Searching for the perfect Christmas party dress? You’ve come to the right place. You may think I’m jumping the gun on this one but trust me, it’s never too early to start the search for the perfect Christmas party dress. I’m starting the hunt early before all the good ones are sold out and the last-minute panic shopping kicks in (ASOS next day delivery anyone?), and to give you a helping hand I’ve put together an edit of the best Christmas party dresses for 2023 on the high street right now.
Between work parties, secret Santa exchanges, bottomless brunches and family dinners, our social calendars book up fast at Xmas and I just want to make sure you have some wowsers party dress options at the ready to dazzle this season. IMO December is that one time of year that it’s almost mandatory to go all out; I’m talking sequins, bows, feathers, velvet, satin and did I mention sequins? The more OTT, the better if you ask me. Opting for a sequin or embellished number is a sure fire way to ensure all eyes will be on you.
With all this in mind, I understand searching for the perfect festive party dress can sometimes become slightly daunting. With the overwhelming choice out there, it can be hard to know which dresses would work well for the festive period versus just a normal night out. Fear not, as I’ve scoured the Internet for 21 of the perfect holiday party dresses that will work for any occasion.
Our Christmas dress edit is full to the brim of sequins, sparkles, metallic, feathered, bedazzled and embellished looks with lots of classic silk, satin and velvet designs for good measure. So, whether you’re going all out glam for the annual girls night out, chic for the work Christmas party or just dressing up to stay in, I’ve got you covered.
Keep scrolling to see our top 21 handpicked Christmas party dresses 2023, guaranteed to make sure you dazzle this festive season wherever you’re headed.
Next, read our edit of thebest autumn dresses for 2023and ourAW23 trend report where you’ll see all the trends to factor into your party dress shopping.
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Silver Sequin Twist Neck Midi Dress, £460, Self Portrait
Silver Sequin Twist Neck Midi Dress, £460, Self Portrait – buy now
If you can’t wear sequins at Christmas, when can you? This dress from Self-Portrait is definitely on the pricier side, but it can be worn for years to come. Team it with matching silver accessories for an eye-catching look perfect for the party season.
Tina Embroidered Velvet Tunic Dress, £150, Monsoon
Tina Embroidered Velvet Tunic Dress, £150, Monsoon – buy now
Velvet is another texture that just screams Christmas, and this embroidered number from Monsoon offers the best of both with beaded embellishment too. Team this with a gold clutch and you’re party ready.
Bardot Eleni Strapless Diamante Midi, £154, Anthropologie
Bardot Eleni Strapless Diamante Midi, £154, Anthropologie – buy now
Anthropologie never fails to deliver incredible dresses, just like this strapless dress with diamante embellishment. It’s not too much, but nor is it too little. It’s the perfect combination of sophistication and sass.
Valentina Burgundy Velvet Mini Dress, £165, KITRI
Valentina Burgundy Velvet Mini Dress, £165, KITRI – buy now
If you’re hoping to avoid turning up to the Xmas party in the same outfit as one of your mates, KITRI could be a good bet. The London brand is independently run, producing all our styles in limited quantities. This velvet dress is super cute, particularly the unusual details like the frill sleeves and neck tie.
Bardot Verona Long-Sleeve Sequin Midi, £144, Anthropologie
Bardot Verona Long-Sleeve Sequin Midi, £144, Anthropologie – buy now
If the naked dress trend is a little much for you, opt for a neutral dress to get a similar look with a little less exposure. Anthropologie’s long-sleeved midi with tie detail will still make an impact. Wear it with strappy heels and head to the dance floor.
Daisy Sequin Midi Dress, £375, RIXO
Daisy Sequin Midi Dress, £375, RIXO – buy now
RIXO has the best party dresses. Whether you’re looking for a dress for New Year’s Eve or Christmas dinner, this sequin frock will work perfectly. It has a high neckline, velvet bow and midi length that will earn you a ton of compliments.
Maves Dress, £298, Reformation
Maves Dress, £298, Reformation – buy now
Do things a little differently with a satin dress from Reformation. With a higher price point of a little under £300, it offers a flattering fit with bandeau neckline and long sleeves. This will work throughout the year for a variety of formal events too.
Suzi Feather-Trimmed Crepe Maxi Dress, £390, Sleeper at Coggles
Sleeper Suzi Feather-Trimmed Crepe Maxi Dress, £390, Coggles – buy now
If in doubt, add feathers. Sleeper’s feather-trimmed PJs have won them legions of followers, but if you’re over the dressed up pyjamas, opt for this green maxi dress instead this holiday season.
Judy, £350, Queens of Archive
Judy, £350, Queens of Archive – buy now
Nobody does cute Christmas dresses like Queens of Archive. Add sparkles to your Christmas party outfit with this stand-out style complete with cute bow details and long sleeves.
Atsu Bow Maxi Dress, £198, Anthropologie
Atsu Bow Maxi Dress, £198, Anthropologie – buy now
Avoiding sparkles? No problem. Anthropologie’s bow maxi dress will make quite the statement, no sequins necessary.
Slim Satin Midi Dress, £95, & Other Stories
Slim Satin Midi Dress, £95, & Other Stories – buy now
& Other Stories offer an understated option for Christmas party season, that’s just as strong as the sequin dresses we’ve already shown you. This festive green style will look incredible with boots and elevated accessories.
Black Velvet Sweetheart Mini Dress, £350, Self-Portrait
Black Velvet Sweetheart Mini Dress, £350, Self-Portrait – buy now
Next up, we have this little black dress from Self-Portrait. With short puff sleeves and embellishment, this can be worn for co*cktail parties and formal events throughout the year, so if you’re thinking about cost per wear, this could be your dress.
Kata Embellished Red Velvet Dress, £150, Monsoon
Kata Embellished Red Velvet Dress, £150, Monsoon – buy now
I couldn’t write an edit of Xmas party dresses without including a red dress, could I? With embellished stars and hearts, this adorable velvet dress has stolen my heart.
Multi Dobby Rosa Dress, £129, Never Fully Dressed
Multi Dobby Rosa Dress, £129, Never Fully Dressed – buy now
Never Fully Dressed throw their hat into the ring with this beautiful maxi dress, complete with iridescent metallic spots. Add a pair of metallic heels and a cute clutch and you’re party ready.
Metallic co*cktail Dress, £65, Sofie Schnoor
Metallic co*cktail Dress, now £84, Sofie Schnoor at Zalando – buy now
The most affordable dress on my list is this Sofie Schnoor mini with ruffle detail. Reduced from £129.99, it’s in the Zalando sale now.
Camille Crystal-Bow Velvet Midi Dress, £695, Saloni
Camille Crystal-Bow Velvet Midi Dress, £695, Saloni at Matches Fashion – buy now
Bows are everywhere right now. I’d love to wear them in my hair, but for an easy way to wear them I love this midi from Saloni for the festive season. It’s so chic!
Samantha Sequin Midi Dress, £295, RIXO
Samantha Sequin Midi Dress, £295, RIXO – buy now
I couldn’t miss out this mini from RIXO, which has been a staple in their collection for years. Red is so festive, while the sequins add a little something for Christmas.
Silver Floral Sequin Long Sleeve Midi Dress, £180, River Island
Silver Floral Sequin Long Sleeve Midi Dress, £180, River Island – buy now (also available in plus size)
Next, we have this incredible sequin midi from River Island. Available in plus size too, it has fringe detail, all-over sequins, a floral print and a split hem. Obsessed.
Bardot Domonique Ruffle Mini Dress, £154, Anthropologie
Bardot Domonique Ruffle Mini Dress, £154, Anthropologie – buy now
Who says LBDs have to be boring? Add ruffles and you’ve got the perfect occasion dress.
The Falconetti Ruffled Metallic Dress, £1,595, The Vampire’s Wife
The Falconetti Ruffled Metallic Dress, £1,595, The Vampire’s Wife at Matches Fashion – buy now
The most expensive dress on our list, this iconic dress from The Vampire’s Wife is definitely an investment. Crafted from metallic silk-blend chiffon and complete with ruffled sleeves and hem, it’s also available in red and white.
V-Neck Floral Sequin Mini Dress, £198, Anthropologie
V-Neck Floral Sequin Mini Dress, £198, Anthropologie – buy now
Prefer showing off your pins? Last but not least, we have this sequin mini dress from Anthropologie. Offering a nod to autumn with a leaf design, it has a flattering v-neck design and long sleeves, so at least your arms will be warm!
