From sequined minis to opulent velvet capes.
Words by Halie LeSavage
Dave Benett / Getty Images
Eleven months out of twelve, I’m a devout minimalist who worships at the altar of capsule wardrobing and upgraded basics. When December arrives, I do a style 180. Sequins! Velvet! More sequins! I’m transformed by the magnetic pull of the best holiday party dresses. Like the events they’re worn to, party dresses are something to anticipate. They’re special because they’re not worn all that often and, because they’re decked out in the most over-the-top details possible.
“The holidays are the perfect time to go all in on the glitz and glamour,” Rent the Runway chief merchant Sarah Tam agrees. And in 2022, she’s noticed designers leaning even more into the hallmarks of classic holiday details. If your only party goal is to shimmer, disco sequin dresses are in heavy rotation. (They look their best in sky-high mini form, Tam says.) Black-tie tuxedos have been modernized in maxi skirt and jumpsuit form with larger lapels and feminine details when elegant tailoring is in order. For everyone riding fashion’s Y2K nostalgia wave, glittery, mesh minis that would make the cover of an early aughts tabloid are everywhere. Then there’s the plush lineup of velvet dresses, from short-sleeved to full-length gowns: “a classic for the holidays,” Tam says. And if you want your holiday party dresses to resemble the presents you unwrap—big on volume and topped with a bow—pumped-up proportions and romantic bows are everywhere you turn.
No matter your style from January through November, the best holiday party dresses feel like a gift to wear until the New Year. Shop (or rent!) our favorites below.
| BEST PAILETTE MINI DRESS |
Banana Republic
Teia Sequin Mini Dress
SHOP AT BANANA REPUBLICFor the partygoers who can’t give up their neutrals, oversized pailettes in a darker shade still bring the holiday sparkle. And, their glitzy energy is perfectly juxtaposed with an oversized tuxedo blazer. Finish with a neon mule (like The Attico’s fan-favorite heels) to bring in some color.
Sizes: XXS–XL
| BEST MINIMAL PARTY DRESS |
& Other Stories
Fitted Midi Slit Dress
SHOP AT AT STORIES& Other Stories tapped A.W.A.K.E. Mode for a holiday dressing capsule, with dresses that do more by piling on less. This midi doesn’t have over-the-top embellishments, but the layered sleeves and high slit are definitely party material.
Sizes: 0–12
| BEST SILK MAXI PARTY DRESS |
SHOP AT THE REFORMATION
I can’t help but come back to Reformation holiday season after holiday season. Its silk dresses always fit like a dream, and come in the essential holiday shades: black, forest green, champagne, and cranberry. This slightly conservative tailored wrap dress is a must for long family dinners where group pictures are guaranteed. And for added shimmer? Lightly blot the brand’s highlighter made with Saie Beauty across your cheekbones.
Sizes: 0–12
| BEST TRAPEZE PARTY DRESS |
SHOP AT KATE SPADE
Here’s another dress with the amped-up volume Tam mentioned, plus the prettiest embroidery just above the hem. The silk-cotton blend will keep you cool even as you’re twirling around the dance floor in a sharp heel.
Sizes: XXS–XXL
| BEST Y2K PARTY DRESS |
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Poster Girl
Calypso Cocktail Dress
Now 54% OFF
SHOP AT FARFETCHOf the brands that seemed to have Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell on their holiday moodboards, Poster Girl’s interpretation of the chainmail cocktail dress is our winner. Not only is it coated in a stardust glimmer, but it has more supportive straps to carry you through weeks of back-to-back parties in comfort.
Sizes: S–L
| BEST PARTY JUMPSUIT |
$110 for one-time rental; $745 to purchase
SHOP AT RENT THE RUNWAYIf your holiday vibe is more sleek and sexy than flouncy and festive, Tam recommends embracing the runways’ elegant reinterpretations of tuxedo dressing. “This tuxedo-inspired jumpsuit from Jonathan Simkhai is a striking take on the classic look,” she says.
Sizes: 0–12
| BEST MIXED MATERIAL PARTY DRESS |
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Ashley Park x RTR
Encore Velvet Mini Dress
$45 for one-time rental; $395 to purchase
SHOP AT RENT THE RUNWAYTam says this holiday dress is an example of “ultra-luxe velvet,” where designers are making the classic holiday fabric feel modern with “bold hemlines, hues that pop, and retro prints.” She loves this mini for two details: the sweetheart velvet bodice and the ever-so-slightly-shimmery brocade skirt.
Sizes: 0-14
| BEST VINTAGE-INSPIRED VELVET DRESS |
SHOP AT SHOPDOEN.COM
For an intimate dinner party held by candlelight, or a cozy booth at the back of your favorite formal restaurant, this velvet dress is it. It’s an update to one of Dôen’s best-selling silhouettes, with a deep V-neck and draped velvet. The old-world elegance of this shape is a perfect match for a fluffy, faux fur wrap coat.
Sizes: XS–XL
| BEST SEQUIN PARTY DRESS |
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$55 for one-time rental; $370 to purchase
SHOP AT RENT THE RUNWAYAccording to Tam, a single sleeve is all Misa needed to give the trending disco mini its own twist. And that pattern within the sequins? It’s completely unique.
Sizes: XS–XL
| BEST CORSET PARTY DRESS |
Autumn Adeigbo
Clarette Puff Sleeve V-Neck Velvet Dress
Now 40% OFF
SHOP AT NORDSTROMRed velvet dresses are like red velvet cakes: There’s simply no such thing as too many. But this one takes the holiday classic in a cooler director with a semi-sheer corset bodice to balance out the girly puff sleeves.
Sizes: 2–16
| BEST PLAID PARTY DRESS |
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$45 for one-time rental; $295 to purchase
SHOP AT RENT THE RUNWAYWhen it comes to little dresses with volume to spare, “Selkie put this trend on the map in recent years,” Tam says. She’s partial to the tartan version of its signature puff dress for a wink at the holiday season. As for wearing it out? “Pair it with a sky high platform and tights for ultimate party season drama,” she recommends.
Sizes: XXS–XXL
| BEST FEATHERED PARTY DRESS |
SHOP AT MODA OPERANDI
If you’re the one hosting the holiday party, your dress needs extra gravitas. Guests will have nothing but compliments for this sweeping gown, resplendent with feather-trimmed sleeves and flecks of glitter throughout. (‘Tis the season.) Now, grab a glass of champagne and soak in the praise for a perfect evening.
Sizes: XS–L
| BEST SILK MINI PARTY DRESS |
SHOP AT BERGDORF GOODMAN
Having worn a version of this silk mini dress to fashion week after parties, I can say Azeeza pieces are designed for dancing all night (and into the early morning). The Catriona’s cape sleeves guarantee a dramatic entrance when the evening begins.
Sizes: XS–L
| BEST BOW-EMBELLISHED PARTY DRESS |
$65 for one-time rental; $430 to buy
SHOP AT RENT THE RUNWAYTam has one directive for holiday dressing: “Bring on the bows!” They’re another recurring holiday character we’re more than happy to see again, especially when it’s carrying a floral maxi like Rixo’s into winter. With this bow’s center stage placement, Tam says, “it makes the outfit all on its own for a one and down look.”
Sizes: XS–XL
| BEST PARTY DRESS ON AMAZON |
Norma Kamali
Slip Diana Mini Dress
Now 40% OFF
SHOP AT AMAZONThis mini is the best of two iconic party worlds: the metallic shimmer of a ’90s supermodel and the disco sensibility of Norma Kamali’s original Diana dress.
Sizes: XXS–XL
| BEST ULTRA-MINI PARTY DRESS |
Sergio Hudson
Now 25% OFF
SHOP AT AMAZONThis tailored dress is holiday material with shimmering earrings and a sparkly heel. But the real magic of Sergio Hudson’s design is that it can stay out after the holiday decorations are put away.
Sizes: 0–12
| BEST JACQUARD PARTY DRESS |
Sister Jane
Natalia Jacquard Mini Dress
SHOP AT SISTERJANE.COMThe moody florals you’d otherwise wear all winter can still translate to a party setting. It’s all in the sheen of this mini’s jacquard weave. All it needs to be ready for the gift exchange? An Erdem bow barrette and a chunky boot.
Sizes: XS–XXL
| BEST IRIDESCENT PARTY DRESS |
SHOP AT BATSHEVA.COM
Prairie dress, but make it a party dress. Batsheva’s iridescent taffeta can take you to every event on your holiday social calendar, while impressing the true fashion girls in your circle.
Sizes: 0–14
| BEST FRINGE PARTY DRESS |
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SHOP AT NORDSTROM
For sparkle without the head-to-toe sequins, a black midi lined with sequin fringe is made for you. It also has a slit all the way up the thigh—the better for showing off a towering metallic platform.
Sizes: 14W–28W
| BEST PAILETTE PARTY DRESS |
SHOP AT FARFETCH
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This story originally appeared in harpersbazaar.com
