Your diary is filling up, you're prepping your playlist, you're armed with all the Fenty Beauty shimmer you'll ever need: party season is upon us. Amid the red-cheeked merriment, mince pies and Mariah Carey, party season means party dressing. How are designers putting on the party this season?
Alexa Chung hosted a magical starry night-themed bash, with silver dresses with sweetheart necklines taking us back to our prom night. Molly Goddard dressed models in her signature frothy pieces, with tea party-style dresses getting a touch of sequins. Speaking of sequins, king of glitter Ashish delivered the most mood-lifting of parties, with positive slogans on rainbow-striped dresses that shimmered and sparkled. Saint Laurent's party was hard-edged and high-shine, with ruched vinyl dresses matching slouch boots.
Whether you're gearing up for full-scale sparkle, going for sumptuous fabrics like velvet and tulle, or ready to clash your maximalist prints, we've found the best party dresses to wear from the office Christmas 'do through to New Year's Eve. Click through to see our pick of the party dresses, from high street to designer.
We're layering this luscious black slip over a sparkly roll neck.
Holzweiler Gerda Dress, £180, available at Holzweiler
If you're going to go for it, go all out: this Zara red leopard-print sequin shift ticks all boxes.
Zara Printed Sequinned Dress, £49.99, available at Zara
Whistles serves up a classic. Add rhinestone earrings and a velvet box bag.
Whistles Satin Pleated Dress, £169, available at Whistles
This satin number works as well on the dance floor as at the bar of a cocktail spot.
Ghost Lucy Dress, £75, available at Ghost.
This minimal Kitri dress is divine: that sash detail adds some oomph.
Kitri Sarah Arm Sash Dress, £125, available at Kitri
Rainbow? Check. Star-spangled? Check. Pleated? Check. Well done, Warehouse.
Warehouse Rainbow Pleated Midi Dress, £65, available at Warehouse
This blue velvet number will see us from party dressing through to spring. We love it styled with red Mary Janes.
Alexa Chung Flute Sleeve Dress, £410, available at Alexachung
This showstopper calls for statement earrings and killer heels.
Uterqüe Open Back Long Dress, £150, available at Uterqüe
If you're more reserved in your dressing, Shrimps are producing some of the sweetest Victoriana pieces right now.
Shrimps Lancelot Doodle-Embroidered Organza Dress, £940, available at Matches Fashion
This New Look velvet dress looks more expensive than its price, and will work just as well on the dance floor as with boots under your favourite coat.
New Look Velvet Devore Mini Dress, £29.99, available at ASOS
The Vampire's Wife is our hero brand this season. This ladylike shape comes in all fabrics and colourways, but this frosted sequin number was made for party season.
The Vampire's Wife Festival Ruffle-Trimmed Silk-Blend Lamé Dress, £1,395, available at Matches Fashion
We definitely owned this back in 2001, and we're very pleased with its return.
Topshop Cowl Metallic Slip Bodycon Dress, £32, available at Topshop
You'll float through the party in French Connection's frothy tulle piece.
French Connection Luna Sparkle One Shoulder Flared Dress, £195, available at French Connection
This shade is gorgeous; team with purple accessories.
ASOS Curve Crepe Wrap Front Bardot Midi Dress, £40, available at ASOS
The '80s are back this season, and bringing Madonna-inspired cuts.
Emilio De La Morena Off-The-Shoulder Velvet Dress, £798, available at Matches Fashion
Chinoiserie has inspired brands from Rixo to H&M this year.
H&M Patterned Dress, £39.99, available at H&M
This UO dress was made for dance floors.
Urban Outfitters Pins & Needles Moonbeam Metallic Slip Dress, £46, available at Urban Outfitters
The sharp shoulders, dipped hem and crushed velvet take this leopard-print dress from everyday to wear-all-night.
Isabel Marant Ulia Leopard-Print Velvet Dress, £770, available at Matches Fashion
M&S's luna-inspired dresses have sold out twice online. Nab this before it goes again.
Marks & Spencer Printed Mesh Flared Sleeve Midi Dress, £49.50, available at Marks & Spencer
If dressing up isn't your thing but you want to break from your year-round attire this party season, a sweet kicky floral dress will do the trick.
Saloni Celia Floral-Print Cady Dress, £450, available at Matches Fashion
Let this statement piece do all the talking by paring with minimal accessories and a nude lip.
& Other Stories Gold Wrap Dress, £110, available at Stories
Layer over kick-flare jeans by day, wear alone with heavy metal accessories by night.
Reformation Gillian Crimson Dress, £188, available at Reformation
We couldn't do party wear without a nod to Ashish. Just look at those sequins.
Ashish Striped Sequinned Silk-Georgette Dress, £1,620, available at Net-A-Porter
Rag & Bone Victor Dress, £455, available at Rag & Bone
Embrace lace in this emerald green piece to take you from desk to dance floor.
Lindex Green And Black Lace Dress, £59.99, available at Lindex
Asymmetric shoulders are here to stay – this simple Mango dress packs a punch.
Mango Asymmetrical Satin Dress, £49.99, available at Mango
Be the princess of the party in Ganni's street-style hit.
Ganni Seneca Silk Midi Dress, £475, available at Net-A-Porter
Chainmail is here to stay - this dress screams 2000, which is no bad thing.
Topshop Cowl Neck Glitter Slip Dress, £32.00, available at Topshop.
Rainbow stripes are the most uplifting AW17 trend, so why wouldn't you take it further with maxed-out sparkle?
Miss Selfridge Premium Ombre Flute Sleeve Sequin Dress, £99, available at Miss Selfridge
More like this
Get On Your Dancing Shoes: Party Season's Prettiest Footwear
3 Ways To Keep Cosy In A Cardigan This Winter
5 Ways To Wear Rainbow Stripes, The Colourful Trend Brightening Up Autumn
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
What's Actually In The Refinery29 Team's Handbags?