Range: XXS to XL
If you want to stun in one of the hottest color trends of the season, then you’ll need this number. The satin-finish burgundy material makes this dress feel classic, while the shorter asymmetrical hemline gives it an undeniably modern touch. It also has a zipper up the back to make it easy to get in and out of, and the top fully covers a strapless bra, although some reviewers found they were able to forgo a bra altogether. As for sizing, some taller shoppers say the dress was a bit too short for their taste, and most folks recommend sizing up one from your usual for the best fit.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: XS to XL
Is there anything better than a comfy wrap dress? I didn’t think so. And this design is belted and ties at the side of the waist to further flatter your figure. I love that the sleeves have a dramatic billowy effect, but aren't too puffy or overpowering in the slightest, so if you don’t want to draw attention to you arms yet prefer to conceal them, this design is the way to go.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: S to XL
Whether you have a Roaring ‘20s theme party to attend or want a dress that’ll move every which way as you sashay on the dance floor, this is the dress for you. It’s made from the brand’s elevated satin fabric that’s known to feel soft to the touch.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: XXS to XL
Dazzle and shimmer in this all-over sequin dress that’ll make you standout in an instant. I adore how classy the silhouette is with its mock neck and long length, but I especially appreciate the sexy accents, from the side slit to the sleeveless construction, which make the dress that much more fun for you holiday party. Rest assured, this dress won’t feel scratchy against your skin or uncomfortable in the slightest, but don’t just take my words for it. An Anthropologie buyer attests to its comfortability, saying, “I was worried these sequins were going to be scratchy, but they are actually really soft! This dress is also super flattering. Probably wearing this to my NYE party.”
Fast Facts
- Size Range: XS to XL
This gold stunner has been a best seller at Revolve for a while now, and it’s very easy to see why. The gold color is flattering on any skin tone, and the bows on the shoulders are right on trend for 2025, as is the partial sheerness. My sister wore this dress in silver for her wedding rehearsal dinner and she looked like a vision and found the belt to be extra flattering, plus the deep V-neck looks incredible on smaller chests. The neckline is also adjustable with a hidden hook-and-eye closure if you’d rather not go quite so low. The material is reportedly very comfortable, with a decent amount of stretch, and the dress appears to fit true to size.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: XS to XL
I love a striking bare shoulder moment. This Lulus number features a luxe satin fabric that’ll shine and glisten under the light, and look extra dazzling in photos, too. Best of all, the one-shoulder neckline is completely adjustable, thanks to the lengthy tie straps, so you won’t have to tug at a roomy bust line or experience chafing under the armpits. Not to mention, you can totally wear a strapless bra.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: XS to XXL
You can never go wrong with velvet for the holidays, but I particularly love the rich color of this slim-fitting maxi from Reformation. There’s nothing a love more than a boat neckline, especially if your goal is to look elegant, timeless and classy, so this draped shoulder cut is simply exquisite and will draw attention to your décolletage. (And yes, you can easily wear a strapless bra underneath, too.) It’s designed to fit close to the body, and the fabric has no stretch to it, but it does have a decent amount of silk (18 percent silk, to be exact) that’ll make it feel extra special, soft to the touch and delicate.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 0 to 12
If you’ve been itching to try out the sheer dress trend without completely baring it all, then this is the dress for you. It boasts romantic lace inlay details that provide an elegant contrast to the tiered hemline and show a hint of skin throughout for a sexy touch and quiet confidence. Lace will always make for a fabulously festive pick, and a little black dress will never fail to flatter either. Minimalists will appreciate how the neutral color on this sleeveless slip is easy to wear and rewear as opposed to a festive red or green holiday party dress.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: XXS to XL
This festive LBD is a great pick for semi-formal or casual fêtes where shorter styles are welcome. It boasts a square neckline, roomy silhouette and flouncy hemline that’ll look darling draped over your figure, but my favorite detail is the beaded bows that adorn the velvet dress. For the finishing touch, pair it with a cropped leather jacket and transparent black tights for a super cool moment. The pullover style is also machine washable for easy care.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: XXS to XL, also Petite
I came for the sequins, but stayed for the glamorous Old Hollywood silhouette. This stunning midi is fully lined, has a zipper up the back and is bra-friendly, too. “I was a little worried about the sleeves,” writes one reviewer, “but once I put it on—pure elegance! The material has a nice weight, well put together.” Most reviewers also note that this dress fits true to size.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 14 to 32
Hill House Home has lots of gorgeous plaid dresses, but this tartan midi is my favorite for two reasons. First is the simple silhouette with a smocked bodice and a cinched waist. Reviewers say it runs true to size, although some note that the the sleeves may feel long if you’re petite. The second reason I’m so obsessed? The timeless pattern can easily be dressed up or down to fit any occasion and will stay in style for years to come. It’s the holiday party dress that’s made for a beach vacation celebration with the family, thanks to the weighty yet breathable cotton.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: XXXS to XXXXL
For a colorful twist on metallics, try this rainbow-dotted mini with sheer sleeves and a V-neckline. The wrap silhouette is a fantastic way to define your waist and create extra shape, and the multi-colored fleck print adds a playful touch to the silky black dress. Never Fully Dressed usually fits true to size, but I recommend confirming with the size chart before you order.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 2 to 24
Red and pink make for such a romantic color combination, especially when you throw in a heavy and luxe brocade. The three-quarter balloon sleeves on this mini frock add a striking statement, and the cuffs have a soft elastic that won’t cut off your circulation. All that’s missing is a pair of statement earrings, pointy-toe and a sparkly clutch.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: XXS to XXL
I first spotted this polka dot dress on Sheerluxe Editor Sapna Rao before I started seeing it just about everywhere on social media. The dainty silhouette hugs your frame so effortlessly while still remaining spacious and slinky. I’m also pretty obsessed with the lace detail at the bust and hem, plus the back of the bodice has a keyhole opening and cutout that’s just *perfection.*
Fast Facts
- Size Range: XS to XL
Slip dresses have been trending for some time now, but I appreciate that this one has a scoop neckline and low cowl back for a statement moment. The straps are adjustable in the back and the satin material has a bit of stretch to gently hug your curves. But really, it’s that stunning red hue that sold me on this classic dress. Style it with bold silver jewelry for more of a ’90s vibe, or add a red hairbow if you want to go more literal.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 00 to 24
This strapless maxi puts a fun twist on the traditional gown with a sheer taffeta skirt in the richest navy shade. The silhouette above the skirt is tight and features a ruched design that’ll smooth and flatter your midsection, and it also comes with boned side seams that give the design a nice amount of structure.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: US 0 to 14
Anyone else getting Carrie Bradshaw vibes? I’ve been rewatching Sex and the City, and have been obsessed with the countless silky satin fabrics in her closet—they’re both utterly sexy and classy. This fit-and-flare mini is exactly what I’d imagine her wearing with those unforgettable Dolce and Gabbana heels (you know, the ones with the furry toe strap) and a baguette bag to complete the look. “The fabric was really nice, and loved that it had pockets,” writes one reviewer, whose only qualm was the gaping at the top. She recommends sizing down to avoid this issue, though I’d refer to the size guide to double-check your measurements.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 00 to 12
Who says you can’t be comfy and sexy at the same time? This ribbed-knit sweater dress has a boatneck fit up top that can be elegantly draped off one shoulder if you like, and a slit that goes up just high enough without feeling too scandalous. Reviewers also say it runs true to size. Dress it up with gold jewelry and some foxy lace-up heels, or keep things more casual with ankle booties and classic hoops.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: XS to XL
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