Holiday Party Dresses & Outfits

Which holiday party dress for which party

• The office party: aim for knee length or longer, with sleeves or a layer you can keep on. The I Remember Everything Glitter Babydoll Midi Dress has sheer long sleeves and a knee-length skirt, and the You're My Favorite Sweater Dress is a black knit with embroidered sheer sleeves. See more polished looks in work holiday party outfits.
• Cocktails with friends: this is where sequins earn their place. Try the red How Deep Is Your Love One Shoulder Sequins Dress, the rose gold Cheap Thrills Mini Dress or more party dresses. If the invitation says holiday cocktail attire, this is the dress code it means: knee to midi length, a little shine, and heels or dressy flats.
• A formal dinner or gala: go long. The Give Me Everything Tonight Wine Maxi Dress is pleated with a one-shoulder neckline, and our maxi dresses have more floor-length options.
• Family gatherings: pick something you can sit, eat and chase the kids in, like a sweater dress from our cute sweaters.

Celebrating in Dallas-Fort Worth? Our guide to Dallas holiday events and what to wear to each pairs 39 local events this season with a dress code.

Color and fabric

Red and wine are the classic holiday colors (see our Christmas dresses), and black looks festive the moment it has some shine. Sequins give the most sparkle and photograph well under party lights. Satin has a softer glow and drapes beautifully, like the navy and black Was It Ever Love Satin Ribbon Ruffle Tiered Maxi Dress. For velvet, start with a top such as the Everybody Needs Someone Velvet Checker Mock Neck Top, and for shine without sequins, the Party On My Mind Shimmer Color Block Bodysuit comes in silver or pink.

Fit and sizing

Most of our holiday party dresses come in Small, Medium and Large, and a few, like the red Let's Stay Together Ruffle Tiered Mini Dress, run X-Small to X-Large. We carry only a few of each size, so check the size guide and order early. If you are between sizes, size up in fitted sheath shapes and stay with your usual size in A-line and babydoll cuts. Not quite right? Returns are free within 21 days of delivery for unworn, unwashed pieces with tags on.

How to style it

Gold block-heel sandals like the Avery Bow Sandals work with red, black and wine. If you would rather skip the dress, the Totally Rocking silver sequin two piece pants set is a full outfit in one. Finish with statement earrings, a party top from holiday tops if you want a second look, and a pair of heels you can stand in all night.