Rivkie Baum
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Be inspired by the best Christmas movies on Netflix and dazzle in sequins this festive season. A Christmas movie isn't complete without some sparkle so take on-screen-style off and slip into this dancefloor-ready design. The flared sleeves add elegance to the look, while the draped back ensures you'll be eye-catching from every angle. In a light silver sequin, this dress will work for winter or summer weddings too, making this a great investment for any occasion in the future.
While red and black are classics when it comes to picking a Christmas party dress, don't underestimate the role white dresses can play in festive dressing. While traditionally kept for the summer, this pretty lace design is ideal for those looking for a more bohemian look. In a lighter fabric, you can dress this down in the day with a chunky knit, before transforming it for the evening, with a velvet jacket or sparkly cape. For a modern take on party dressing, pair with the best cowboy boots and you'll be wondering what is boho style no-more.
One of the best sustainable clothing brands, Omnes offers a more ethical and ecologically friendly way to shop the party season this winter. Learning how to style a slip dress is an absolute game-changer, as it will help you increase its cost-per-wear, and this satin slip dress has green credentials too. Made from 100% recycled polyester, this sleek frock can be reworked for multiple wears.
Teaming separates isn't always easy, and this dress cleverly takes on the hard work, whilst giving you the look of a two piece. The full skirt is incredible flattering, nipping in at the waist and flaring out over your hips to give the illusion of hourglass curves, while the fitted top half helps to balance out proportions. Pair with simple black courts and a black clutch bag.
The best tuxedos for women draw on androgynous styling to give a more tailored and structured finish. This blazer dress in a Christmas-ready, merlot hue, has a striking, figure-fitting finish, making it ideal for those looking for a more body-con approach to Christmas party dressing. Worn done up, with black tights and heels, you're ready for a formal drinks, or wear open over black jeans and silky cami for an oversized blazer fit.
This is one seriously sultry dress, ideal as an evening Christmas party dress for those looking to enhance their curves. Sizing is done both according to dress and cup size for a figure hugging fit, this dress can be given a more androgynous twist topped with a blazer - ideal for what to wear over a dress this season.
Whether you're looking for a Christmas party dress or something to go all out on for NYE, this sequin mini is a real standout piece. Wear with pointed black flats or simple strappy heels and you'll be ready to party. Need a more bodycon fit? The lace up back allows you to tighten the dress for a tailored fit making it great for smaller frames.
Glittery lurex is a great way to add some sparkle to your look in a understated way. This navy collared dress will look chic dressed up with contrasting block-colored heels, or, paired with your best white trainers for a more relaxed feel. Made from a thin knit so much like you're best Christmas jumpers it will feel extra cozy on cold nights.
You can't go wrong with sequins or metallic when it comes to the best Christmas party dresses and this thigh-grazing style is certainly ready for the dancefloor. One of the best dresses for petites, the cowl neckline is flattering across the bust. Looking to layer? Slip on a black tux-inspired blazer to keep this look polished.
One of the biggest color trends of the year, lilac has dominated the runways all over the globe, for both 2022 and into the first part of 2023. With an almost silvery undertone, this lavender slip dress features ruching through the body for a curve-flattering finish.
As comfy as your best matching Christmas pajamas but with bags more style, this relaxed, boatneck velvet dress is ready for the festive season. Velvet is never not in fashion at this time of year, ensuring you can invest now and wear this dress for years to come. The dress can be worn with or without the belt - depending on your desired fit, and you could also swap out the self-fabric belt for one of the best designer belts for added polish. A chic smart casual outfit idea, this can be dressed up with heels, or worn with knee-high leather boots and a leather jacket for a more relaxed feel.
Christmas party dresses should reflect the cheer of the season and this sensational pink number will certainly light up any room. In a midi hem silhouette, the side slit helps to elongate your torso and legs. The main body of the dress uses clever twists and tucks to create a figure lengthening V-shape, while gently draping over your middle and flattering larger busts with easy. In a seasonally appropriate velvet, this direction hot pink dress is ideal for celebrating in, in style.
With a billowing silhouette, this universally flattering dress is ideal for what to wear Christmas day, as it is supremely comfortable and packed full of style. The black and gold color palette ensures this dress will never date, and the metallic thread definitely ups the luxe factor. With a full sleeve and an adjustable waist, you can get a level of fit that's just right for you. A sheer overlay, coupled with a slip dress, this pretty new-in frock is great for those that want to wear something a little sheerer but still have arm and shoulder coverage. The midi length-hem is a classic, works for everyone style.
Feathers and frou frou are set to remain key as we head into 2023, spotted on the runway across all the major fashion cities. Get ahead of the game with this gorgeous monochromatic dress that combines diagonal stripes and a deep feathered hem for a Christmas party dress that is bound to get those compliments rolling in. The jeweled neckline adds to the festive feel, while the racer back silhouette is ideal for lengthening.
Not all Christmas party dresses were created equal and if you've got a really fancy affair to go to, only the best gowns will do. This magical, printed silk dress can be worn from winter occasions, through to the summer, as the billowy shape, breathable fabric and sensational print render it quite the showstopper. Roksanda is known for making some of the most glamorous red carpet dresses, and there is no way you won't feel like an A-lister in this one.
Australian clothing brand Zimmermann is one of our favorite dress labels. Exceptional style, femininity and easy-breezy silhouettes that are figure flattering, this 100% silk dress comes in claret or navy, for a waist and bust loving wrap dress that can be dressed up for a cocktail event, or worn with a leather jacket, tights and boots for Christmas cocktails with the girls. The full sleeves add a little drama, while the waist cinching belt will give you great curves.
Christmas party dress trends for 2022
1. Sequins and velvet
Every year we can expect the usual sequin dresses and velvet offerings to arrive, and this year is no different. On the fall 2022 runways, a strong case was made for glistening sequins you can wear year-round by the likes of 16Arlington, Bottega Veneta, and Ellie Saab, with dresses and tops, glittering under the spotlights. When it comes to velvet, frocks were the order of the day in the form of maxi offerings from Burberry, tapping into the '90s nostalgia that remains ever-present.
2. Sheer details
Another clothing trend to look out for when it comes to festive dressing is sheer detailing. Gaining lots of traction at the likes of Chanel, black lace and sheer panels were the order of the day and this look plays perfectly into Christmas party dress season. But this look doesn't have to be uber flesh flashing, look for full skirts and sleeves in sheer overlays.
3. Bright colors
It's not all about dark, rich, glossy hues though. bright, bold, and punchy colors are key to getting dressed up for the festivities this season, inducing dopamine dressing in their wake, with neon brights at Balenciaga and color blocking at Dries Van Noten. It's all about dressing confidently with color and making yourself noticed.
