Seeing as party season is already in full swing, there's no time like the present to start thinking about Christmas party dresses (don't forget your party season heels, bags and jewellery, too…) The fashion pack had previews of the winter collections as far back as March, so our wish list was ready to checkout as soon as stock hit the shop floor (or arrived on the new-in page). To make sure you're not missing out, don't wait until the morning of your party and panic… Now is the time to act.
Although the 41 party dresses in our edit are unashamedly festive, the best part is that you can keep said dresses and don them all over again for New Years Eve or use them as wedding guest attire. Style yourself sustainably and remember, a Christmas party dress is not just for wearing the once. In fact, stats show we should be aiming for 30 wears for every item in our wardrobe (deep breath…)
December weekends are booked and busy and invites to romantic restaurants, bottomless brunches and cocktail parties are flooding in so if you're ready to invest now, you'll have plenty of chances to wear your festive season favourites. Whether you're looking for an understated Little Black Dress (Zara's backless black slip dress is a wardrobe staple) or are ready to wow in red velvet (ASOS's deep plunge gown is festive perfection) we have all the inspiration you need.
Sequin dresses always feel right during party season. There's something wonderfully decadent about them and seeing that Christmas is the season for all things sparkly, from over-the-top decorations to fairy lights, it's only right to match the vibe with what you wear. H&M's long sleeve mini dress is a wear-everywhere favourite while 16 Arlington's silver sequin dress is a fashion pack fave.
These are the 41 best Christmas party dresses that fashion editors are buying for year's festivities.
1. Best midi-length Christmas party dress
Rixo Cerise Gathered Sequined Stretch-Tulle Midi Dress
We're getting sugar plum fairy vibes from this dream of a dress from Rixo. There are gathers on the shoulders and a fitted waist to create a beautiful silhouette.
2. Best red mini dress for Christmas
Rebecca Vallance Samantha Cutout Metallic Recycled Plissé-Tulle Mini Dress
It's mini, so it's sexy, but there's a high neckline and demure full sleeves. Look closely, and there are flecks of metallic thread running through the design, too.
3. Best v-neck Christmas party dress
Topshop Disco Sequin Cut Out Side Midi Dress In Black
This midaxi dress is stunning as it is, but if you want to go the whole hog this Christmas, we suggest jazzing it up with sparkly gold jewellery and some metallic heels.
4. Best strappy Christmas party dress
Retrofete Nara Paillette-Embellished Tulle Mini Dress
As ready to dance as you are, this sequin dress promises to sparkle with your every swish. What more could you want?
5. Best black Christmas party dress
For Love & Lemons Candice Mini Dress
The cinched bodice of this sleek mini dress gives a corset effect that's sure to be appreciated by anyone fond of good tailoring.
6. Best leather-look LBD
New Look Faux Leather Pearl Button Through Pinny Mini Dress In Black
If your personal style sways towards rock chick, you don't have to go prissy and prim just because it's Christmas. This faux leather dress is ideal with biker boots for a glam grunge aesthetic.
7. Best plus-size Christmas party dress
ASOS LUXE Curve Cupped Organza Mini Dress In Pink
Yet again, ASOS serves excellence with their curve sizing and proves that Christmas party dresses don't have to be all reds and greens to feel festive.
8. Best midaxi party dress
Blouson Sleeve Midi Tea Dress
If you want a style with sleeves and a swishy midi skirt, we got you. This dress has all the festive feels.
9. Best cowl neck party dress
Draped Cowl Neck Midi Dress
If sequins and sparkles aren't your thing, opt for satin. Equally as lustrous, this dress features a flattering draped cowl neck.
10. Best backless party dress
Open Back Dress
Modest from the front but party in the back, this mini dress from Mango has a stylish surprise element we're here for.
11. Best leather blazer dress
Crolenda PU Blazer Mini Dress
Don't let the festive season cramp your style. If slick tailoring is your usual vibe, we've found plenty of options that will feel party-appropriate but still ‘you' – like this faux leather blazer dress.
12. Best velvet party dress
Anine Bing Leanne Devoré-Velvet Halterneck Maxi Dress
Ideal for the Christmas season, yes, but we'll be wearing this chic halterneck dress far beyond the festivities. All it calls for is a sleek up-do to show off the neckline and some killer heels.
13. Best long-sleeve party dress
Zimmermann Asymmetric Ruffled Silk-Satin Midi Wrap Dress
Guaranteed to swish while you dance at every Christmas party, Zimmermann's wrap dresses are a fave with GLAMOUR'S editorial team.
14. Best floral print party dress
LoveShackFancy Azalea Floral-Print Satin-Jacquard Maxi Dress
Florals for winter are ground-breaking, especially if you choose a black background for your pattern. This would work all year round as a wedding guest dress, too.
15. Best sequin party dress
Ganni Sequined Recycled-Satin Mini Dress
Christmas party dresses are some of the most unsustainable fashion purchases because we wear them so rarely, but choose wisely and pick a style that you will be able to wear again and again (especially if it comes with recycled elements).
16. Best designer party dress
16 Arlington Solare Sequined Tulle Mini Dress
Sequins = party season. 16 Arlington is consistently the label we turn to for high-octane glamour.
17. Best ruched party dress
Norma Kamali Asymmetric Draped Ruched Stretch-Lamé Dress
This dress would work for so many after-dark occasions, and the rich chocolate shade would look particularly beaut with golden-toned accessories.
18. Best long-sleeve Christmas party dress
Bias-Cut Midi Dress
Red isn't the only colour for Christmas - we love this hot pink shade. The softly draped sleeves are ideal when it's too chilly to get your arms out.
19. Best Green Velvet Christmas Party Dress
Elise Velvet Midi Dress
We love Boden all throughout the year, but we have to say no one does it like them around Christmas. Case in point with this dress.
20. Best high-street Christmas party dress
Short Sequin Dress
When you're on a budget, Mango should always be your first port of call for high-end lewks at accessible price points.
21. Best strapless party dress
UO Stella Sequin Strapless Midi Dress
This gold sequin dress has ticked all the boxes on our Christmas party dress wish list.
22. Best polka dot party dress
Scarf-Detail Maxi Dress
If you want a break from bright colours and sequins, this polka dot dress would be the perfect seasonal style palette cleanser.
23. Best satin slip party dress
Hadley Cowl Neck Midi Slip Dress
Got a black tie Christmas party to attend this year? Let this be the slip dress you wear.
24. Best Black Tie Christmas Party Dress
Fringe Cape Woven Mini Dress
Bringing all the drams, we love the simplicity of this Karen Millen LBD married with the extravagant fringed cape detail. Main character energy.
25. Best velvet party dress
Camille Midi
Velvet is always a winter winner for its luxe, ultra-glam finish. This style takes the midi dress one step further with its lush festive shade.
26. Best embellished party dress
Self-Portrait Ruched Crystal-Embellished Stretch-Mesh Midi Dress
Self-Portrait is one of the style set's go-tos for consistently party-perfect pieces. This dress, covered in tiny diamanté is a winner for winter 2023 parties – and beyond.
27. Best sequin bandeau Christmas party dress
Rare London Premium Bandeau Sequin Disc Maxi Dress In Silver
If you want something that sparkles but also shows off your shoulders, this super-sized sequin bandeau dress is a winner.
28. Best little black dress for Christmas parties
Draped Open Back Dress
A classic in anyone's party wardrobe, we love the versatility of the LBD as you can dress it up or down as the mood takes you.
29. Best beaded party dress
Miss Selfridge Premium Embellished V Front Mini Dress In Black And Gold
How did we get so lucky? Miss Selfridge's beaded offering features exquisite chevron beading for an Art Deco feel.
30. Best red velvet party dress
ASOS DESIGN Premium Velvet Plunge Maxi Dress With Shoulder Pads In Red
This has all our party dress dreams fulfilled. Just sexy enough, rich red and luscious velvet? ASOS, you're spoiling us.
31. Best mini dress for parties
Sleeveless Bubble Mini Dress
Elevating the everyday, this & Other Stories mini dress has a bold bubble hemline that brings the drama to any party look. We love the glossy ivy green shade, too.
32. Best high-neck party dress
Draped Velvet Midi Dress
This contemporary chic dress from & Other Stories will work for every occasion in your festive diary.
33. Best long-sleeve sequin dress
Rotate Birger Christensen Darsie Sequined Stretch Recycled-Chiffon Mini Dress
The fashion girlies are major fans of Rotate's take on party dressing – and we can see why.
34. Best satin mini shirt dress
Satin Shirt Dress
If you're heading straight from the office to party, you'll want something that is fun but not too revealing. This is the dress to do the job.
35. Best mini dress for parties
Topshop Long Sleeved Chevron Beaded Fringe Mini Dress In Orange
Ready to swish those long-beaded fringes? We'll race you to the dance floor.
36. Best sequin midi-dress
ASOS EDITION Sequin Twist Front Cami Midi Dress In Purple
If sequins don't scream Christmas, we don't know what does. ASOS has tonnes of party dresses ready and raring to go, but this is one of our faves.
37. Best smock-style party dress
Miss Selfridge Cut Work Velvet Smock Dress In Black
The best silhouette for comfort – and looking cool – we love easy smock dresses, elevated in rich velvet for party season.
38. Best LBD
All That Glitters Mini
Keep it short and sweet in Free People's lace dress, that's dusted with shimmer and sparkle.
39. Best Sequin Mini-Dress
Sequined Dress
As easy as a sweatshirt to throw on, but a millions time more impactful, H&M's sequin mini dress is one-and-done party dressing done right.
40. Best bodycon party dress
Superdry Sequin T Back Midi Dress In Magenta Pink Sequin
If you choose a colour that doesn't instantly make you think of Christmas (like hot pink) you'll get wear from it all year round. Winner winner.
41. Best Work Christmas Party Dress
Rixo Leanna Bow-Detailed Satin And Crepe De Chine Maxi Dress
Nothing is more festive than holly berry red but for winter 2023, it's also the shade we spotted most on the catwalk. There was leather at Alexander McQueen, velvet at Alberta Ferretti and cutaway sheer chiffon at Gucci.
Read more from Glamour UK Fashion Director at large Alex Fullerton here or follow her on Instagram @alexandrafullerton // For more from GLAMOUR UK's Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd
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