What’s the most exhilarating part about receiving a holiday party invitation? Every woman knows: It’s the getting-ready process. It’s the “night out” playlist thumping while the shower heats, the poppy lipstick choices, and the amplified extravagance of the final look. Thanks to the sensibilities of the season, feathers, sequins, embellishments of grandeur, and shining, glossy brilliance reign supreme. This year, the best holiday party dresses go well beyond the LBD.
Holiday dressing is all about the wow factor—something that’s already part of 2023’s biggest trends. “Red is having such a major moment in apparel and accessories, and it only makes sense that it shows up in our holiday dressing as well,” says Kyla Flax, head of styling at Anthropologie. Even more crucial than finding the It dress of the season is feeling amazing when it’s finally time to celebrate, she notes: “The most important thing is to feel good. The second-most important thing is to find something that feels special. Try choosing a dress outside the traditional holiday colors. Pastels and electric, bold colors stand out against the sea of metallic, black, and red.”
From minimalist luxury designers to glitzy contemporary brands, the best holiday party dresses will ensure you make it onto the best-dressed list—whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner party or heading to a grand festive fete. And if you’re conflicted about styling, never fear. The new wave of modern and vintage-inspired accessories is abundant. Flax urges us to think: “What are the twists that make that dress, on you, unlike anyone else? Clean modern statement jewelry, maybe a single skinny hair bow to pair with a black or white dress for a modern update? A rosette sock with a pointed-toe flat for a retro nod? A low-slung belt over a slipdress to give a ’90s holiday party some edge? All good options!”
Ahead, shop the 31 best holiday party dresses, from column silhouettes with dainty spaghetti straps, to sheer metallic slips and sequined gowns for every event you’re attending this year.
Our Favorite Party Dresses of 2023
A Sheer Party Dress
The Garment Neptune Long Slip Dress
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A Flattering Red Dress
Reformation Frankie Silk Dress
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An Updated Floral Print
Ganni Botanical Jacquard Long Strap Dress
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A Dress for the Unexpected
Molly Goddard Teresa Black Tulle Dress
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The One With the Bow
Bernadette Josselin One-Shoulder Taffeta Maxi Dress
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A Demure Maxi
Rabanne Off-the-Shoulder Lace Midi Dress
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For the Ultra Glam
Retrofête Katalina Strapless Two-Tone Sequined Tulle Mini Dress
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A Gathered LBD
Massimo Dutti Flowing Dress With Gathered Detail
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A Flapper-Style Mini
Tadashi Shoji Gia Shag Sleeveless V-Neck Mini Dress
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A Sparkly Slip
Anna October x J.Crew Layered Sequin Slip Dress
A Sparkly Slip
Anna October x J.Crew Layered Sequin Slip Dress
The best holiday outfits make you feel one-of-a-kind—a present with your presence. This limited-edition slipdress from a collaboration between Ukrainian designer Anna October and J.Crew is the definition of special, while still hitting classic holiday notes. Mauve sequins are a refreshing alternative to holly red and pine green, while a semi-sheer slip adds dimension to the design.
Materials: 100% polyester
Sizes: 00–22
A Sheer Party Dress
The Garment Neptune Long Slip Dress
A Sheer Party Dress
The Garment Neptune Long Slip Dress
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For those who dare to bare it all come holiday season, look no further than the Garment. The lightweight slip has a subtle silver sheen, slim fit, and thin straps. Layer yours atop silver briefs or a lace bralette for a sultry party look.
Materials: 75% nylon, 25% polyester
Sizes: XS–L
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An Updated Floral Print
Ganni Botanical Jacquard Long Strap Dress
An Updated Floral Print
Ganni Botanical Jacquard Long Strap Dress
Ganni’s jacquard dress is cut from recycled materials into an oversize, billowy silhouette. The botanical print is so now, with red roses showcased all over. Materials: Sizes:
A Dress for the Unexpected
Molly Goddard Teresa Black Tulle Dress
A Dress for the Unexpected
Molly Goddard Teresa Black Tulle Dress
It’s not a Molly Goddard dress without an avant-garde lean and a tulle accent—and the Teresa dress has both. Show off the A-line skirt with knee-high leather boots or chunky loafers. Materials:
Sizes: 6–18
The One With the Bow
Bernadette Josselin One-Shoulder Taffeta Maxi Dress
The One With the Bow
Bernadette Josselin One-Shoulder Taffeta Maxi Dress
Bernadette is known for striking silhouettes and over-the-top feminine details—like large bows, taffeta trims, and girly hemlines. This bold green dress has a column shape, with an oversize draped bow at the shoulder. Materials:
Sizes: 2–14
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A Demure Maxi
Rabanne Off-the-Shoulder Lace Midi Dress
A Demure Maxi
Rabanne Off-the-Shoulder Lace Midi Dress
This dress features a few of Rabanne’s signature details: embroidery, semi-sheer materials, and lush lace. The dress can be sexy or pared-back, depending on the accessories.
Materials: 90% polyamide, 10% elastane
Sizes: 2–10
For the Ultra Glam
Retrofête Katalina Strapless Two-Tone Sequined Tulle Mini Dress
For the Ultra Glam
Retrofête Katalina Strapless Two-Tone Sequined Tulle Mini Dress
If you see a girl in a striking party dress, chances are good it’s Retrofête. Illuminated by silver and gold sequins, the Katalina looks like separate pieces from far away. Pair it with mixed jewels. Materials:
Sizes: XXS–XL
Not all parties require sequins, and in fact, some of our favorite holiday parties revolve around intimate dinners. For that very occasion, look to Massimo Dutti’s flowy silhouette with a boat neck and subtle gathering. Materials:
Sizes: XS–XL
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A Flapper-Style Mini
Tadashi Shoji Gia Shag Sleeveless V-Neck Mini Dress
A Flapper-Style Mini
Tadashi Shoji Gia Shag Sleeveless V-Neck Mini Dress
Sparkle and twirl the night away with a minidress punctuated by allover shag embellishments. It’s complete with a deep V neckline and a leg-baring length. Materials:
Sizes: XXS–XXL
A Figure-Hugging Fit
Ganni Fringed Ribbed-Knit Mini Dress
A Figure-Hugging Fit
Ganni Fringed Ribbed-Knit Mini Dress
A Western flair can be spotted throughout all of Ganni’s collections, but in a fresh and modern way. Take this dress, for example. The figure-hugging silhouette is cut from ribbed knit, and the swinging fringe will sway as you dance.
Materials: 59% rayon, 40% polyamide, 1% elastane
Sizes: XXS–XL
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This particular dress is being talked about in several group chats right now. The loose-fitting silhouette is extremely comfortable, the price is incredible, and the opulent shine is ideal for a holiday party.
Materials: 100% viscose
Sizes: XXS–XL
This dress from Simkhai is constantly selling out online, and it’s clear why. A futuristic silver neck detail holds the straps together, while what would typically be black leather is painted red.
Materials: 100% leather
Sizes: 00–14
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A Party Dress With Popcorn Texture
Leslie Amon Paloma Strapless Satin-Trimmed Mini Dress
A Party Dress With Popcorn Texture
Leslie Amon Paloma Strapless Satin-Trimmed Mini Dress
The Paloma dress is cut from a figure-snatching jersey, adorned with allover black popcorn details that add a playful textural element. Satin cups (hello, Austin Powers!) are shaped into a sweetheart neckline. Materials:
Sizes: XS–XL
A Dress With Feminine Impact
Self-Portrait Crystal-Embellished Mesh Midi Dress
A Dress With Feminine Impact
Self-Portrait Crystal-Embellished Mesh Midi Dress
Self-Portrait knows how to have fun. Each design features charming details ideal for parties and special occasions, like this black midi dress cut into an off-the-shoulder silhouette from studded mesh. Did we mention it’s also adorned with bows and buttons? Materials:
Sizes: 0–12
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A Maximalist Ruffle
Aje Palladium Ruffled Midi Dress
A Maximalist Ruffle
Aje Palladium Ruffled Midi Dress
Look no further than Aje for a dress that looks and feels like a party. This dance-ready dress is cast in hot Barbie pink, fitting for fashion’s favorite color story. Materials:
Sizes: 4–16