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8 Glamorous Party Dresses for the Festive Season: 'Go All Out!'

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As we approach party season, the excitement is palpable. It's that time of year when we're all craving sequins, rhinestones, metallics, and feathers — the kind of elements that bring joy and make us feel extra special. While I may not be a household name, I'm definitely the go-to person for all things party wear here at HELLO! So, if you're looking for the ultimate guide to dressing up for the holidays, you've come to the right place.

Let's be honest, I wish I had the social life of an A-lister, but during the holidays, I do try to squeeze in a few events to get dressed up for — it's fun. Whether you choose a stylish sequin blazer, a cool suit, a pair of sequin trousers (styled expertly with an oversized blazer and a pair of statement earrings, of course!), or a sequin skirt, your party outfit needs to make a statement.

If you're in the market for a holiday party dress — one that you can wear for years to come — you’ve come to the right place. I've scoured the internet for party dresses that will get you noticed, and I've even reached out to my stylish colleagues to find out what they've chosen for their party frocks this year.

Editor's Picks: At a Glance

  • Wrap Front Editor's Pick: H&M Draped Velour Dress, £18.40 / $29.99
  • Sequin Editor's Pick: M&S x 16Arlington Sequin Dress, £250 / $559
  • Strapless Editor's Pick: Nadine Merabi 'Lyla' Dress, £425 / $565
  • Lace Editor's Pick: Boden Collar Button Lace Dress, £127.20 / $211.65
  • Blazer-Style Editor's Pick: Mango Blazer Dress, £79.99 / $139.99
  • V-Neck Editor's Pick: Rxio 'Verena' Sequinned V-Neck Maxi Dress, £318 / $491
  • Bow-Adorned Editor's Pick: River Island White Sequin Bow Back Dress, £39 / $88

At HELLO!, we don’t want you to spend money on clothes just for the sake of buying them. But let me tell you, there’s something magical about a timeless party dress. I have dresses in my wardrobe that I wear year after year. My favorite is this Michael Kors dress (below) — I’m a sucker for sequins.

How I Chose the Best Party Dresses

When selecting the best party dresses, I focused on a few key factors:

  • Variety: While I love sequins, I wanted to ensure the collection wasn’t all about them. A party dress could be velvet, satin, lace, or even — shock horror — not black!
  • Price: I tried to keep costs reasonable without compromising on quality.
  • Flattering Styles: Cameras will be out, so your party dress needs to be flattering and chic.

What’s the Secret to Nailing the Perfect Holiday Party Look?

I reached out to one of my favorite party wear designers — the one and only Nadine Merabi, Creative Director of her namesake brand. She shared her insights: "For me, the perfect party outfit is always a combination of sequins, sparkles, and velvet. Always go for something you feel comfortable in, but remember — less definitely isn't more. It's about going all out glam! When it comes to nailing the perfect party look, confidence is your best accessory. It's like the glittering star on top of the Christmas tree — it makes everything shine!"

What Are the Partywear Trends for 2025?

The little black dress (LBD) always has its moment during party season. It's classic and never goes out of style. If you prefer a little sparkle, you can opt for full-on sequins (check out the 16Arlington collection at M&S!). For 2025, the bow is having a moment, so if your dress has a bow on it, you're ticking off a key trend.

Best Party Dresses for Women in 2025

  1. H&M Draped Velour Black Dress

    £18.40 (SAVE 20%) AT H&M UK
    $29.99 AT H&M US
    Sizes: SSX - 4XL
    Colors: Black
    Length: Mini
    If you're after a dress with some drama, H&M has a new fitted mini dress in soft velour. With its wrap front and shoulder pads, this long-sleeved dress will be an instant hit. Style with pointy stilettos or a pair of knee-high boots.

  2. M&S x 16Arlington Metallic Embellished Maxi Bodycon Dress

    £250 AT M&S UK
    $559 AT M&S US
    16Arlington is the latest designer brand to collaborate with M&S, and this label is loved by celebrities. The fitted bodycon maxi dress has a flattering scoop neckline and would look incredible with a black blazer. Style with knee-high boots or with black stilettos.

  3. Nadine Merabi 'Lyla' Black Party Dress

    £425 AT NADINE MERABI UK
    SHOP NORDSTROM US
    Sizes: XS - XXL
    Colors: Black and silver
    Length: Mini
    I love Nadine Merabi designs, and couldn't resist adding one to this round-up of party dresses. There are a few new pieces added to the website, and this strapless design screamed out at me. Style this with a pair of elbow-length black gloves (trust me — it's a vibe!), sexy pointy shoes, and a bedazzled clutch bag.

  4. Needle & Thread Raindrop Cape Dress

    £750 AT NEEDLE & THREAD UK
    $1,295 AT NEEDLE & THREAD US
    Sizes: 6 - 22
    Colors: Black
    Length: Ankle length
    If you're after a magical dress that will turn heads when you enter the room, I think I've found it — you can thank me later. This dress is designed in layers of soft tulle, and it's embroidered with shimmering sequins that scatter downwards like raindrops — hence the name. I love the attention to detail you get with a Needle & Thread dress, and if you need more convincing, Princess Kate is also a Needle & Thread fan.

  5. Boden Black Collar Button Lace Dress

    £127.20 (SAVE 20%) AT BODEN UK
    $249 AT BODEN US
    Sizes: 4 - 22
    Colors: Black
    Length: Mini
    There's a lot to love about this short dress from Boden — the bejewelled collar and the long lace sleeves. Style with glam flat shoes or a pair of heels. You could also wear with thick black opaque tights, as well.

  6. Mango Double Breasted Blazer-Style Black Dress

    £79.99 AT MANGO UK
    $139.99 AT MANGO US
    Sizes: 4 - 26
    Colors: Black
    Length: Mini
    I think this dress would look absolutely incredible with a pair of embellished tights and a pair of statement earrings.

  7. Rixo 'Verena' Sequinned V-Neck Maxi Dress

    £318 (SAVE 25%) AT RIXO UK
    $491 (SAVE 25%) AT RIXO US
    Sizes: 6 - 26
    Colors: Black
    Length: Maxi
    Rxio is fast-becoming one of my favorite fashion brands — it's just so stylish, and I love how the models are styled as well. Style with a pair of cool disco-worthy platform shoes, a bright red lipstick, and a feline flick.

  8. River Island White Sequin Velvet Bow Back Mini Dress

    £39 (SAVE £10) AT RIVER ISLAND UK
    $88 (SAVE $22) AT RIVER ISLAND US
    Sizes: XS - XL
    Colors: White, Black
    Length: Mini
    Bows are having a real moment right now, and look at the back of this dress. Seriously chic. Style with platform heels or knee-high boots.

But What's the Most Flattering Style Party Dress?

Nadine said: "The most flattering style of a party dress is the one that makes you feel like the incredible, unique individual you are. Fashion should empower and celebrate your body and your personality, no matter your shape or size. It's not about fitting into a certain mold; it's about embracing your own style and celebrating your own beauty. Your choice of a party dress should reflect your unique spirit and radiate confidence. When you feel good in what you wear, you'll light up any room and leave a lasting impression. So, wear what makes you feel like the superstar you are, because the most flattering party dress is the one that reflects your authentic and fantastic self."

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