The best party dresses for every special occasion (original) (raw)

Topshop Faux feather mini dress

Nothing says party quite like a full feathered lewk. We're obsessed with Topshop's fiery red mini – with its open back and spaghetti straps, this baby is all kinds of flapper girl chic.

Nobody's Child Petite silver metallic vienna mini dress

It's no secret that silver has been the shade of the year and the metallic trend is going nowhere anytime soon. We're looking forward to styling this Nobody's Child dress with an oversized headband and Mary Janes this party szn.

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Topshop Embellished mini dress with mesh panel

Topshop has always been a go-to when it comes to shopping for party dresses, and this season is no different. This bright blue number nods to '80s glamour looks with its mesh panels, ruched seams and padded shoulders.

Mango Sequin dress with fringe detail

Nude sequins are the biggest party trend of the year and it's safe to say we are obsessed. Mango has made this slinky mini even more party appropriate by adding feather fringing to the hem. J'adore.

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Abercrombie & Fitch Giselle pleated trapeze mini dress

The Giselle dress from Abercrombie & Fitch has quickly become a bestseller for the brand, and we can see why. We're in love with the A-line shape, open-back and fir-tree green hue on this pleated number.

H&M x Rabanne Jersey puff-skirt dress

If the sequinned lewks from Rabanne's recent collab with H&M weren't for you, this LBD might be more up your street. Crafted from jersey, this is probably one of the comfiest party dresses in our edit, but the frilled trims and playful puff ball skirt keep it feeling faaancy.

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Sézane Yseult dress

Sequins are always a party-season essential and we're obsessed with Sézane's cool take on the sparkly trend. This gorge mini is crafted from velvet and features subtly puffed sleeves and a gently draped skirt.

Reformation Bevelyn dress

Reformation's gorge nude sequin dress is giving us all the 16Arlington vibes but without the hefty price tag. Praise be for bridge brands 🙏.

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Joanie Nolly green velvet pussy bow mini dress

If you haven't already heard of British fashion brand Joanie, let us give you a quick intro. Founded in 2016, the label is known and loved for its snuggly pjs, amaze collabs and super reasonable prices. Case in point: this gorgeous velvet mini dress which is under £80.

Nobody's Child Black velvet funnel neck lucille mini dress

Velvet and parties are a match made in heaven. Invest in this LBD from Nobody's Child, and we guarantee it will see you through many a Christmas party.

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AllSaints Hadley cowl neck sequin midi slip dress

AllSaints has updated its classic slip dress just in time for the party season by adorning it in hundreds of sparkly silver sequins. Throw in that the brand currently has a mega winter sale, and this purchase is a bit of a no brainer.

Atsu Bow maxi dress

Christmas parties are a great excuse to dress up in big bows – you know, to remind your friends and family that you are the present!

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Sister Jane Glitterball sequin mini dress

Sister Jane is always a safe bet when it comes to party dresses – whether you're into embroidered frocks, ball gowns or sequin minis, the brand always comes through. We're loving the tiered skirt and deep V-neckline on this number.

Ghost Lois Satin Midi Dress

For those more faaaancy events (you know family Xmas dinner and drinks with the in-laws) opt for Ghost's satin midi. The loud magenta hue is tempered by the simple (yet effective) silhouette.

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Best sequin party dress

Superdry Disco Sequin Mini Dress

You might think Superdry is only good for tracksuit bottoms and puffer jackets, but the brand's party dress section is seriously delivering this szn. We love the green sequins and V-neckline.

Superdry Fringe Cami Mini Dress

With its beaded tassels, chic square neckline and adjustable spaghetti straps, Superdry's sequinned mini is ticking all of our boxes.

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GANNI Ruched stretch recycled-velvet mini dress

We couldn't resist adding another velvet party dress to this edit. Ganni's bright pink iteration is actually crafted from 94% recycled fibres. Chic and better for the planet? Sounds good to us.

Abercrombie Satin Pleated Cutout Maxi Dress

We've been waxing lyrical about cut-out dresses all summer long, so we're beyond happy to see that A&F has introduced a wintery style for the party season. The deep purple shade on this pleated midaxi feels seriously autumnal.

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Superdry Mesh And Stud Prom Dress

Superdry's black mini is basically the prom dress of our dreams. We're obsessed with the polka-dot mesh overlay, embellished spaghetti straps and the sexy low back.

Best long party dress

Karen Millen Embellished Fringe Plunge Neck Midi Dress

It wouldn't be a party dress edit without a few fringed lewks, are we right? We'll be channelling our inner Hollywood film star in this amazing midaxi from Karen Millen. Just look at those crystal embellishments and that sexy thigh-high slit!

Headshot of Rosie Davenport

Rosie Davenport is an Ecommerce Writer at Cosmopolitan UK and Red Online, covering fashion, beauty and travel reviews, as well as major sales events such as Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day. Rosie has reviewed everything from Reformation dresses to the latest massage guns and knows the new brands to bookmark as well as the latest trends to follow. Before this role, Rosie was a Fashion Ecommerce Writer on publications including ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar and Good Housekeeping for nearly two years, and gained a MA from Central Saint Martins in Fashion Journalism in 2021, focussing on the rise (and rise) of fashion podcasting. Rosie has also worked at The Times, been a sub editor at The Mail on Sunday’s weekly YOU magazine and produced in-depth retail reports for the trend forecasting agency WGSN. Her career highlight? Previewing Prada’s AW21 menswear show in the depths of lockdown and interviewing Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons from her bedroom. Outside of work, Rosie can be found rummaging through vintage shops or getting lost in one of London’s iconic department stores. You can follow Rosie on Instagram @rosie.davenport