Finding the best party dresses is essential to take you through any season. In summer, you need something flirty and fun - a party dress that feels easy (and breezy) when it's still sunny at 8pm. But when it comes to winter, a party dress tends to be sequinned or velvety or satiny or practically emitting a halo of sparkle, which is fair enough. It's Christmas, after all.
If your diary is full of occasions you'll be attending this festive season - from cocktails to dinners to house parties - we know the thought of finding the right outfit to wear can be daunting. The solution? A cocktail party dress. They're ready-made outfits which can be dressed up or down accordingly, which means you'll be prepared for every eventuality (almost - you're on your own if you're wreath-making, ice skating and mulled-wine drinking, all in one day).
So, without further ado, here's our pick of the best cocktail party dresses for Christmas 2023. We're talking mini dresses, slip dresses, puff-sleeve dresses and naked dresses, which we know you'll wear throughout every party this season and beyond.
Whatever you choose, make sure it's something you know you'll wear to plenty of events for years to come. Not just for sustainability's sake but for maximum return on your investment, too. Keep scrolling to shop our selection of the best cocktail party dresses to add to your winter dress wardrobe.
SHOP: The Best Cocktail Party Dresses
www.arket.com
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This bias-cut midi dress comes in this year's trending shade of hot pink, plus the buttons down the back allow for a mere whisper of skin. Perfection.
www.allsaints.com
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A real show-stopper, this midi will take you to just about any event and can easily be dressed up or down. It's also currently on sale, so if you do want it, don't hang around...
www.anthropologie.com
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Sometimes, it's the simplest things that pack the most punch. This dress if proof of that – it has distinct '90s vibes and will look elegant and unfussy for any party you're going to. It's the perfect thing to wear if you're worried about being over or under-dressed, as it will hit the perfect note. Add an oversized blazer and it works for day, too.
www.johnlewis.com
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Sequins, fringe, a halter-neck - Ro&Zo's checkerboard number has got it all this party season. If you're planning to hit the dance floor, it's a must.
mintvelvet.com
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Mint Velvet's dress will be a hard-working addition to your party wardrobe, thanks to a high neck, long sleeves and a midi hemline.
www.jigsaw-online.com
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Made of heavy ponte crepe, Jigsaw's fit-and-flare party dress is made for Christmas.
www.ghost.co.uk
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This criss-cross satin maxi dress is now reduced in the sale from £195 to £146.25 - and we're more than a little obsessed with the way its little spaghetti straps contrast with the flaring skirt.
www.ganni.com
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Long-sleeved but with a sheer skirt, Ganni's mesh maxi dress is a twist on a traditional party dress.
www2.hm.com
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If you're finally ready to take a 'naked' dress for a spin this Christmas, H&M's rhinestone-embellished column is an excellent choice.
www.net-a-porter.com
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Taller Marmo's fringed kaftan-style frocks are legendary among fashion editors. This holly berry red number, meanwhile, is the perfect for party season.
www.marksandspencer.com
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M&S always provides a lifeline when it comes to chic yet comfortable party dresses, like this jolly green number.
aligne.co
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The Christmas angel on top of the tree will have nothing on you thanks to this dress from Aligne.
www.riverisland.com
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This LBD is one of the best we've seen on our travels around the internet.
rixolondon.com
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Easy to wear but still glamorous, Rixo's feathered dress is guaranteed to get the party started.