It’s the party season and this may mean you’re looking for the perfect party dress! There’s no greater time than the festive season to add a little sparkle to your wardrobe, but which one is best for your personality? I wanted to share a few pieces that suit a range of different personal styles, that may put you just a toe out of your comfort zone, whilst still feeling truly you!

The Sparkly Little Black Dress

I recently wrote a post on the “perfect LBD” for your wardrobe, and this staple item can cross into the party wear wardrobe too!

This Damsel in a Dress piece from Damir is a fantastic foray into sparkles. With its illusion v-neck, and knee-length cut it can work perfectly for your party whether you are in a central London bar, or a work do in a restaurant, it goes a long way to have festive flair but without feeling too over the top. I’d recommend black stilettos, or for a more comfortable feel, wear some black flats with your tights so you can party with your colleagues.

For a slightly more impactful piece, this incredible PVC and chain dress with stars from Paco Rabanne will surely steal the show. On the styling side, you can go for a truly eccentric style with cowboy boots as shown on the model, or for a more elegant styling, wear with black stilettos and add some jewellery to top it all off!

If you have a smaller budget, then this sequinned LBD from Zara is an excellent choice. Whether you choose to pair it with chunky heels, as with the model, or pop on a pair of trainers and a long jacket, the dress will truly steal the show at your festive event. For those of you looking for a more cinched style, add a belt to draw you in at the waist, if required.

The Sequined Suit

Yes, this is an article about party dresses, but I didn’t want to leave out those of you who love a perfect suit to wear. There are so many options for us out there with amazing tailoring suited to women that you can turn up to the party (or the office!) in a fantastic suit. The perfect suit depends on your style, whether you are looking for a colourful addition to your wardrobe or a sparkle-covered option that is perfect for nighttime.

I love this suit from & Other Stories, which incorporates the festive feel with a suit that can work with just the blazer or the full-on ensemble!

As the model wears it with strappy shoes and a black top, you can see that this can keep the piece in a more workwear appropriate feel, but you can go to a more colourful top should you feel a need for colour in your outfit, or wearing a bright pair of heels. The jacket and trousers are in velvet, so they are more suited for this colder time of year, so I wouldn’t recommend it for Spring or Summer! There’s also this amazing gold sequined long lined blazer from Dundas for those of you looking to stand out at the party. You could wear it over a little black dress, or with black trousers and a shirt for a muted option when you remove the blazer!

Another option is to add the sparkle with a spectacular gold sequinned top and pair it with black wide leg trousers to keep the statement at the top. This gold sequinned top from Alice & Olivia is sure to be a top that is perfect for a party or an evening dinner for the festive season. I love the way this has been styled with trousers and heeled strappy shoes, but you can add a touch of gold to pair with the top on the shoes or with your accessories such as earrings or bracelets. If you choose to wear your hair up, which I think is a great way to wear a high neck piece, add more detailing with your earrings too.

For the elegant sparkle top look, I love this deep blue cropped top from Zara, it works well with high waisted trousers or even a skirt, depending on the occasion. The v-neck back is a lovely detail, and helps to keep you feeling work-appropriate but with a little sexiness too. The variety of night sky colourings are truly beautiful.

The Metallic Dress

If sequins just aren’t your thing, then metallic is a great sparkly option without the sequins. There are lovely range of options out there, including this long ruffle dress in metallic gold by Modern Rarity from John Lewis which is a comfortable yet party-ready option. For a classic style and shape, this metallic dress from John Lewis still shows off your figure and fashion, with a fun party feel whilst still working for non-parties too when dressed right!

The muted tones with the touch of silver works perfectly for the festive party.

For a sexier look, this gold metallic slip style dress from Zara is a great date night option, perhaps not quite as appropriate for a works do! You could, however, pair it with a pair of patterned tights to keep you warmer for this time of year.

For a gala or black-tie event, you cannot go wrong with a metallic dress, and this one shouldered statement piece by Dundas is the perfect option. It may feel a little over the top, but it’s Christmas party season after all, and if you can’t wear it now, then when?! Let the dress do all the talking and pair with a black shoe, with your hair up to show off your shoulder.

Patterns Perfect for Parties

And my last foray into the perfect party dress is using a festive or fun print on your dress. Stars, stripes, and a multitude of different patterns can be such fun for your outfit.

For a quirky option, you can try out a pattern that may be more suited for a fun and eventful evening! This mini dress with suki tiger pattern by De La Vali is best for a night event, rather than a lunch with colleague, and I love the shine the gold gives to this piece without the need for sequins. If you are looking for a casual option, wear your favourite pumps or even sneakers, but you can dress it up with a pair of black or burgundy heels.

Another patterned option is this black and silver sequinned high neck dress from Warehouse, which can work for a festive party, or even throughout the year for date nights and evening events. The line at the waist works really well to draw you in at the waist and can be paired with tights should it be a chilly evening.

If you prefer a longer length, then a maxi or midi dress can be the right choice for your party. This patterned silk dress by Sandro can be great for any event, and will work well throughout the year, not just for December. The ruffling on the waist helps to accentuate your curves, whilst also making sure you feel confident even after a three-course sit-down dinner!

Whatever the event, you can dress up in something that truly feels “you” without worrying about it making you feel uncomfortable. Whether it is sparkles, metallics, or a pattern that stands out amongst the crowd, I hope you find the piece that you love.