30 stylish and flattering Christmas party dress ideas for festive nights out in 2022

Make the best-dressed list this season, with the best Christmas party dress styles

5 Christmas party dress ideas
(Image credit: Mango / River Island / Massimo Dutti / Mint Velvet / Monsoon)

The holidays are ideal for getting glammed up, and wearing the best Christmas party dress will make you feel like a million bucks. Whether it's for a get-together with your closest friends, a family gathering, or a work event, these are the best frocks that'll work for the upcoming festive season.

A diary full of events and nothing to wear? The best Christmas party dress should make you feel confident about the season ahead. The best dresses will enhance your silhouette and feel befitting for the occasion, and of course, with the holiday season fast approaching, velvet, sequins, and lace are naturally on the cards. If you haven't yet sorted out your work Christmas party outfit, a dress is always an easy and elegant solution.

When it comes to silhouettes, the most important thing is that you feel supported and stylish in your chosen silhouette and our edit of the best Christmas party dresses is bursting with everything from minis, midis, and maxis, to embellished and tactile styles. From one-season wonders that pay homage to the latest fall 2022 fashion trends, to timeless designs that you'll love for years to come, let us help you find your perfect Christmas party outfit.

30 of the best Christmas party dresses to buy in 2022

red sequin midi dress

(Image credit: All Saints)

1. All Saints Juela Dia Dress

Specifications

RRP: $230 / £219
Sizes : XS-L
Material: Shell: 94% polyester, 6% elastane Lining: 93% polyester, 7% elastane Rib: 84% viscose, 14% polyamide, 2% elastane
Care: Hand wash inside out

Reasons to buy

+
Sporty, casual style
+
Festive coloring
+
Not clingy

Reasons to avoid

-
Small size range (and selling fast)

One of the best cocktail dresses, the Juela dress has a relaxed fit throughout the body for a party wear look that won't feel constricted. Taping into the fashion trends 2023 for bright and bold colors, the red hue is unmistakably festive, making this a great Christmas party dress option. The collared neckline adds an almost tailored element to the look, with this dress working particularly well on athletic silhouettes. Thanks to the sporty feel, you can easily dress this look up or down, pairing with the best knee high boots and a clutch for a winter-ready feel, or go all out glam and team with strappy, metallic sandals.


Phase Eight Capriana Leopard Burnout Dress

(Image credit: Phase Eight)

2. Phase Eight Capriana Leopard Burnout Dress

Specifications

RRP: $137 / £119
Sizes: US: 2-16 / UK: 6-20
Material: 100% polyester
Care: Delicate, machine wash

Reasons to buy

+
Flattering midi length
+
Sleeves for added coverage
+
A versatile LBD

Reasons to avoid

-
High neck may not be comfortable for all

This gorgeous LBD with a twist from British clothing brand, Phase Eight, is a must-have if you're planning your Christmas party outfits. A timeless design, an LBD is a safe and stylish option for a multitude of events and this style is elevated thanks to the chic velvet, leopard print yoke and sheer puff sleeves - which offer delicate upper arm coverage. Phase Eight have also added soft ruching at the waistline making this one of the most stylish dresses to hide a tummy too.


Kitri Persephone Shirred Pink Tile Print Dress

(Image credit: Kitri)

3. Kitri Persephone Shirred Pink Tile Print Dress

Specifications

RRP: $227 / £165
Sizes : US: 4-14 / UK: 6-16
Material: 100% viscose
Care: Gentle hand wash

Reasons to buy

+
Flattering tiered skirt
+
Available in other prints 
+
Shirred detail to suit different bust sizes

Reasons to avoid

-
Hand wash only

London-born brand Kitri, is a go-to for stunning dresses all year round. The Persephone style is one of its best-sellers and it's now available in this gorgeous popping shade of pink, directional for the fashion trends 2022. Buy now for the party season ahead and then switch your glittery heels for sandals in summer for even more cost-per-wear.


firework print dress

(Image credit: Mint Velvet)

4. Mint Velvet Frankie Print Twist Dress

Specifications

RRP: £119 (UK only)
Sizes : 6-18
Material: Main: 100% viscose; Lining: 100% polyester
Care: Machine washable

Reasons to buy

+
Can easily be worn for New Year's Eve
+
Machine washable
+
Midriff flattering fit

Reasons to avoid

-
UK only

A great Christmas party dress - or an ideal frock for New Years Eve thanks to the firework style print, this number is universally flattering. The central twist front, with draped skirt fabric makes this one of the most stylish dresses to hide a tummy too. We love the billowy sleeves for added dramatic effect, while the gentle V-neckline will elongate your torso. 


puff sleeve off the shoulder Mango dress

(Image credit: Mango)

5. Mango Puff Sleeveless Short Dress

Specifications

RRP: $149.99 / £99.99
Sizes: US: 2-8 / UK: 6-12
Material: 100% polyester. Lining: 100% polyester. Edging lining: 100% polyethylene terephthalate. Tulle: 100% polyester
Care: Dry clean only

Reasons to buy

+
Runway-worthy dress at straight-to-market price
+
Bold color
+
Has sparkle element

Reasons to avoid

-
Really small size range

Has a dress ever looked so ready to hit the dancefloor. Drawing on the winter 2022 fashion trends penchant for '80s styling, this off-the-shoulder, puff ball sleeved number is one that is certain to turn heads. The ruffles and magenta hue give a nod to the trends to come, while the embellished strap ensures this dress is firmly in the Christmas spirit. Pair with sheer black tights, black courts and a clutch bag to fully lean into the '80s aesthetic.


sequin dress

(Image credit: Zara)

6. Zara Sequinned Midi Dress

Specifications

RRP: $169 / £119
Sizes: XS-XL
Material: Outer shell and lining: 100% polyester
Care: Handwash

Reasons to buy

+
Universally flattering silhouette
+
Can be worn for office parties or more formal cocktail events
+
Good price point

Reasons to avoid

-
Small size range

A sequin midi dress is a failsafe option and one that you can turn to time and time again, whether it's for a Christmas party dress, or for cocktail hour, this easy to style embellished dress does all the hard work for you. In all over sequin, the naturally nipped in waist sits slightly higher up the torso, meaning the skirt can easily skim over tummies, hips and thighs. The faux cross over neckline flatters busts of all sizes, while the slightly fuller sleeves gives a nice nod to current trends. 


Anthropologie Puff-Sleeve Organza Midi Dress

(Image credit: Anthropologie)

7. Anthropologie Puff-Sleeve Organza Midi Dress

Specifications

RRP: $260 / £198
Sizes : XS-XL
Material : 100% silk
Care: Dry clean only

Reasons to buy

+
Available standard, petite and plus sizes
+
On trend oversized style
+
Unique floral print 

Reasons to avoid

-
Dry clean only

Florals might not be seen as ground breaking for spring, but when it comes to winter florals, it's a look we're pretty familiar with too. Offering a romantic take on the Christmas party dress, this Anthropologie dress has a dark base for the red bloom print, rendering it utterly festive. 

Perfect for lavish get-togethers, or holiday season date nights, this flounced midi dress is made from lustrous organza, for a striking and full shape. Best of all, it's available in petite, main range and one of the best plus size dresses, this design caters for different silhouettes.


black sequin mini dress

(Image credit: Massimo Dutti)

8. Massimo Dutti Short Sequinned Dress

Specifications

RRP: $229 / £149
Sizes : US: S-L / UK: 10-14
Material: Outer layer polyester 95%, elastane 5% Lining polyester 97%, elastane 3%
Care: Dry clean only

Reasons to buy

+
Black sequins can be reinvented multiple times
+
Dipped back
+
Can be worn for smart casual parties

Reasons to avoid

-
Very small size range

Giving a twist to a classic, this LBD has a low back - so ensure you have your best multiway wear bra to hand. The fitted skirt part of the dress finishes at the thigh, making it a great option for elongating legs and will pair nicely with sheer tights and tonally matching heeled court shoes. The batwing fit through the body gives this a slightly looser fit, making it ideal for smaller busts. The draped sleeve gives a runway-ready finish. 

When considering a backless or low back dress, you need to think about what is the best bra style to wear. Whether you opt for a stick on bra, to go bra free, or a specially cut low back bra will depend on your bra size and how much support you feel you need. 


Sister Jane Stella Bow Smock Dress

(Image credit: Sister Jane)

9. Sister Jane Stella Bow Smock Dress

Specifications

RRP: $111 / £89
Sizes : XS-XL
Material: 98% polyester, 2% elastane
Care: Unknown

Reasons to buy

+
Statement frock
+
Fun bow detailing on back
+
Flattering tiered shape

Reasons to avoid

-
Mini length may not be suitable for all

If mini dresses are more your style, then this punchy pink tiered design from Sister Jane is definitely worth adding to your shopping list. The best pink dresses really delivered this season and this vibrant pink taffeta will float over your figure, while the fun bow detailing gives a fashion forward twist. If you've been wondering what is Barbiecore, it's the pink-loving look, everyone is talking about and this design nails it. 


Marks & Spencer Jersey V-Neck Ruched Midi Wrap Dress

(Image credit: Marks & Spencer)

10. Marks & Spencer Jersey V-Neck Ruched Midi Wrap Dress

Specifications

RRP: $60.99 / £35
Sizes : US: 2-20 / UK: 6-24
Material: 96% polyester, 4% elastane
Care: Machine wash

Reasons to buy

+
Great range of sizes
+
Flattering wrap style
+
Easy to dress up and down

Reasons to avoid

-
May be too simple for some occasions

The best Christmas party dress ideas should make you feel confident and this super flattering style will help to contour and shape your curves, thanks to the nifty waist-cinching wrap design. The long sleeves offer upper arm coverage and ensure you'll be warm on cool evenings. 

A dress that can be styled up or down, for a day in the office, add a luxe leather jacket and a pair of the best Chelsea boots, before slipping on a tailored coat and a bright clutch and your best designer heels for a party-ready style 


Next Long Sleeve Cut-Out Metallic Midi Dress

(Image credit: Next)

11. Next Long Sleeve Cut-Out Metallic Midi Dress

Specifications

RRP: $‌58 / £50
Sizes : US: 2-16 / UK:-20
Material : 100% polyester
Care: Machine wash

Reasons to buy

+
Sweeping maxi length
+
Stunning metallic fabric
+
Side splits for easy movement

Reasons to avoid

-
Cut out detail may not suit all

If you're looking for an alternative to sequins that still offers plenty of glitz, this metallic maxi dress is definitely high on our list of stylish Christmas party dresses. The side cut out detail is bang on-trend, although it does mean it's not necessarily the easiest dress to wear. Pair with matching gold accessories for a top-to-toe tonal look that will help you truly shine this festive season.


purple sequin embellished dress

(Image credit: Monsoon)

12. Monsoon Sabrina embellished midi dress pink

Specifications

RRP: $202 / £150
Sizes : UK sizing only: 8-24
Material: Outer. 100% Polyester Lining: 100% Polyester
Care: Machine washable

Reasons to buy

+
Good size range
+
Machine washable
+
Bright and colorful

Reasons to avoid

-
Sheer sleeve not to everyone's taste

When it comes to Christmas party dresses, Monsoon is hard to beat, as its beadwork and skill with embellishment is highly rated. This pretty pink dress with delicately scattered sequins is a festive-ready dress that will add twinkle whether you're heading out for drinks with the girls or want to feel dressed up for watching the  best Christmas movies on Disney plus

While some like to keep Christmas day outfits cozy and relaxed, if you're looking to up the glam factor, this dress is certainly a stylish way of celebrating the big day, just add your best slippers to make it feel homely.