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The 25 best party dresses for Christmas, festive events, and special occasions
Sparkles, sequins and velvet GALORE ✨
With the festive season fast approaching, it’s officially time to start shopping for the best party dresses to wear to Christmas events, NYE parties, and every celebration in between. At Cosmo, we’re already planning our occasionwear lineup — from glam black-tie dresses to effortlessly chic options for laid-back nights out.
Best party dresses, picked by Cosmo
It’s worth remembering that you don’t have to be going clubbing or attending a wedding to wear an extravagant number; after years of WFH in tracksuits, we’d happily wear sequins everywhere from the corner shop to the pub. Just try and stop us.
There's sparkles aplenty in this edit (metallic minis, bedazzled, embellished, silk, satin and velvet designs) but also a lot of 'wearable' pieces too; there’s nothing better than finding a dress that pairs as perfectly with your fave suede boots and leather jacket as it does with kitten heels and a trench coat.
Into full glam? Try this season’s bow trend, or anything feather-trimmed. Got evening drinks? Try a mesh-panelled dress or an LBD elevated with jewellery. If you've got a restaurant date, try a formal look toned down with ballet flats, or just throw a blazer over the top (slip dresses are great for this high-low styling).
Glamming up to stay in? Try a luxe maxi and slides elevated with jewellery. Finally, for day parties with pals, feel free to go all out with an OTT dress – so long as you pair it with trainers or streetwear-inspired accessories, you're all good.
From Damson Madder to Sister Jane, keep scrolling to see our top 25 party dresses to shop in 2025.
This pretty, pink Damson Madder will certainly turn heads. Plus, rewear it with sunnies and sandals for summer soirees.
Features at a Glance
| Size range | UK 6-20 |
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Nobody's Child Black Satin Bow Detail Cameron Mini Dress
It’s business in the front, party in the back with this beauty. A black satin mini is a festive season favourite, but the white bow and V-back give it an extra-special twist.
Features at a Glance
| Size range | UK 4 - 18 |
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What’s more party-appropriate than metallic leopard print and faux fur trim? This beauty is really giving vintage Hollywood starlet — pair with 30 deniers and a velvet slingback, and get ready to drop jaws on the last night of the year.
Features at a Glance
| Size range | UK XS-L |
|---|
A white party dress gives serious snow angel vibes at this time of year, and this one from AYM is called 'Venus' for a reason. Waltzing into any party in this number will have people asking, "Who is that goddess?"
Features at a Glance
| Size range | UK 4-24 |
|---|
Noughts & Kisses ALVARO Brown Ruffle Maxi Dress
If you’re not into glitz, feathers, and fur, this rufflle maxi dress from Noughts & Kisses is perfection. You could even wear it over wide-leg jeans and heeled boots to really amp up the boho vibes.
Features at a Glance
| Size range | XS-XL |
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Bandage is so back, baby! House of CB is spotlighting the iconic style in the best way – from classic black minis to wine-coloured maxis like this gorgeous pick, a bandage dress is exactly what you need if you want to cause a splash at the company Christmas party.
Features at a Glance
| Size range | X-L+ |
|---|
If you have a black tie Christmas event coming up, this dress needs to go in your basket. The floor length and boat neck keep things demure, but the low, cowl back is simply stunning.
Features at a Glance
| Size range | UK 4 - 20 |
|---|
It doesn’t get more Christmassy than a red dress. This floor-length number from Mango is in a gorgeously fine knit that will keep you that tad bit warmer than satin or silk.
Features at a Glance
| Size range | UK 6 -14 |
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This is a dress made for Insta-worthy snaps. Sequins on the top, velvet on the bottom, it doesn’t really get more festive than that.
Features at a Glance
| Size range | UK XS - XXL |
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With its full skirt, square neckline and drop-waist, this dress is fit for a princess! Just imagine swishing into your festive drinks in this number, all eyes will be on you.
Features at a Glance
| Size range | UK XS - XL |
|---|
Needle & Thread is always a safe bet when it comes to party dresses – whether you're into embroidered frocks, ball gowns or sequin minis, the brand always comes through. We're loving the all-over sequins, high neck and ruched waist.
Features at a Glance
| Size range | UK 4 - 22 |
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Chocolate brown is still reigning supreme as the colour of the season, and this tiered jacquard dress has got it all going on. The puff sleeves, sweetheart neck, and waist pleats bring just the right amount of drama for a formal, festive occasion.
Features at a Glance
| Size range | UK XS - L |
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Crimson red, one-shouldered, and fringed from head to toe? This fantastically festive number is perfect for swanky work dos, or a fancy dinner on Christmas Day itself, even if you’re just celebrating from your living room.
Features at a Glance
| Size range | UK 6 - 20 |
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Nara Smith’s Reformation collection serves serious '50s glamour, and we’re obsessed with the show-stopping Drizzle dress. The glittering ensemble will look spectacular paired with barely there heels, elbow-length gloves, and a faux fur shawl for added warmth.
Features at a Glance
| Size range | UK 6 - 28 |
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Who says you can’t be cosy and classy? This fluffy, cape shoulder dress combines the comfort of your fave winter PJs with the sophistication of a party dress. Win-win.
Features at a Glance
| Size range | UK XS - L |
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If you haven't already heard of British fashion brand Joanie, let us give you a quick intro. Founded in 2016, the label is known and loved for its snuggly pjs, amazing collabs and super reasonable prices. Case in point: this gorgeous, polka dot mini dress, which is under £60.
Features at a Glance
| Size range | UK 8 - 26 |
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Spending party season on warmer shores? This jumpsuit is perfect for hotter climates. Plus, you can totally rewear it in the UK with a fur coat draped over the top.
SKIMS does gorgeous shapewear, and now activewear, too. But you can’t beat a classic, black party dress, and this slinky design fits the bill perfectly.
Features at a Glance
| Size range | UK XXS - 3XL |
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Ahh, feather-trimming! The party season statement we just can‘t get enough of. The contrast of the floral print, flute sleeves, and feather-trimmed skirt is giving the belle of the ball.
Features at a Glance
| Size range | UK 8 - 14 |
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If you love the gothic glamour of The Vampire’s Wife, but don’t quite have the designer budget, you’ll love this pretty dress from H&M.
Features at a Glance
| Size range | XS - XXL |
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Shadé (pronounced sh-ah-day) is the Senior Fashion & Lifestyle Ecommerce Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. From what to shop in the latest Revolve flash sale to how to style the hottest new trends, she shares shopping advice, reports on new collabs and reviews your fave fashion brands.
