I Design Party Dresses for a Living—3 Trends to Wear for a Night Out in 2024

There is nothing I get more excited to dress myself for than a great party. It's the perfect opportunity to wear something fantastic and really show out. When I think of party dressing and the brands I go to whenever I have something really special coming up, Retrofête is just a no-brainer. Ever since I put my first Retrofête dress on, I've been in love. This New York–based company has always had its finger on the pulse of what It girls want to wear, taking a "more is more" approach to party dressing. It's safe to say Retrofête is not for the wallflower. After seeing the brand's latest runway show this past fashion week, I was even more obsessed than usual, and I knew I needed to tap the mastermind behind the collection—Ohad Seroya—for behind-the-scenes insights, the party dressing trends he loves, after-party style tips, and more.

Keep scrolling to read my conversation with Seroya and shop some of the trends he's suggesting for party dressing in 2024.

What was the inspiration behind your fall/winter 2024 collection?

My latest collection centers around the alpha woman, who is the professional working woman by day and the sexy party woman by night. Her impeccably tailored suiting turns to slinky draped gowns after dark. I was very much inspired by all of the influential women in my life, from my childhood to the present day, starting with my mother—fall's biggest muse—who worked three jobs and dressed with confidence each day. Next would be my girlfriends, who I am always the first to help style for a night out, followed by my staff, the majority of whom are women who embody a powerful femininity.

I also pull a lot of inspiration from '80s icons. Think Showgirls, Basic Instinct, Wall Street, and Pretty Woman—headlined by icons like Julia Roberts, Sharon Stone, Alicia Silverstone, Elizabeth Berkley, and Michelle Pfeiffer. For this collection, I channeled a timeless glamour that carries from day to night, office to cocktail lounge. She is the woman who can do it all, having the office job and the enviable social life we all crave.

When you're designing pieces for Retrofête and Ser.o.ya, who are you designing for?

I've always said Retrofête is made for those unafraid to stand out. When she slips into our clothing, we know she will feel empowered. She has intention when putting together her outfit, crafting the perfect look from head to toe. When she walks into the room, everyone wants to know what she's wearing—she's not afraid to be sexy and strong. Ser.o.ya is crafted more for the modern minimalist. With a truly effortless aesthetic, the Ser.o.ya woman is laid-back and casual while still put-together and refined. In tune with the latest trends, she curates her wardrobe with ease.

Which pieces from your latest collection are your hero pieces?

A piece that stands out to me from the fall 2024 collection is the short-sleeved pinstripe blazer. It's a new take on a staple silhouette that experiments with proportions and femininity. The four-piece suit is also one of my favorites, where we style a tailored blazer underneath a coordinating floor-length overcoat. It's power suiting at its finest. Shoes and handbags complement each look in the collection—cut in suede, croc, and patent-leather fabrications.

After-party looks can sometimes gain more attention than red carpet looks themselves. What advice would you give someone when the goal is a killer after-party look?

After-parties are your opportunity to go all out. Make it a mini or opt for sequins—the options are endless. While we're seeing award shows and red carpets become more polished, the after-party is where you can push the envelope. Slits can be higher. Shoes can be more sultry. Fabrics are sheer, and textures are bold. It's not just about the dress but [also] how you style it. By picking out the bag, the stockings, the jewelry, and the jacket, you are able to personalize each look.

How do you recommend styling your pieces?

I think the beauty of Retrofête is that there are endless styling possibilities. With the expansion of our outerwear and accessory categories, you can now shop for all of your finishing touches in one place. When my team and I design each season, we take into account every little detail. Each color and silhouette ties back to something else in the collection. We know exactly how many dresses are needed, how much occasionwear to offer, and how many knits will round out our offering. Every aspect of the look is highly curated from head to toe—with Retrofête shoes as the finishing touch, of course. By meticulously merchandising to keep styling simple for you, we ensure that all pieces find their most powerful complement.

What party dressing/night-out trends are you predicting we will be seeing a lot of in 2024?

2024 is already shaping up to be a big year for night-out dressing. Sequins are a forever staple, especially for Retrofête, but we are finding new ways to reinvent them with each season. We take an unexpected approach to the collection, incorporating crystals into traditional workwear silhouettes by way of high-shine embellishments and fabrications—doubling as a night-out look. We're starting to see a shift to more sophisticated party dressing. For example, the midi dress is becoming the new minidress. People are craving something fresh, and this silhouette is ultra-flattering and more refined.

Leather will also be huge this season, and at Retrofête, we're experimenting with it in all forms. Whether it be patent, croc embossed, or unexpected colorways, the fabrication is always luxurious and edgy.

Shop the trends:

Sophisticated Party Dressing

Leather Moments

Embellishments/High Shine