22 stylish Christmas party dress ideas

The holidays are the perfect excuse to get glam and wear a Christmas party dress that makes you feel like a million bucks. Whether it's for a get-together with your closest girlfriends, a family gathering, or a work party, these are the best frocks that'll work for every upcoming occasion.

After a couple of years of Christmas plans being up in the air, this year we're ready to say yes to every festive plan possible. But after getting used to being snuggled up in loungewear and only just getting back to dressing for work, it can become a bit of a minefield knowing how to get dressed up for party season. So, in between being swaddled up in the best Christmas jumpers at home (we've even found matching Christmas jumpers for the family), and getting used to your new everyday fall looks, we've found the perfect Christmas party dresses to help you stand out for the special occasions. 

Where to find the best Christmas party dress 

Don't know what you want but looking for browse places that are guaranteed to have a brilliant Christmas party dresses? Let us direct you to the following great brands...

• Anthropologie (opens in new tab)—unique classics from $180/£148
• ASOS (opens in new tab)—inclusive clothing from $171/£120
• Chi Chi London (opens in new tab)—classic party wear from $167/£90
• Never Fully Dressed (opens in new tab)—gorgeous printed dresses from $130/£79
• Phase Eight (opens in new tab)—round the clock dresses from $109/£79
• Reiss (opens in new tab)—sumptuous velvet gowns from $320/£168

Christmas party dress ideas for 2021

The perfect dress for a sophisticated soirée, this pencil style with high neck is as chic as it is stylish. With the long sleeves, twist detail and low back, it's a winner for an after-dark look with sparkly jewels.

• View in the US at ASOS (opens in new tab)
• View in the UK at ASOS (opens in new tab)

This gorgeous LBD with a twist from Phase Eight is a must-have for party season. The "Adele Dress (opens in new tab)" has an added touch of glamour, this dress is covered in sparkling embellishments that are sure to shimmer beneath the fairy lights this winter. This chic take on an LBD is touched up with metallic studs and framed by blouson sleeves with frill cuffs. Phase Eight have also added feminine ruching at the waistline to flatter all shapes, figures, and silhouettes.

• View in the US at Phase Eight (opens in new tab)
• View in the UK at Phase Eight (opens in new tab)

London-born brand Kitri, is a go-to for stunning dresses all year round. The Persephone style is one of its best-sellers and now it's available in this gorgeous popping shade of pink. Try it out with a slick of red lippie and a pair of metallic mules. 

• View in the US at Kitri (opens in new tab)
• View in the UK at Kitri

How amazing is this color? We're imagining this frock with lashings of golden jewels, a pair of strappy heeled sandals and an embellished bag. You can also try it out with a shearling coat and knee-high boots for day, too. 

• View in the US at Mango (opens in new tab)
• View in the UK at Mango (opens in new tab)

The Reiss Bella Dress comes in the most gorgeous berry-hue, which is just perfect for the winter events and Christmas parties you'll be attending over the next few months. It features a gorgeous asymmetric neckline, which leaves room for glitzy jewelry. The figure-hugging fit defines your shape, and the midi length shows off your pins perfectly. Cut from velvet and with a subtle side split down one side, this stunning garment can be worn with an array of different types of heels, pumps, or sandals, depending on the season or event.

• View in the US at Reiss (opens in new tab)
• View in the UK at Reiss (opens in new tab)

All-over sequins brings instant joy during the festive period. Embrace the glitzy look with Phase Eight's Haisley silver midi dress. The ruched waist detail, V-neck design, and universally flattering midi length makes it one not to miss. 

• View in the US at Phase Eight (opens in new tab)
• View in the UK at Phase Eight (opens in new tab)

A romantic take on a velvet gown, this Antropologie Velvet Midi Dress is romantic, endearing and down-right beautiful. In a powder pink hues, this midi is perfect for lavish gatherings and get-togethers, this flounced midi dress is made from lustrous velvet and oozes pure luxury. With a versatile square neckline, an empire waist and tie-back detailing—this dress is perfect for a variety of different figures. And the fact that this dress is available up to a US and UK 26, we are obsessed with the inclusivity of this piece.

• View in the US at Anthropologie (opens in new tab)
• View in the UK at Anthropologie (opens in new tab)

A leopard print dress is one of those pieces you'll never get bored of. No matter the season or occasion, an animal print midi frock will be the perfect style to swish around it. This style from Never Fully Dressed is fun, floaty, and inclusive for different sizes. Tick, tick and tick!

• View in the US at Never Fully Dressed (opens in new tab)
• View in the UK at Never Fully Dressed  (opens in new tab)

Part of Sister Jane's 10 year anniversary collection, this 'wow' dress is made to be noticed. The flattering, straight shape with a black base will suit different sizes while the stunning gold stars make it a showstopper that's bound to get everyone asking where you got it from. One word: amazing!

• View in the US at Sister Jane (opens in new tab)
• View in the UK at Sister Jane (opens in new tab)

The affordable price point, amazing flattering details (look at that knot waist and long sleeves), and the wearable length makes a style to snap up—fast. For daytime, style with chunky boots and a colorful coat. For evening, wear with a bright zingy pink or red lipstick and bold heels.

• Available to view in US at H&M (opens in new tab)
• Available to view in UK at H&M (opens in new tab)

The Green Patsy Heart Print Dress from Never Fully Dressed is the perfect fun dress to wear to Christmas parties this year. Again, it's not your bog-standard party dress, but it makes an impact and lifts your spirits. After all, who said fashion couldn't be fun? This dress is a pull-on style, making it super easy to wear, and can be styled up effortlessly too. Thanks to the slightly oversized fit, this dress can be worn early pregnancy or to a Christmas meal with a 0% chance of feeling guilty afterwards.

• View in the US at Never Fully Dressed (opens in new tab)
• View in the UK at Never Fully Dressed (opens in new tab)

This red number is leans just far enough to be a take on a classic LBD while still offering up some saucy Christmas Mrs. Claus energy. Plus, the wrap dress will work perfectly for lots of different body types. 

• View in the US at ChiChi (opens in new tab)
• View in the UK at ChiChi (opens in new tab)

This winner of a dress is made for fall. The gorgeous, glossy hues are not only ideal for party season, they also work for every day, too. Imagine it for evening with heels and a clutch bag, and for daytime with tan, suede boots and a teddy bear coat. 

• View in the UK at Coast (opens in new tab)

Never underestimate the power of a great black dress. Putting the LBD (that's little black dress) to one side in favor of the flattering midi. This & Other Stories style with puff sleeves and ruched, stretchy detail can be worn across all seasons with a switch of accessories. 

• View in the US at & Other Stories (opens in new tab)
• View in the UK at & Other Stories (opens in new tab)

The Meadows Caster Dress in a stunning red hue, and features a stunning embroidered sun and moon print done with a golden thread on a velvet base. The midi length dress has a square neckline and a gathered waist for a flattering and versatile fit. With oversized short sleeves and gathered shoulders, the silhouette of this dress is timeless, and looks beautiful on all body types. The dress boasts of pockets too, which is always handy.  

• View in the US at Meadows (opens in new tab)
• View in the UK at Meadows (opens in new tab)

Chi Chi London's One Shoulder Tulle Tiered Midi Dress in Red is a fun and exuberant garment that will see you through many parties. It's always good to make a bold entrance, and with this tulle number you can do just that. Wear with black heels to make a statement, or low pumps for comfort—either way, you'll feel dressed to the nines in this dress, and ready for the festivities that await.

• View in the US at ChiChi (opens in new tab)
• View in the UK at ChiChi (opens in new tab)

The dress-of-dreams in here in the form of Free People's Beatrice Maxi Dress. The elegant silver style is flattering on arms with the fluted sleeves, great for after-dark with the longer length and has a deep V-neck design. Keep it glam with all the sparkly jewelry and metallic accessories. 

• View in the US at Free People (opens in new tab)
• View in the UK at Free People (opens in new tab)

This gorgeous Karen Millen Check Knit Belted Maxi Dress is one not to miss. Proving the knitted dress is a hero piece for every stylish woman to own, not only do they look incredible, they feel good, too. Soft, comfy and a weighty fabric that won't cling, this dogtooth style is elegant and timeless. 

• View in the US at Karen Millen (opens in new tab)
• View in the UK at Karen Millen (opens in new tab)

Mini dresses are easy to wear if you think about balance. Instead of a strappy, bodycon style, switch to a floaty iteration with longer sleeves so you don't feel to exposed. This moody floral dress from Ted Baker will look so good with heeled ankle boots and statement earrings. 

• View in the US at Ted Baker (opens in new tab)
• View in the UK at Ted Baker (opens in new tab)

The Nasty Gal Metallic Polka Dot Backless Maxi Dress is a perfect maxi dress for all kinds of parties, but especially those that take place in the winter. In a gorgeous black and silver color palette, this dress will shimmer under the lights as you dance away to Christmas songs or welcome in the new year on NYE. Can be worn with chunky boots for an off duty vibe, or with sandals for a touch of glamor.

• View in the US at NastyGal (opens in new tab)
• View in the UK at NastyGal (opens in new tab)

House of CB is a go-to for fitted dresses and this one is a black style that's available in a range of sizes. Try belting it at the waist and wear a blazer over the top if you prefer not to show your arms as much. 

• View in the UK at House of CB (opens in new tab)

A twist on a classic, this fun, bright leopard dress is a showstopper. Let your dress do all the talking and team with classic jewels and black or gold heels. Feeling daring? Go even brighten with a popping pink shoe and red lips. 

• View in the UK at New Look (opens in new tab)

Christmas party dress trends for 2021

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 2021 runway, a strong case was made for glistening sequins you can wear year-round by the likes of Prada, Paco Rabanne, and Balenciaga, with dresses and tops. When it comes to velvet, frocks were the order of the day in the form of shorter offerings from Off White. However, we've found the best midi styles that'll suit most people. 

2. Sheer details

Another clothing trend to look out for is sheer detailing. It's gaining a lot of attention at the Dior and Simona Rocha shows, with black lace being a win-win among the designers, we've found the best styles to shop below. 

3. Bright colors

It's not all about dark, rich, and glossy hues, though, bright, bold, and punchy colors are key to getting dressed up for the festivities. Neon brights were at Versace and Roksanda and color blocking was seen at Jil Sander and Victoria Beckham. Basically, any color dress goes right now, it's all about what you feel confident in. 

Luckily, we've found the best of the best dresses that have been expertly selected just for you. Ticking off some of the key trends—no matter your style, budget or size—these are the frocks that'll be the best plus one to any party. After all, Christmas can be stressful enough so thinking of what to wear should be the least of your worries.