The right holiday party dress depends on the dress code. For an office party, choose a velvet midi or a long sleeve A-line dress. For a cocktail party, a short glitter or sequin dress is the classic pick. For a formal or black tie event, go floor length in sequins, glitter or satin. For a relaxed dinner at a friend's home, a velvet mini or midi with sleeves feels festive without trying too hard. Below are dresses for each kind of party, plus tips on fabric, color and accessories.
Holiday party dress codes, explained
- Office party: festive but work appropriate. Knee length or longer, sleeves or a cover-up, and one shiny or rich detail.
- Cocktail: a short or midi dress with sparkle, a fitted shape or a statement sleeve.
- Formal or black tie: a maxi dress or gown in sequins, glitter, satin or velvet.
- Casual or dinner party: anything you can sit and eat in for hours. Velvet, soft fabrics and sleeves work well.
Holiday party dresses by dress code
Office holiday party
Velvet is the easiest way to look festive at work. The Velvet Wrap Long Sleeve Midi Dress has a wrap front with a twist detail and a slit, in dark green, wine red and royal blue, sizes XS to XL. The fabric is stretchy, so it is comfortable from the speeches to the last toast.
Shop the Velvet Wrap Long Sleeve Midi Dress
For a more classic shape, the Velvet Long Sleeve A-Line Dress has a round neck and a full skirt, in navy, burgundy, black and blue, sizes S to 2XL. Wear it with tights and low heels, then swap to a clutch for drinks after work.
Cocktail party
A short dress with sparkle is made for a cocktail party. The Glitter Ruched Bodycon Mini Dress has thin straps and a fitted, ruched shape, in wine red, black, blue and rose red, sizes S to 2XL.
Shop the Glitter Ruched Bodycon Mini Dress
If you prefer sleeves, the Glitter Mesh Long Sleeve Mini Dress has sheer glitter sleeves and a V-neck, in black, wine red and purple, sizes S to 2XL. Over-the-knee boots make it work on a cold night. See more short and party styles in our cocktail dresses.
Formal and black tie
For a gala, a formal company dinner or a black tie New Year's party, go floor length. The Sequin High Slit Maxi Dress is covered in sequins with a high leg slit and lace-up details, partially lined, in red, dark green, purple, black and champagne, sizes S to 2XL.
Shop the Sequin High Slit Maxi Dress
The Glitter Off-Shoulder Maxi Dress has an off-shoulder neckline and long sleeves, partially lined, in seven colors including wine red, dark green and navy blue, sizes XS to XL. For a softer shine, the Pearl Strap Cowl Neck Satin Maxi Dress has a draped cowl neck, pearl straps and a slit, in burgundy, blush pink, khaki, black and light blue, sizes XS to XL.
Shop the Pearl Strap Cowl Neck Satin Maxi Dress
More long styles are in our formal and evening dresses and maxi dresses.
Casual get-togethers and dinner parties
At a dinner or a friendsmas, you want something festive that is also comfortable. The Velvet Flare Sleeve Mini Dress has wide flared sleeves and a V-neck, in gray, burgundy and black, sizes S to XXL. The Velvet Floral Lantern Sleeve Midi Dress has a floral pattern, lantern sleeves and a ruffle hem, in caramel, wine red and green, sizes S to 2XL.
Shop the Velvet Floral Lantern Sleeve Midi Dress
Plus size party dresses
The Sequin Tie Shoulder Mini Dress has tie straps and tiered ruffles, in burgundy, champagne and black, sizes S to 3XL. For a formal event, the Sequin Tie Back V-Neck Maxi Dress is lined, with an open tie back, in gray, navy blue, burgundy, apricot and black, sizes S to 3XL. More ideas are in our guide to plus size party dresses and the plus size collection.
Shop the Sequin Tie Shoulder Mini Dress
Velvet, sequins or satin?
- Velvet feels warm and looks rich in photos. It is the safest choice for an office party or a winter dinner. Our velvet dress guide has more ways to style it.
- Sequins and glitter are the most festive. Keep the rest of the outfit simple: plain heels, small earrings and a clutch.
- Satin has a soft shine and drapes well. It suits formal parties and looks great with a faux fur wrap or a long coat.
Colors for the holiday season
Wine red, burgundy and dark green are classic holiday colors. Black always works and is easy to style again. Gold, silver and champagne sequins feel right for New Year's Eve. If you want to stand out, try royal blue, purple or blush pink.
What to wear with your party dress
- Tights or sheer hosiery for short dresses on a cold night.
- Shoes you can stand in. Block heels, low heels or boots last longer than stilettos.
- A coat or wrap for the trip there and back.
- One statement piece. With sequins, keep jewelry small. With velvet or satin, bold earrings work well.
Order in time
Delivery usually takes 9 to 17 business days, so order your dress at least three to four weeks before the party. Free standard shipping on eligible orders of US$60 or more. Returns are accepted within 7 days in the US and 14 days in other countries on eligible items, as described in our Refund policy.
Browse all dresses to find your look for every party on your calendar.