Is it even the holidays if don’t treat yourself to a new Christmas party dress? December is the one time of year when we can cast aside cool girl smart/casual dress codes and go all-out in velvet, satin, sequins and OTT colour combos.
The rule for party dressing in 2023? More is more. And here at Cosmo we are all for that mantra. Basically, we realise we spent a lot of autumn and winter in our PJs, so tbh we owe it to ourselves to buy the most extra outfit possible. (If you would rather stick to the former, we’re not judging – shop our edit of the best pyjama sets here).
But if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by all the choice out there, we’re here to make it easier. We’ve scoured the internet to handpick all the best bits (30 stunning Christmas party pieces, to be precise) and also compiled a guide to nailing different dress codes this December:
How to dress for a Christmas party:
This one is totally dependent on the occasion. If it’s a black tie event, go for a gown or stunning cut-out dress. If it’s a work ‘do and you’re not sure what colleagues are wearing, stick to elegant midis like ‘s and ‘s that can be easily dressed up or down.
Wild night out? Go for sequins or embellished pieces every time. For intimate dinners, pare things back with a simple slip dress: we particularly like’s and’s iterations.
When do Christmas party dresses come out?
Right now! It’s officially Christmas party shopping season, ppl! And the shops are filled with gorge dresses that are just waiting to be taken out out.
What are the must-have Christmas party dresses for 2023?
In Cosmo‘s opinion, it’s all about ‘80s vibes in partywear this season. We love Self-Portrait’s off-the shoulder number,’s sequin puff sleeve style and ‘ versatile wrap style. We’re also obsessed with Warehouse‘s maxi sequin number, too.
Where to buy a Christmas party dress?
The world is your oyster. If you want something really special, look to Net-A-Porter for bridge brands and designer bits. If this is a little out of your budget, we think Whistles, Ghost Fashion and Anthropologie are killing it atm. For high street price points, look to River Island, & Other Stories and H&M every time.
1
Mango Crystal mesh dress
Take cues from Paris Hilton’s iconic 21st birthday lewk this Christmas, and opt for Mango’s rhinestone dress. Just add a Noughties mini bag and barely-there heels and you’re good to go.
2
Sister Jane Cecilia bow midi dress
In our opinion, it’s not a Christmas party if somebody isn’t in a bright red dress, so why not go all out with this Sister Jane number this festive season? We’re in love with all of the brand’s pretty babydoll dresses, but this midi feels especially Xmassy thanks to the oversized bows on the straps.
3
Joanie Juno long sleeve velvet midi dress
Now 40% Off
With its ruffled trims and empire silhouette, Joanie’s velvet mini dress nods to old school ’50s glamour. We think this style will work for any occasion – from Christmas parties to special birthdays and black-tie events.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
4
Reformation Pike satin dress
The mulled-wine hue of this satin dress from Reformation is giving us all the Christmas party feels, but this style could easily work in the day, too. Just layer a crisp white shirt underneath and switch out heels for knee high boots.
5
Anthropologie Sequin drape-back mini dress
More sequins coming atcha because it is Christmas, after all. This festive green mini turns to reveal an open draped back for extra style points.
6
Free People Glitter & gold midi
Christmas party dresses don’t always have to be mini. We love the daring silhouette (hello, plunge neckline, thigh-high slit and open back) on this Free People maxi, and of course, those green and blue sequins – yes, we’re still obsessed with all things mermaidcore.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
7
Mango Short sequin dress
The beauty of this Mango purple mini dress is that you can wear it with tights and an overcoat for Christmas drinks or with denim jackets and Converse at summer festivals. Talk about versatile.
8
Mint Velvet Pink sequin halter mini dress
Mint Velvet always nails the Christmas party dressing brief, and this year is no different. We’re obsessed with the bead and sequin embellishments on this ’60s-inspired mini. Plus, the deep-pink shade makes a nice change from traditional red looks.
9
Coast Embellished mixed sequin maxi dress
Now 50% Off
Looking for a showstopper this festive season? Check out Coast’s amazing blue maxi. We’re obsessed with the flattering scoop neck, spaghetti straps and the cascading sequin embellishments.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
10
Reiss Fringe sequin sheer mini dress
Now 61% Off
You can never go wrong with a little black dress – and this Reiss flapper girl style feels perfect for the party season thanks to its playful tassels and mesh panelling.
11
Warehouse Square sequin bandeau maxi dress
Now 30% Off
If you’re after a Christmas party dress on a budget, check out this sequinned Warehouse number. Ringing in at under £50 in the brand’s winter sale, it’s a lil’ bit of steal.
12
Free People Tupelo honey maxi dress
Christmas looking a bit more casual this year? Opt for knitted dresses over sequins and mesh. We love how this cream Free People maxi turns to reveal an open back and cute bow detailing.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
13
Rixo Hebe silk mini dress
This silk v-neck dress stays true to Rixo’s signature aesthetic with its vintage-inspired silhouette and clashing prints. The stars feel v xmassy but this dress would also work once party season is over, too.
14
River Island Green velvet bandeau midi dress
Is there anything more festive than fir tree green? Um, yes…fir tree green velvet 😍. The on-trend, strapless neckline is just the cherry on top of this River Island party dress.
15
SLA the Label Grey jay dress
If you haven’t heard of Sarah Ashcroft’s brand SLA The Label, then get to know, ladies. The brand has every party piece a girl could ever need (we’re talking blazer dresses, sequinned shirt dresses and sparkly two-piece suits). This rhinestone dress is our personal fave – the uber mini hemline and slightly sheer finish feels v noughties, no?
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
16
Club L London Berry velvet bardot bow detail midi dress
Some Mrs Claus vibes here in the form of a red velvet midi and bow-adorned bardot neckline.
17
Whistles Velvet wrap mini dress
Now 49% Off
Cut from a midnight-blue velvet, Whistles’ wrap dress feels seriously Christmassy. We love how the collarless neckline looks great underpinned with a contrast roll-neck.
18
Live Unlimited Ombre sequin flutter sleeve dress
Now 20% Off
£95 AT LIVEUNLIMITEDLONDON.COM
More sequins coming at ya – because if you can’t wear sparkly dresses at Christmas, when can you? We particularly love the ombre sequin effect on this flattering midi from plus size brand Live Unlimited.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
19
H&M Bead-embellished satin dress
Dreaming of a white Christmas? DW, you don’t have to always wear red to a festive party. Made from lustrous satin, this long sleeve number from H&M is detailed with pretty faux pearls that look just like lil’ snowflakes.
20
& Other Stories Wrap-effect sequin mini dress
Stories’ site is giving us all the Christmas party season vibes right now. We particularly love this fir tree-green sequinned number that has a flattering wrap neckline, beaut balloon sleeves and a subtle cut-out back.
