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Best Holiday Party Dresses 2022 — Best Party Dresses for Women

Aug 24, 2023

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Dance the night away in these.

While the cold weather gives us an excuse to spend copious amounts of time curled up indoors wearing cozy sweatsuits and slippers, the best holiday party dresses will make you excited to get dolled up (and possibly head outside!) this winter. Festive gatherings with friends and loved ones can be simply magical—and undoubtedly deserve outfits to match that energy. And thanks to the vast range of styles available, you can easily find an option (or two) that fits the occasion and your budget while also making you feel like a million bucks.

Whether you’re heading to a swanky black tie event, a New Year's eve cocktail party, or simply chilling at home with family, we scoured the internet to bring you our favorite holiday party dresses that will instantly put you on the best-dressed list. From show-stopping satin gowns to sparkly disco-queen minis and soft sweater dresses that nail a casual-chic vibe, there's no end to the compliments these styles will garner. Plus, with the right dress shoes and evening bags, many of these dresses can be worn throughout the year (think for a wedding or date night, too), so you’ll get tons of use out of them.

2022 may be coming to an end, but versatile blazer dresses and flirty feather details are sticking around. Tackle both trends in one look with this glamorous mini dress that's great to style with everything from knee-high boots to strappy sandals.

Featuring a stylish wrap silhouette and relaxed, off-the-shoulder fit, this top-rated sweater dress is ideal for at-home gatherings where you want to be laidback and comfy yet still look put-together. Oh, and it's a cinch to jazz up with some statement jewelry if you so desire.

This high-shine midi is so striking, there's little need to worry about accessorizing with it. But if you do decide to opt for some baubles, consider keeping things minimal with simple hoops and a herringbone chain.

Slip into this slinky ruched number, and you’ll walk into any holiday bash looking like a total snack. Not to mention, the style is on sale for just $36.

From its intricate lace design to unique twist-neck detail, this artful mini is a certified attention-grabber.

This pouf-front mini is bold without being over-the-top—you know, in case you want a look that offers subtle drama.

When the dress code is black tie, a timeless floor-length satin gown will never let you down. Skin-baring details like a leg slit and low back offer extra oomph in this high-neck beauty, too.

You may have spotted Carrie Bradshaw wearing a version of this popular dress on the reboot of Sex and the City, but this shimmering gold take seems even more fitting for a fancy function. In addition to making you look like a real-life goddess, it also has a hidden bodysuit made to expertly smooth and shape your form.

A sparkly mini dress is always a surefire pick for dressier events. This pretty champagne-colored number is high up on our list, especially since it has adjustable shoulder ties and a drawstring at the hem to help you achieve your desired fit.

For something you can also incorporate into your everyday lineup, try an effortless slip dress like this option from Abercrombie. Pair it with your favorite slouchy boots or sparkly heels and layer a turtleneck underneath to create added warmth and dimension.

If sexy-meets-glam is the aesthetic you’re going for, this metallic halter number is right up your alley. Even with its plunging neckline, shoppers mention how handy the side tie detail is for adjusting the silhouette to various bust sizes.

Trust, you’ve never seen a holiday party dress quite like this one. Courtesy of Nana Jacqueline's ethereal assortment, this exquisite shimmering style is one part halter and part strapless, complete with cool cutouts and a glitzy brooch accent. If you’re feeling particularly extra, go ahead and add on some matching opera gloves as a final touch.

A dress so fun to move around in, you won't stop dancing the night away. Also, how chic is this checkerboard print?

Velvet dresses for the holidays just make sense, but this tie-shoulder number is anything but stale. Available in three gorgeous hues (including a sumptuous chianti-inspired red), it boasts a deep leg slit and subtle ’90s-inspired cowl neck.

Can't figure out what to wear to that impending office holiday party on your calendar? This plaid, satin wrap dress is the perfect amount of polished and festive.

Best known for her colorful, celeb-loved frocks, emerging ready-to-wear and accessories designer Autumn Adeigbo juxtaposes sumptuous textures and prints to create truly standout pieces. And the dresses from her latest holiday collection are no exception—just peep this glittering puff sleeve number for reference. Pro tip: Try styling it with the brand's funky Triple-Strap clog for an unexpected twist.

Be the star of any cocktail hour in this sleek rhinestone-adorned mini. Not only should it hug your curves in all the right places, but its retro-style shoulder pads also give it an edgy, structural feel.

Here, a fabulous crystal and bow-adorned mini, because you are, in fact, the true gift of the season.

Sam Peters is a Senior Commerce Editor at Hearst covering fashion, beauty and lifestyle. Her writing has appeared in WWD, Footwear News, Real Simple, PopSugar and Bridal Guide, among others. She enjoys unpacking the latest trends and testing and reviewing some of the most innovative, emerging products on the market.

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