The Ten Fanciest Party Dresses of the Holiday Season from ShopBAZAAR

Go big or go home? In the winter, it’s always a challenge to not just go home, but when the biggest holiday parties of the year are calling, we’ll go big and actually get dressed. But finding the dress is easier said than done.

Stylist and owner of Showroom boutique Erica Hanks, though, knows how to get it done. “While an LBD will always be a timeless classic, the holidays are the perfect time to step out of your comfort zone and have some fun with color and texture! Metallics, bold shades, jewel tones, and sequins are always great festive options,” she says. Hanks also has a superb photo tip to ensure you properly document the moment and the dress: “Most event photos are from the waist up, so for a memorable fashion pic, shop for a dress that has an interesting detail, fun print, or rich color around your neck or shoulders.”

Remember, you’re in control of what you wear and how you want to feel—fashion should be fun, not daunting. But as per Hanks’s advice, we recommend stepping out of your comfort zone for something more unexpected this season. If you’re a minimalist, sequins and embellishments may pleasantly surprise you. If you prefer modern styles, try Old Hollywood glamour-inspired designs. Whatever you choose, we guarantee the 10 party dresses below will make you feel your absolute best, which is all that really matters anyway.

"Raku" Maxi Dress in Taffy Pink

Pia Dress

Westover Dress

You know you've found the all-star of dresses when the gown works for any dress code. This Acler dress was made for everything, from lavish galas and weddings to intimate get-togethers and office parties. With plenty of coverage for those who prefer to show less skin, this pleated, belted design is quite literally the gold standard of eveningwear.

Violette Bubble Hem Maxi Dress

This floral wonder from AJE feels like a grown-up princess gown from our favorite childhood fairy tales. Ultra-feminine and timeless, this bubble-hem dress has the voluminous pouffy skirt we've dreamed about wearing all our lives. The secret finishing touch: the thigh-high slit that gives a flash of leg.

One-Shoulder Floral Gown

Tulle Evening Dress

A little spooky and a whole lot of chic, Wednesday Addams has become the breakout style muse of 2022. This gothic pick embodies dark romance, but the lightness of the tulle also means you can tear up the dance floor just like our favorite little viper.

Lottise Gown

Etta Ruffle Gown with Train

If you've watched and admired the wardrobe of any of the many recent period dramas like Bridgerton, The Gilded Age, House of the Dragon, or The Serpent Queen, this dress is for you. Crafted from 100 percent silk faille in a vivid chartreuse shade with a ruffle neckline, this gown will make you the main character of every party. Did we mention the bustle and train are absolutely everything?

Finley Satin Gown

Catherine Regehr

One Shoulder Ombre Pleated Dress

Short in the front and long in the back, this Pamella Roland piece lets you bare all the leg you want and move around comfortably with an ethereal train of fabric floating behind you. Ruched and draped for an exquisite flattering fit, this ombré number will ensure all eyes will be on you.

Rodarte Floral Printed Midi

Fringe Crepe Cut-Out Maxi Dress

You can never ever go wrong with an LBD. But for the holidays, if you want to add a little spice, think about doing so with feathers and cutouts. We love the swooping neckline and short sleeves on this Rasario maxi dress that will keep your look in place, so you don't have to constantly adjust throughout the night.

Mesh V Neck Gown

One picture is worth a thousand words, but a photo of this Marchesa number might be worth ten thousand. Known for its incredible craftsmanship, Marchesa never disappoints with glamorous creations worn by iconic celebrities. And this dress feels like a major red-carpet moment in the making. The sheer tulle sleeves that fan out, the bold plunging neckline, the beautiful beaded embellishments … just wow all around.

Markarian

Plunging V Neck Draped Gown

Tie-dye is no doubt an unexpected choice for a winter party. But this elevated blue tie-dye gown by Alejandra Alonso Rojas is proof that whoever said tie-dye was appropriate only for the summer was clearly dead wrong. And if the plunging neckline is too much for you, you can easily layer this dress with a pretty, long-sleeved sheer top.

Matteo Mini Dress

Zion Dress

Even if you're not a feather person, there's so much to love about this Rachel Gilbert dress. The contrasting pastel colors will easily brighten up any room, and the airy feathers gently move with each step. Basically, it's equal parts elegant and playful.

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