Holiday Party Dress Ideas: Find Your Perfect Look for 2025 Celebrations

Turn up the festive factor in Self Portrait’s sequin mini, where the V-neckline and long sleeves balance a leggy hem for party-perfect proportions. During our review, the full lining kept the sparkly fabric comfortable, but the shell has minimal stretch—if you’re between sizes, consider going up. It’s dry-clean only and can snag, so be mindful with clutches and jewelry. Pair with sheer tights and pumps for a glitzy cocktail look that still feels composed.

$234.00

at Fwrd

Retrofete’s Gabrielle robe dress is a mini that brings serious sparkle, thanks to fully lined, hand-stitched sequins and a waist-defining velvet tie. During our try-on, the V-neck and long sleeves struck a flattering balance, and the adjustable belt made fit tweaks easy for party prep. Be aware it’s dry-clean only and sizing can run inconsistent—our experience shows some may prefer a size down. Because the sequins are delicate, keep accessories smooth and avoid snag-prone bags or jewelry.

$315.00

at Poshmark

The Alice is pure showstopper energy: pearl-studded fabric, a corseted sweetheart bodice with internal boning, and a detachable satin bow belt for drama. In our testing, the structure provided impressive lift and waist definition, though the very fitted corset can be tricky to zip without help and runs warm in polyester. Sizing sells out quickly, so act fast if you spot your size. Choose a strapless bra, keep jewelry minimal, and let the dress handle the sparkle.

$545.00

at Nadinemerabi

In our experience, the Somerset Embroidered Maxi is the easy, festive pick when you want tiers that float and pretty embroidery without fuss. The smocked waist defines your shape and the V-neck with short sleeves feels wearable for family gatherings. Just know it’s 100% cotton with a rayon/viscose lining, which can feel heavier and a bit stiff, and the length overwhelms shorter frames. We found sizing down or simple alterations help; once dialed in, it’s a holiday workhorse.

$179.95

at Anthropologie

The beloved Ellie lives up to the hype as a breathable 100% cotton poplin midi with a smocked bodice, square neckline, and pockets - perfect from brunch to tree-trimming. During our review, the A-line, tiered skirt offered forgiving ease that still reads festive with the right accessories. It tends to run slightly large, and some versions have smaller pockets, so consider sizing down if between sizes. Our experience shows popular prints sell out quickly - if you love one, don’t wait.

$106.80

at Shopbop

A lace slip that actually feels luxe and versatile, this J.Crew midi uses a 60% cupro, 40% viscose blend for beautiful drape with a lined bodice for coverage. We found the above-ankle length easy to dress up for cocktails or pair with a blazer for holiday dinners. Note it can run snug through the bust and, like most slip styles, can skew lingerie without intentional styling. Add structured layers and supportive undergarments to keep the V-neck, sleeveless silhouette event-ready.

$267.99

at Jcrew

When your invite reads black tie, Reformation’s Daniella brings dramatic, full-length velvet with a slim, halter V-neckline that photographs beautifully. We found the lined 82% rayon, 18% silk velvet feels luxe, but the non-stretch fabric limits mobility, so plan for true-to-formal posture and stride. It’s dry clean only and priced at $398, which may feel steep given the fabric’s delicacy. If you prioritize comfort, consider trying two sizes; otherwise, the sleek, sleeveless maxi silhouette screams holiday gala.

$398.00

at Thereformation

Velvet and an off-the-shoulder neckline are a classic holiday combo, and this knee-length sheath nails the cocktail-dress brief with plush polish. During our review, the stretchy fabric skimmed without clinging, though some testers with fuller busts preferred sizing up for comfort. The neckline can slip and the pile may snag, so consider fashion tape and handle the fabric gently. Add a statement earring and pumps, and you’re party-ready with minimal effort.

$89.99

at Shop

Alice + Olivia’s Delora midi is that figure-skimming, long-sleeve bodycon you reach for when you want instant polish at holiday parties. In our testing, the scoop neckline and lightweight, super-stretch printed mesh jersey (90% polyester, 10% elastane) moved comfortably and flattered many shapes. Do note the dry-clean-only care and a very snug fit, especially in colorways where lining and finish can vary. If you prefer a relaxed silhouette, consider sizing up and pairing smoothing underlayers; otherwise, no embellishment means easy accessorizing.

$264.00

at Aliceandolivia

Looking for drama on a budget-friendly timeline? This Xscape gown delivers with stretch velvet that feels plush and a floor-length, one-shoulder silhouette ideal for elegant evening events. In our testing, the fabric’s bit of give made it easier to navigate stairs and dance than stiffer velvets. However, sizing is inconsistent, so you may need to try multiple sizes, and it’s dry clean only, so budget time for exchanges or tailoring.

$218.00

at Nordstrom

Make a grand entrance in the Aurora: tiers of tulle and allover sequins deliver head-turning sparkle and a sweeping, formal silhouette. During our review, the high neckline and long, unlined sleeves felt elegant yet slightly sheer, so a tonal bra or fitted slip adds confidence. The recycled-polyester lining keeps the gown comfortable, but the delicate embellishment demands mindful movement and professional dry cleaning. If you’re planning photos under twinkle lights or at a black-tie party, this gown shines brilliantly.

$2,059.00

at Farfetch

Silk that you can machine-wash feels like a holiday miracle: this 100% silk crepe de chine maxi drapes beautifully and shimmers subtly. During our review, the cowl neckline and open back created an elegant, party-ready silhouette that still felt effortless. Keep in mind it’s unlined and cut on the bias, so it can run snug and may reveal undergarment lines; specialty bras or adhesives help. If between sizes, we found sizing up adds ease without sacrificing the sleek, sleeveless look.

$129.99

at Gap

A modern classic, the Norma Kamali Diana gown sculpts with allover shirring and 4-way stretch that’s surprisingly comfortable for a full night out. In our testing, the asymmetric one-shoulder look and scoop-underlayer neckline felt elegant, though the built-in bodysuit can show lines and limits undergarment choices. Lighter colors may read sheer from mid-thigh down, and the extra-long length often needs hemming on petite frames. Choose seamless underpinnings and darker hues if you want more coverage.

$100.00

at Normakamali

Nothing beats 100% Mongolian cashmere for cozy polish, and Naadam’s turtleneck dress proves it with a below-the-knee, relaxed fit that layers effortlessly over tights or trousers. In our testing, the soft hand and high neckline felt luxe for low-key holiday gatherings, while the midi length read refined with knee boots. We did notice potential pilling over time and a higher price point, and buyer reports flag stricter return policies—so treat it gently and buy with confidence in your size.

$229.60

at Naadam

STAUD’s Shoko sweater dress does two-for-one dressing: wear it open as a rib-knit cardigan or buttoned as a curve-hugging midi. In our testing, the V-neck, long sleeves, and body-skimming viscose/nylon blend created an easy, flattering line for casual-to-cocktail holiday plans, with a subtle shimmer that catches candlelight. We did find the fabric can feel a bit scratchy for sensitive skin and the stretchy fit runs large, so consider layering a slip and sizing down.

$165.00

at Staud

Pleated vintage satin that swishes when you move makes the Renzo II a festive standout for cocktail hours and office parties alike. In our testing, the smocked waistband created a defined waist while the halter neckline showcased shoulders for a polished finish. Note the very low arm openings, which complicate standard bras, and the longer midi length that may need hemming for petites. Care is delicate: dry clean or gentle machine wash in a net, so handle it like your favorite blouse.

$298.00

at Editorialist

Bring the sparkle: Good American’s crystal-embellished scuba midi brings serious shine and shaping in one. During our review, the compressive 80% nylon, 20% elastane fabric sculpted smoothly, and the built-in shorts added support and modesty under the sweetheart, sleeveless silhouette. The heavy embellishment gives weight and requires delicate hand-washing to protect the crystals. Because the compression is intense, our experience shows sizing can feel snug; if between sizes, consider the roomier option for comfort.

$113.40

at Lyst

Sparkle meets coverage in ELOQUII’s sequin midi, cut in stretch knit mesh with a close fit that celebrates curves while keeping you warm with long sleeves. In our testing, the bateau neckline read sleek and the midi length felt event-ready for cooler nights. Because it’s only partially lined, a smooth nude slip or seamless undergarments help with coverage, and the nylon mesh can snag on rough edges. Keep jewelry streamlined and you’re set for holiday photos and dance floors.

$69.00

at Eloquii

The Wolford Fatal is a shapeshifter: wear it as a sleek off-the-shoulder midi dress, a mid-length skirt, or folded as a top. During our review, the seamless matte velvet circular knit hugged curves smoothly, but the very revealing fabric can show lines and every contour. The tube silhouette tends to ride up when walking, and fit can feel tight; many buyers note it runs small, so scrutinize measurements and try multiple sizes. For party nights, it’s a versatile $200 statement best paired with minimal-seam underpinnings.

$200.00

at Saksfifthavenue

A slip that glides from dinner to dance floor, this Wilfred satin midi drapes beautifully and catches light with its glossy finish. In our review, the V-neck and adjustable straps offered helpful tweaks, but the bias-cut, slim fit closely traces curves—great with shapewear if you want extra smoothing. Bust sizing can run tight for some, so check measurements or plan a low-profile bra. Pair with a blazer or wrap for wintry weddings and holiday cocktails.

$60.00

at Poshmark