Winter comes with its hardships, but at least there's a slight reprieve when party season falls upon us. If you didn't have an excuse to go all out in an over-the-top dress, there are a million and one reasons to do so now. From office holiday parties to galas and soirées with family and friends, the calendar of events won't be slowing down for another few months. What to wear is often the biggest question I get as a fashion editor, so I thought I'd make it easy and curate a list of stunning party dresses that I fully endorse.
As evident by the selection below, my personal motto when it comes to holiday dressing is the more the better—more sequin, more glitter, and more feathers will never be a faux pas (at least during this two-month stretch). Another pro with going for a dramatic dress is that you can ease up on the accessorizing. Each of the pieces below is a powerful statement on its own, so it's as easy as throwing it on and stepping out. Convenience will always win!
To browse and shop my selection of compliment-inducing party dresses, keep scrolling below.
While there's a certain level of commitment that comes with wearing a minidress in the dead of winter, this one is too cute to pass up.
For those still in their Barbiecore era.
This piece plays on the ruffled-chiffon trend that's currently peaking.
A dress that's winning the award for "most deceptively affordable."
Rotate's selection of party garments has been so good lately.
Norma Kamali's Diana dress is a faithful staple. Here, it's imagined in silver for a flashy take.
Pair this with crystal-embellished pumps or patent-leather knee boots to up the ante.
This is certainly quieter than the rest, but there's still a fancy midriff cutout for some pizazz.
Go for a dark floral print if you're aiming for the unexpected.
Be the star of the show.
I can't stop staring at this beauty.
Pure elegance.
I always love Meshki for cool and affordable party dresses.
This side slit is everything.
Since see-through pieces are circulating right now, here's a cool take on the trend that's not too revealing.
The winter season doesn't mean you have to ease up on color.
Personally, I can't remember the last time I wore a minidress, but I'd wear this in a heartbeat.
Tailored and tactful.
And suddenly, I'm into bows.
You could easily repurpose this for fancy occasions during the spring and summer too.
Quite literally my dream winter party dress.
If flashy details like sequins and rhinestones scare you, here's a way to make an entrance that doesn't involve either.
The gown version of Coperni's cutout It top.
A high-neck dress will always scream sophistication.
An all-black dress absolutely doesn't have to be dreary and boring.
In this dress, you are officially the party.
A ticket to best dressed of the night starts here.
For those big galas on the horizon.
Should you be spending your holidays somewhere tropical, here's a piece definitely worth considering.
From a designer like Simone Rocha, I wouldn't expect anything less than showstopping.
Next up: I Always Aim to Be the Best Dressed at the Party—I Love These Types of Dresses
-
4 Anti-Trend Outfits I Spot Every Time I'm in EuropeClassic looks that are always in style.
-
3 Non-Holiday Ways to Wear Velvet This WinterYou're welcome.
-
Hailey Bieber Just Used the TikTok Styling Hack That Will Actually Go the DistanceI'm going to use it this weekend.
-
After 15 Years as a Fashion Writer, I Know These Free Style Tweaks Will Make a Big ImpactHow to give your wardrobe a new lease on life.
-
4 Dated Sweater Trends I'm Purging From My Small NYC Closet by the Year's EndAnd the chic knitwear I'm making room for.
-
Law Roach's World: His New Book, Bag of Choice, and What He Grabs on a Target Run"[Styling] has made my world so much bigger."
-
I'm in My 20s—Here Are 6 Style Lessons I Learned to Look More Polished and Grown-UpSophisticated styling 101.
-
8 Copenhagen Street Style Trends I Plan to Replicate in New YorkPared back yet never boring.
