24 Holiday Party Dresses That Will Have You Shining Bright Like a Diamond

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Confession: I have exactly zero holiday parties to attend this year. But hat doesn’t mean I’m not (window) shopping for the best holiday party dresses around! After all, since when have I ever needed an excuse to dress up? The frocks in my closet outnumber the occasions tenfold (I’ll need ‘em someday, right?), and if we’re being honest, they’re far more exciting to buy than any boring old basic. (What can I say, I’m a maximalist?)

This year’s party wear is filled with bows (I called it!), the trending color of the moment (it’s burgundy, in case you’ve been living under a rock) and plenty of glitz and glam. (This liquid gold Reformation number, $398, is basically the equivalent of human wrapping paper.)

I dug through the virtual aisles, as I’m wont to do, to find the shiniest, most festive, joy-inducing frocks of the bunch that I’m adding to my pre-Christmas wish list. (And if you’re so inclined, you can also add them to your shopping cart, too.) Below, the 24 best holiday party dresses of the season.

The Best Holiday Party Dresses of 2024

1. One33 Social The Nina Dress

My holiday glitz this year is coming courtesy of One33 Social—a House of Badgley Mischka-born brand that brings the glam. While this dress is quite a bit longer than it was on the model—it hits a 5-foot 9-inch gal closer to the mid-thigh, while it’s just above my 5-foot 2-inch knees — my normal size of 0 fit just right in the arms and waist. The bubble skirt gives a nod to the trending hemline that took over every influencer’s closet this summer, and the fitted bodice keeps it from looking like an oversized sack. It’s on the pricier side, but I can attest that it’s also incredibly well-made, making it in an investment piece I’ll be rewearing for years.

2. ASTR Red Sequin Skirt Dress

Scarlet red is practically equivalent with “Christmastime,” and with the added sequin elements provided by this LRD (that’s little red dress, ICYWW), it’s got all the makings of a standout holiday ‘fit. The cap sleeves will be flattering even if you’ve been slacking on your planks (guilty), and it comes in black and brown, too, if red’s not your color.

3. French Connection Carey Dress

Bows have been big for awhile, and they don’t appear to be going anywhere in 2025. But that’s only one part of why I’m salivating over this black-and-white contrasting frock. It’s also made with a bit of stretch and has a slightly relaxed fit at the hips, so you won’t feel like a stuffed sausage in a casing while wearing it—something that’s very important when you’re headed to a holiday party, where you’re liable to eat and drink to your heart’s content. The white bows also act as pseudo straps that will help keep the top in place (a huge plus for us small-chested gals, lest it fall down every five seconds). Better yet, it’s on sale. (You’re welcome.)

4. All in Favor Velvet Minidress

Not exactly the sequin type? Meet my dear friend velvet. Festive without being over-the-top, this one checks off all the holiday dress code requirements without making you look like a goddamn disco ball. The of-the-moment cranberry hue will perfectly complement the Christmas tree, and the studded rhinestones will give you that extra “oomph“. Pro styling tip? Add a hair bow to really set the look off.

5. Reformation Contessa Velvet Dress

Does this look like something straight out of an ‘80s prom? Absolutely. Is that also why I love it so much? Absolutely. Between the velvet bustier top and the poufed-out bottom, I can easily see it on Romy or Michele—but dammit, they looked fierce. The flared cut of the skirt will do wonders for wider hips (trust me, I would know), and even better? Alterations are apparently now free of charge at Reformation—amazing news for the 5 foot 1 set (aka, me).

6. Maeve One-Shoulder Sequin Dress

This one is practically screaming “New Year’s Eve” with its next-level wattage: Sure, it’s got your classic silver sequins, but it ups the ante a bit with the single ruffled shoulder. It’s also short enough to show off your gams, but not so short that you’ll be tugging it down over your ass all night. (Ladies, you know exactly what I’m talking about.) Unlike most sequin dresses, it claims to be washer-friendly, but I’m skeptical that it wouldn’t be better suited for the dry cleaner’s.

7. Runway the Label x Revolve Gabourne Dress

What’s sexy, red and sequined all over? This strapless number from Runway the Label x Revolve. It’s got a mature maxi length that lends an air of elegance and it’s fully lined, so you won’t have to worry about your undergarments peeking through. You’ll have to wait until Valentine’s Day to show this baby off, however—it’s backordered through Jan. 13. (Worth the wait, if you ask me.)

8. Aqua Off-the-Shoulder Dress

I’m going to give you a tip: Don’t sleep on the Bloomingdale’s house line, Aqua. Some of my favorite pieces come from the brand. Case in point? This gorgeous strapless piece with crystal detailing at the neckline that wraps around the shoulder. It looks like a $200 dress, but it’s currently $74 whole dollars. HOW? I have no idea, but I’d be willing to bet it will be a quick sellout.

9. Lulus Broadway Gown

Say hello to the end-all, be-all of holiday party dresses. If you’re truly seeking a “Gone With the Wind fabulous” frock (real ones know), this. Is. It. It’s got glamour. (Just look at that satin-y sheen!) Drama. (That high-low hemline? Come on.) It’s even supposedly great for any bust size, thanks to the completely adjustable spaghetti straps. It’s probably not great for shorties like myself (the model is 5 foot 10 inches tall) but hey, a girl can dream.

10. House of Harlow Padma Dress

The sequin fringe on this baby will be just the right touch when the ball drops, and it can pull double duty in your closet long after the clock strikes midnight, since it’s a go-with-anything LBD. Add in the fact that it’s got a detachable slip lining (read: no shelling out for extra undergarments), and you’ve got a win-win-win.

11. O.P.T. Katia Dress

The nice thing about a sumptuous fabric like velvet is that you’re not bound to red or black—it looks merry in just about any color—like, say, olive green. I’m also a big fan of the side ruching on this O.P.T. dress that will streamline your look, and the little mock neck (always a nice touch).

12. Alice & Olivia Chara Dress

Stacey Bendet is f*cking fabulous in every sense of the word, and so are most things she creates. (See: this masterpiece.) The perfect shade of holiday red, it’s understated without being boring, thanks to the off-the-shoulder neckline, flared skirt and chic thumbholes. The sateen fabric will also lend itself to helping you shine.

13. BerryGo Velvet Wrap Dress

I won’t lie: When it comes to fashion, Amazon can be hit or miss. I have dresses from the site that I absolutely love and others I’ve sent back faster than I could open the package. With a 4.1-star review from shoppers, this one seems to be trusted on the site, and it looks just as good in the real-life review photos as it does in the model pics.(Always a tell-tale sign.) Plus, you can’t really go wrong with a wrap dress, which is pretty much the end-all, be-all of universally flattering shapes. Like anything else on Amazon, you can always send it back it it doesn’t bring you good tidings.

14. City Studios Fit and Flare Dress

This one’s both cheap and cheerful, which is not only one hell of a Kills song, but a powerful combination to a woman on a budget. Its metallic jacquard print is as fancy as they come, and the scoopneck back gives it that little extra *sumthin’ sumthin’.* As I mentioned above, I’m also a big fan of that fit-and-flare cut, which helps to balance out pear shapes like mine.

15. Club L Benedetta Dress

Got a flair for the dramatic? So does this dress. Its magic is all in the draping. (And yeah, OK, also that traffic-stopping skirt.) A bit more covered up, it’s a good pick for a work event or a gathering with your in-laws, but the drop waist keeps it from being matronly, so you’ll still standout in those holiday photos.

16. Ramy Brook Amarilys Dress

Know what’s not festive? Freezing. If you, like me, were blessed with ice for blood, you’ll appreciate this piece from Ramy Brook, which will keep you warm and cozy with its long sleeves and turtleneck while still offering up plenty of holiday cheer. (With its shiny metallic threading, how could it not?) The practical among us will also appreciate its elevated cost per wear, which will be far lower than some of the occasion pieces on this list.

17. Hyacinth House Bates Dress

Oh, you thought I was over-exaggerating when I said bows. Are. Still. EVERYWHERE? Not in the slightest. Here, we have the oversized bow sleeve, which makes this dress über unique. The straps are removable, too, just in case you want to switch it up. This one definitely runs on the shorter side per reviewers, so if you happen to have extra-lengthy gams, you might want to scroll on by.

18. Reformation Daniela Dress

Available a myriad of colors, this dress is most arresting in the pure liquid copper. Wear it, and you’ll be the Christmas present, the star on the tree, the champagne bottle, the whole nine. The V-neckline will be flattering to your assets, and the fabric is 100 percent silk.

19. More to Come Clea Dress

Another nod to the 80’s? (What can I say? It’s kind of my vibe.) This tube dress comes with a satin bow accent (so cheeky!), and there’s elastic at the hem to help keep the tube top up. It has a bit of spandex for stretch throughout as well, making it one of the comfier options on this list. Note that this one will arrive between Dec. 30 and Jan. 9, however, so it could be a crapshoot getting it by NYE.

20. Lulus Living It Dress

I’m a big fan of ruching. It just has a way of hiding the not-so-flattering areas you don’t want people focusing on (particularly when you’re stuffing desserts down your gullet). In addition to bunching just so in all the right places, this bad boy has a sexy little tulip hem that gives good leg. And that pine tree-esque hue? *Chef’s kiss.*

21. Petal and Pup Vikki Dress

Few dresses have the power to make one look this decorative. This pleated frock’s glitzy satin finish is a sight to behold, and the straps are adjustable to give you just the right fit. Once the night is through, you won’t even have to worry about hauling it off to the cleaner’s—according to the company, it can be cleaned right in the wash!

22. Mango Open-Back Dress

Here, we have a simple-yet-elegant bodycon dress that will not only show off our figure with its stretchy lurex fabric, it will be just appealing going as it is coming, thanks to its open-back design. It’s also made of 90 percent recycled materials, so you’ll be doing right by mother nature.

23. CeCe Jacquard Dress Dress

Fun fact? The jacquard print originated in France, so naturally, I’m drawn to it like a moth to a flame. This metallic version is as fancy as they come, setting you apart from the blasé sequin pack, and the sweet bow-tie straps give it that little extra *sumthin’ sumthin’.*

24. Lulus All Aglitter Dress

A dress that makes you look like a living, breathing Christmas tree is liable to be a holiday party hit, and this one comes with all the trimmings. Between the sequins, that stunning off-the-shoulder neckline and the mini puff sleeves, it’s a head-turner, through and through. The sequins do look a bit… scratchy, but shoppers swear that this design is actually pretty comfortable—and for less than $60, I’m willing to believe it. *Shrugs.*

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Which of these holiday party dresses is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!

Xo, Nicole