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What’s the most exciting part about receiving an invite (other than the invite itself, of course)? Shopping for the best party dresses that fit the mood. It’s not only a form of indulgence, it’s a chance to embrace a level of glamour not often found in the everyday. Everyone’s version of razzle-dazzle varies—luckily, there are party dresses for every occasion, dress code, and personal style ethos.
Vogue’s Guide to the Best Party Dresses
- The Embellished Pick: Self-Portrait embellished crepe minidress, $555
- The Lace-Trim Slip: J.Crew lace-trim slip dress, $248
- The Mighty Mini: Simkhai India satin twill mini dress, $645
- The All-Over Sequin: Rotate embellished maxi dress, $465
- The Dazzling Strapless: Mango low-cut teardrop sequin dress, $600
- The Little Black Dress: Tory Burch jersey hoop dress, $1,398
- The Velvet Midi: Liberowe Bluma cutout velvet midi dress, $1,130
- The Poppy Mini: Staud Ilana dress, $325
- The Feminine Silk: Dôen Veda dress, $498
- The Velvet Wrap-Style: Ganni velvet ruched dress, $375
Have you taken a peak at the spring/summer 2025 runways? Extravagance is in—and many designers, from Valentino to Chloe, are capturing feminine flights of fancy with eccentric details, bold colors, and modern silhouettes. There are high-shine options fit for the holiday season from Rotate, Proenza Schouler, and J.Crew that’ll refract below a disco ball. For a black-tie wedding or cocktail party, look at Tove’s one-shouldered LBD, Prada’s embroidered mini, or Dries Van Noten’s painted midi. Less is more doesn’t have to lack excitement—proven by the sheer cascading ruffles on the Marlies Grace Bea dress and the fold-over strapless neckline on Emilia Wickstead’s ivory midi. Needless to say, there are countless ways to ensure you’re dressed to the nines for every event on the calendar. ’Tis the season for expressive dressing!
As the invitations to weddings, holiday parties, and lavish fêtes roll in, you’ll find a suitable party dress below whether the affair requires a pared-back mini or a hypnotizing shimmer for nights spent dancing until sunrise, ahead.
High-Shine
The best sequin dresses conjure a jovial feel that only a little glimmer and shine can truly bring out. This season, we’re gravitating toward one-and-done pieces from Mango and Rotate to Des Phemmes and Cos. Zara’s slipdress feels especially of the moment with its all-over rhinestones set on chainmail and Rotate’s takes the sophisticated route with a longer hemline.
Something Velvet
What’s the easiest way to embrace the holiday spirit? With velvet, of course, always velvet. Soft, luxurious and cozy, velvet answers when the holiday season calls. Attend a gala in La DoubleJ’s printed maxi, sip cocktails in Isabel Marant’s crystal-embellished number, or show off a little skin with Zara waist-baring velvet midi dress. The options are endless, but the best are below.
The Little Black Dress
No party wardrobe is complete without a little LBD. A night out on the town is the perfect opportunity to go bold and sleek with Toteme’s strapless dress cut or Helsa’s figure-hugging midi. Meanwhile, Tory Burch is yet again providing the It girl with options with its beloved Hoop dress defined by futuristic swirling structures. For added volume combined with short lengths, look to Bernadette’s taffeta mini and Prada’s embroidered must-have.
Mighty Minis
Nothing screams “I’m ready to have a good time” quite like a party-friendly minidress. For a leg-bearing statement, look for styles that balance the above-the-knee hemline with draped finishes, ample volume, or a fit-and-flare silhouette. To stand out in a sea of dark hues, look to Staud’s red mini and a bow-detailed option from The New Arrivals.
Out of the Boudoir
Slip dresses and semi-sheer lace are no long exclusive to the bedroom. In fact, we’re taking them out on the town thanks to designers bridging the gap between privacy and party. Add a simple kitten heel to play up vintage sensibilities with Nili Lotan and Massimo Dutti’s style. Or, give a unique design a spin with something like Jason Wu’s crinkled organza dress, or Miu Miu’s slip dress with a blush-colored feather trim. Time to dance!
Maximum-Impact Maxis
Looking for something with a bit of coverage that also feels festive? Count on maxis with fabulous details—like Saloni’s all-over floral print or the bohemian layers on the below De La Vali dress—to deliver. There’s a vivid green option from Dôen, and a feather-trimmed maxi from La DoubleJ, both perfect for celebrations and social gatherings.
The White-ish Dress
For social-filled days and nights ahead, don’t forgo a white dress—they transcend any season. These aren’t your standard summer dresses, however. Bottega Veneta’s is perfect for a fancy brunch, while Zara’s open-back midi dress nods to the noughties. Looking for pleats? You’ll find it below, along with gleaming embellishments from Clio Peppiatt, and rosettes from Magda Butrym.
