The Best High-Street Party Dresses For 2024

last updated 22 November 2024

The winter period is well underway, and soon enough you'll be able to start your advent calendar countdown. The streets are lined with twinkling lights, and there's a buzz in the air that only comes around this time of year. If you're anything like me, you might be finding that your to-do list isn't shifting much. Once one thing gets ticked off (I can smugly confirm all my presents are sorted), something else pops up (now to wrap them). In the chaos that comes from organising Christmas dinners, putting up trees, digging out the box of decorations and then consulting Youtube on how to fix a broken bulb, there's more than enough to be getting on with. With all this and more to do, I'm happy to take something off your plate: party dressing ideas.

Whether you celebrate over December or not, there's still plenty of reason to get dressed up. Office parties, birthday celebrations and, of course, ringing in the New Year mean there are a lot of excuses to get dressed up this season, or perhaps you just like to snap up a special piece when you see it. In my research, I found so many great high-street options that I'm dedicating the whole edit to it. Your purse, and wardrobe, will thank me.

Valeria wears a party dress from Zara.

As much as I love the high street, I'll admit that sometimes the party-dressing sections can be a little hit-and-miss. With "Deck the Halls" ringing in their ears, brands often over-embellish or complicate partywear, making it feel less than timeless. Trust me, I'm in no way averse to a bit of shimmer, but it's useful to consider the longevity of your pieces to ensure you will wear them over and over again. After a few hours of searching, it became clear that there are five main categories of dress that have enough glitz to celebrate the occasion and still feel timeless enough to rewear every year.

To ensure that you make the most of your purchase, money and time, I've sifted through hundreds of high-street party dresses to find the five best styles to buy now and wear forever.

Shop the Best High-Street Party Dresses for Winter 2024:

COS

Tie-Detail Satin Midi Dress

A beautiful dress that will work hard in any capsule wardrobe.

H&M

Satin Bandeau Dress

I just love this pretty strapless style.

Reiss

Satin Drape Tuck Midi Dress in Green

This is giving major Atonement vibes.

ZARA

Zw Collection Short Sequinned Dress

I love a sequin mini with sheer tights.

Topshop

Halter Neck Mini Dress in Structured Pink Blush

For those that don't love a red dress, why not try a pretty pink style?

John Lewis

Metallic Cap Sleeve Maxi Dress

I did a double take when I saw the price!

ZARA

Velvet Bow Dress

Chocolate brown velvet and with a bow? Yes please.

Arket

Balloon-Sleeve Dress

I tried this recently and loved the shape and puff sleeves.

By Anthropologie

Carrie Bow Bandeau Maxi Slip Dress

This year, you're the present.

Reiss

Gathered Polka-Dot Georgette Mini Dress in Black

If you're not into sequins but still want an amazing party-season dress, may I please draw your attention to this very chic polka-dot number?

ASOS EDITION

Sheer Disc Sequin Maxi Raw Edge Vest Dress in Silver

For this maximalists out there.

Autograph

Velvet Lace Midi Column Dress With Silk

Perfect for after-work drinks.

ALIGNE

Fern Bow Satin Mini Dress

This also comes in a fun neon green.

& Other Stories

Sleeveless Satin Midi Dress

One of our favourite high-street dresses this year.

H&M

Sequined Deep-Back Dress

A classic.

COS

PlissÉ Mini Dress

If you're after a new LBD, this is it.

Mint Velvet

Silver Metallic Midi Dress

Mint Velvet is really killing it this season, case in point, this dress.

COS

Asymmetric Brooch-Detail Maxi Dress

That neckline is stunning.

H&M

Embellished Mini Dress

Wear with heeled mules and a long maxi coat.

Reformation

Stella Silk Dress

I personally love chic whites in winter like this lovely silk midi.

ZARA

Satin Mini Dress With Feathers

This is a subtle take on the feather trim trend.

Warehouse

Structured Puff Sleeve Bardot Midi Dress

Yes, under £30.

Hutch

Tthe Ridge Dress

You could also wear this to a winter wedding.

KITRI

Neve Green Velvet Halter Dress

What's more festive that emerald green velvet?

M&S Collection

Bow Detail Round Neck Mini Shift Dress

I can't resist a bow.

MANGO

Asymmetrical Bow-Neck Dress

Honestly, the chicest dress I've seen this year so far.

ALIGNE

Ivy Puff Sleeve Satin Midi Dress

Classic, elegant and timeless. What more could you want?

Reformation

Avielle Velvet Dress

This also comes in burgundy and blue.

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Florrie embarked on her fashion journey while studying French and History at university. Whilst studying in Aix-en-Provence, she began to write her dissertation on the history of fashion and the influence of Haute Couture, and landed her first role at Harper’s Bazaar. Following this, she interned for various publications including Elle, Grazia and Marie Claire before joining the fashion team at Conde Nast Traveller. There, she contributed to international photoshoots, styled pages and covers, and produced engaging digital content.

During a freelance period, Florrie honed her skills in editorial work in various digital and print publications including Vogue Italy and Departures magazine, as well as styling e-commerce photoshoots and personal shopping. Florrie actively pursues an in-depth understanding of fashion and jewellery, and after styling a jewellery cover shoot at Conde Nast Traveller chose to complete the De Beers Diamond Foundation course. Florrie first joined Who What Wear UK as a freelancer before becoming the Commerce Writer, blending both editorial and commercial content. Now, as the Acting Affiliates Editor, she monitors current trends, new-in styles, wardrobe heroes and how best to style them. In her downtime, Florrie can be found in her hometown of London, usually with a coffee in hand.