Dress yourself up, it’s holiday party season. More than any other time of year, there’s no such thing as too many bows or sequins, no material too luxe, and no hemline too high. As the calendar starts to fill up with work celebrations, holiday potlucks, and end-of-year escapades, you need a dress that reflects how excited you are to celebrate.
“This season is already big on the parties and get-togethers and I think it will only continue,” says Tiffany Hsu, VP of Fashion Buying at MyTheresa. “A festive party dress, especially anything embellished or feather-trimmed is always a hit.” That means it’s time to add yourself to your holiday gifting list and treat yourself to a festive look that you can make the most of for your long list of soirées.
So far in 2022 there have been a few key, skin-baring trends that have emerged, and don’t expect them to go away during the winter. Simply put, they’ll just take some strategic styling to pull off. Cutout dresses from brands like christopher esber and Nensi Dojaka remain favorites among celebratory fashion insiders, but it’s best to pair them with a cozy coat as temperatures start to fall.
Similarly, as mini hemlines continue to dominate the trend cycle, Hsu suggests making the most of accessories to pull off the look. “In colder climates, focus on accessories to really create that unique, festive outfit,” she suggests. “A sleek, thigh-high boot with a rubber sole could compliment a mini or midi dress while keeping your legs warm.”
Ahead, find a breakdown of five key holiday dress trends that will carry you into 2023 in style.
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Feathers
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16ARLINGTON Michelle Feather-Trimmed Mini Dress
$1,340, Shop NowGo a little bit retro with this long-sleeved mini silhouette with playful, feathery wrists. It’s the perfect style for throwing your hands up in the air.
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Oséree Lumière Feather-Trimmed Mini Dress
$465, Shop NowIf you prefer a look that’s by no means subtle, but frees up your hands a bit, try this playful design from Oséree with a feather trim along the hem.
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LAPOINTE Criss-Cross Cutout Midi Dress
$1,490, Shop NowFor the statement-making minimalist: a dress that marries the best of both worlds. It’s sophisticated and elegant, but still happens to be fun.
Embellished
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Self-Portrait Bow-Embellished Midi Dress
$495, Shop NowHsu highlights Self Portrait as a brand to have on your radar for holiday occasion dressing. This shimmery, ruched dress is sure to be the center of attention.
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Zara Long Sequin Dress
$99.90, Shop NowDo your best disco ball impression in this colorful creation from Zara. The sleek silhouette balances out the high-shine finish so the overall feel isn’t too over-the-top.
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Halpern Sequined Bustier Dress
$1,630, Shop NowCombine full-on sparkle and an abstract print and you get this celebratory creation from Halpern. If you have a black tie wedding or dressy occasion on the horizon, this is the dress for you.
Cutouts
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Reformation Alexei Knit Dress
$178, Shop NowKeep it simple (but dramatic) with a keyhole cutout dress. The dainty neck detail means you can skip a necklace altogether.
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Gauge81 Chaleg Cutout Mini Dress
$390, Shop NowWhile you’ll want to avoid wearing this dress outdoors (unless you’re traveling somewhere warm this holiday), there’s no denying that the bold color and open back are an enticing combination.
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Christopher Esber Beaded Cutout Maxi Dress
$1,080, Shop NowIf you go by the theory that the more skin you show off, the better, then this cutout dress from Australian label Christopher Esber is just the thing.
Bold Colors
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Staud Portrait Moire Maxi Dress
$450, Shop NowPink may be a color more closely associated with spring, but this holiday season it’s also the perfect choice to add a little energy and liveliness to your celebratory outfits.
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A.L.C. Leslie Dress
$495, Shop NowThis rich red number combines a handful of the season’s top trends without feeling overtly trendy. It’s the ideal dress for more casual holiday soirées.
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& Other Stories Voluminous Sleeve Mini Dress
$129, Shop NowThe high neck and long sleeves of this purple minidress give it a bit more of a polished vibe, making it the perfect choice for work parties or dinner celebrations.
Mini Hemlines
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Kika Vargas Crie Taffeta Mini Dress
$644, Shop NowThis voluminous minidress will make a statement when you walk into the party this season. Pair with sparkly Mach & Mach heels and a red lip for a dramatic look.
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Ganni Nylon Embroidered Mini Dress
$495, Shop NowFor times when you want to dress up, but would rather keep it a bit more simple, this embroidered mini dress is an unfussy choice (read: you could easily style it with sneakers).
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Nensi Dojaka Cutout Ruched Mini Dress
$617, Shop NowBold, sheer and strappy, this Nensi Dojaka number is the perfect piece for nights when you want to go all out.