Marks & Spencer's Party Dresses Are Elite—17 That Are So Special

last updated 4 December 2024

If you're anything like me, you'll have committed to so many plans for the festive season. From promising to buy (and wrap) all of your presents in good time, to have your tree up (and decorated) early and to (most importantly) not scramble in a last-minute panic to find something to wear to all the celebrations that inevitably ensure. With party season becoming busier and busier each year, having my outfits ready is my first priority before the Christmas period really gets underway.

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This week coming, I have three nights out planned (pray for me), including a work party during the week and two get-togethers come the weekend. What do I intend to wear to all of these events? The two M&S dresses I bought from last year's party collection. I actually ordered them last year in October, one being a beautiful emerald green satin dress with a refined scoop neckline, pretty fluted sleeves, and a material with a pretty crinkle in it. I slipped it on—how flattering! I added bow-adorned shoes—how glam! The second dress I chose was a fun, silver-sequinned mini, which is a chic point of difference to my winter wardrobe.

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Admittedly, I was smug. I'd found two perfect party dresses at Marks & Spencer, and knowing how much you all love an M&S find, I was beyond excited to share it with you. By the time I'd taken my obligatory outfit snaps, however, they had all but sold out.

Fast-forward to 2024, and M&S have a brand-new collection of party dresses to choose from, and with a busy month ahead, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't tempted to invest in another M&S party dress hit; the brand's offering really is that good. From luxe-looking velvet midis to fun sequin mini dresses, there's something for everyone in this year's selection, however it's the cute bow-detail mini dress that's at the top of my wish list.

So keep scrolling to browse my edit of excellent M&S's 2024 party dresses just in time for the festive spell.

Shop the Best M&S Party Dresses for 2024:

M&S Collection

Bow Detail Round Neck Mini Shift Dress

Just add a red lip.

M&S Collection

V-Neck Lace Insert Midaxi Slip Dress

Finally, a slip dress I can wear with a bra.

Autograph

Wool Blend Midi Blazer Dress With Silk

If you're looking for an elegant party dress, call off the search.

M&S Collection

Animal Print Round Neck Mini Shift Dress

This will look great with a pair of colourful tights.

Autograph

Leather V-Neck Lace Detail Midi Slip Dress

Leather dresses can work for parties, too!

M&S Collection

Bow Detail Mini Column Dress

Nothing says "party" quite like red satin and bows.

M&S Collection

Animal Print Long Sleeve Midaxi Tea Dress

Try wearing this dress with red heels for an instant pop.

M&S Collection

Lyocell Rich Sequin Mini Waisted Dress

Ideal if you prefer your party dresses with long sleeves.

M&S Collection

Sequin V-Neck Midi Column Dress

This is my kind of sparkle.

M&S X SIENNA MILLER

Satin Ruched-Detail Maxi Dress

You'll get so much wear out of this.

M&S Collection

Embellished Mini Shift Dress

So cute!

M&S Collection

Lurex Sparkly Mini Column Dress

This ticks so many trend boxes.

M&S Collection

Sequin Square Neck Mini Shift Dress

I very rarely wear sparkle, but this dress is incredibly special.

M&S Collection

Velvet Round Neck Midaxi Column Dress

There's something so undeniably gorgeous about velvet.

M&S Collection

Sequin Square Neck Midi Slip Dress

A cropped velvet jacket would look great layered over this.

M&S X SIENNA MILLER

Bow Detail Sequin Mini Dress

Just wait until you see the back of this dress!

M&S X SIENNA MILLER

Sequin Mini Dress

This will pair beautifully with a faux-fur coat.

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Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.