Dec 9, 2019

The Photogenic Dress Trend You'll Regret Not Wearing to Your Holiday Parties

by Anna LaPlaca

While holiday mainstays like velvet and metallics are always good options when dressing for party season, we have the intel on a dress style that's even better. Satin pieces are the photogenic style that's guaranteed to earn you some gorgeous photos to remember the occasion by. They're equally classic and festive and happen to photograph beautifully, so we mean it when we say that you'll regret wearing anything else to your holiday soirées.

How are we so sure that satin dresses are the most photogenic? Vincent Elejorde, a fashion photographer who regularly photographs some of the top influencers such as Camila Coelho, Jill Wallace, and Jenn Im, lent us his professional opinion on silk and satin fabrics: "Whether that's scarves, skirts, dresses, they all reflect light perfectly and bring depth and dimension to an image.”

There's so much evidence of this all over the street style scene, so I did some digging and found the best satin-dress looks (and one jumpsuit look!) to really drive the point home. What's more, we went ahead and created our own affordable version for our Who What Wear collection, so a luxurious satin piece can be yours for less than $50. Style our Silky Shirt Midi Dress with your ankle boots, or wear it with pretty heels for your next event.

Ahead, see the proof of this photogenic dress trend on the street style scene, and then shop our affordable versions at Target.

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SZYMON BRZÓSKA/THE STYLE STALKER

Satin adds dimension to a monochromatic palette.

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SZYMON BRZÓSKA/THE STYLE STALKER

Top off a slip dress with a leather jacket and ankle boots.

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SZYMON BRZÓSKA/THE STYLE STALKER

No matter which dress style you choose, the fabric moves beautifully with you.

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SZYMON BRZÓSKA/THE STYLE STALKER

Don't be afraid to try some inventive layering—the soft material ensures your look will still be a sleek one.

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SZYMON BRZÓSKA/THE STYLE STALKER

Throw a sweater on over your shoulders for a bit of a classic feel.

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SZYMON BRZÓSKA/THE STYLE STALKER

Proof that a satin midi dress plays oh so well with the boot trend of the moment.

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SZYMON BRZÓSKA/THE STYLE STALKER

I know we're talking about dresses here, but I just had to include this beautiful jumpsuit moment.

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SZYMON BRZÓSKA/THE STYLE STALKER

A few key accessories are all that's needed to make this satiny dress into a full look.

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SZYMON BRZÓSKA/THE STYLE STALKER

Literally traffic-stopping.

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SZYMON BRZÓSKA/THE STYLE STALKER

A look that lets your wardrobe basics really shine.

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@labs.photo

Add low heels, and you've got yourself a pretty and office-approved look.

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@allymisslove

Platforms and sheer socks ensure this dress is party-ready.

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@kinleyella

Genius styling idea: Wear it unbuttoned over jeans and a basic top, and it automatically becomes a fashion-forward robe.

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@fitzpatrickerin

Our very own senior news editor, Erin, is making a strong case for the dress and noted how pretty the puff-sleeve detail is: "I promise I'm not just saying this because it's a Who What Wear piece, but I honestly think it looks and feels a lot more expensive than it is."