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Confession: I have exactly zero holiday parties to attend this year. But that 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 20 best holiday party dresses of the season.
The Best Holiday Party Dresses of 2025
1. ASTR Strapless Belted Dress
My holiday glitz feels more grown-up this year, and it’s all thanks to ASTR—a Nordstrom favorite that’s known for being both on-trend and affordable. While the sheer bottom of this dress piqued my attention online, the photos definitely didn’t do it justice: It’s far more stunning in person. I love the gold belt detail and the fact that the sheer skirt is short enough for my 5 foot 2 inch frame pre-heel.
2. ASTR Ila Dress
Crimson red is practically equivalent with “Christmastime,” and this LRD (that’s little red dress, ICYWW) has all the makings of a standout holiday ‘fit. The padded shoulders keep it from being basic, and it’s slightly gathered at the waist for a slimming effect.
3. Cider Bow Back Dress
This one looks just as stunning going as it does coming, since it’s got a deep scoop back topped off with an oversized bow. The price is right for the quality: The zipper can be a little sticky and the armholes on this are tight in comparison to the waist (size up when in doubt), but it’s an on-trend option that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
4. NBD Spanish Moss Gown
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 crushed velvet fabric, that stunning thigh slit and the sweetheart neckline, it’s a head-turner, through and through.
5. H&M Rib-Knit Dress
In case you don’t happen to be headed to a ball this season (some of us are more low-key, thank you very much), this one’s both cheap and cheerful—a powerful combination for a woman on a budget. It’s casual enough to be comfy in, but still plenty cute thanks to that off-the-shoulder neckline.
6. Norma Kamali Grace Gown
File this one under “holiday’s best dressed.” Norma Kamali is one of my favorite designers, and this gorgeous number is a prime example of why: It’s got “movie star” written all over it, It’s also just very different from anything else I found this year, with a unique greenish gold color and a fishtail hem that set it apart from the festive pack.
7. Sanctuary An Affair to Remember Dress
Sequins can be stunning or they can look incredibly cheap. This Sanctuary getup is an example of a sequin done right. They’re not too large or overly distracting, keeping the focus on the dress’s chic little mock neck and cap-sleeve silhouette.
8. Karen Millen Knit Dress
Got a flair for the dramatic? So does this dress. Its magic is all in the ruched, V-cut neckline. (That, and that traffic-stopping side cape.) Pair it all with a bright, festive tree-like hue? *Chef’s kiss.*
9. Helsi Linda Sequin Dress
This one is practically screaming “New Year’s Eve” with its next-level wattage: Sure, it’s got your classic gold sequins, but it ups the ante a bit with a unique floral design. 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.
10. Sndys x Revolve Alissa Dress
What’s sexy, red and ultra-slinky? This little design from Sndys x Revolve. It’s got an asymmetrical neckline that lends an air of elegance and it’s fully lined, so you won’t have to worry about any undergarments peeking through.
11. Lulus Broadway Gown
Say hello to the be-all, end-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 got completely adjustable spaghetti straps that help keep it fitted at the bust. It may run longer for shorties like myself (the model is 5 foot 10 inches tall) but that’s what heels are for, no?
12. Staud Ilana Mini Dress
This baby will pull double duty in your closet. Details like the darling bow tie at the back of the neck and the sequin star overlay make it elevated enough for special occasions, but at its core, it’s a go-with-anything LBD that you’ll be able to wear long after the holidays are over.
13. Club L Benedetta Dress
Know what’s not festive? Freezing. If you, like me, were blessed with ice for blood, you’ll appreciate this piece from Club L London, which will keep you warm and cozy with its long sleeves and skirt while remaining festive. It’s also a good pick for a work event or a gathering with your in-laws, since it’s a bit more covered up, but will still allow you to stand out in those holiday photos.
14. Vici Kona Dress
I’m a big fan of ruching. It just has a way of making any those not-so-flattering areas around the midsection that much more … well, flattering. In addition to bunching in all the right places, this bad boy has a glitzy metallic shine that really ups the cheer factor. I also love the under-$100 price tag (’cause really, how many times are you going to wear it?).
15. H&M Appliquéd Bandeau Dress
I love that this dress offers something just a little different with its head-to-toe rosette appliqué. It’s got an inner corset to keep you looking snatched and a satin lining that will keep the flowers from feeling scratchy. It’s also a multipurpose buy, since you’ll be able to bust it out again come V-Day.
16. BerryGo Velvet Wrap Dress
When it comes to fashion, Amazon is hit or miss. This dress seems to be trusted on the site (it’s got a 4.1-star review from shoppers), 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 GOAT of universally flattering shapes. Like anything else on Amazon, you can always send it back it it doesn’t bring you good tidings.
17. Hyacinth House Bates Dress
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 things up. This one definitely runs on the shorter side per reviewers, so if you happen to be super leggy, you might want to scroll on by.
18. Reformation Daniela Dress
Wear this liquid copper beatuy, 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. Maje Pleated Maxi Dress
Who says tinsel’s just for the tree? This pleated frock’s high-shine lamé finish is as decorative as it gets, and the tie belt at the back will give you just the right fit. The metallic hue is also a nice departure from the sea of greens, reds, golds and burgundies dominating this season.
20. Akira Brina Brocade Dress
My hips are wider than my waist, and flared skirts like this are a godsend for my shape. I also like the moody brocade print of this red-and-black mini, which is festive without being over-the-top.
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Which of these holiday party dresses is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!
Xo, Nicole
So glad you like them, Maha!