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The holiday season is here. As our calendars brim with festive parties, housewarmings and weddings, it can be difficult choosing what to wear. No matter the occasion, we’ve rounded up the 30 best holiday dresses for every personality and budget.
Light up the dance floor in a sparkly fancy dress, or keep it sophisticated in a winter formal dress. You’ll be the chicest at your office party in a long-sleeve formal dress, or be bold and shine with a metallic party dress.
Got the urge to splurge on a dress that will have you dripping? Or would you rather opt for a more affordable style that will last you throughout the season? There is a party dress for everyone! Check out our picks from retailers like Nordstrom, Free People, Rebecca Minkoff and more. From classic, black cocktail to animal print styles, start planning the ultimate holiday look for you.
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
1 of 30 Image Credits: Macy's
Best Ruffle
INC Floral-Print Ruffle Dress
What Reviewers Are Saying:
This dress is a perfect fit. It’s so flattering. Nearly every person I came into contact with complimented me. I love it.
2 of 30 Image Credits: Nordstrom
Best Empire Waist
Eliza J Ruffle Puff Sleeve Dress
What Reviewers Are Saying:
This is a gorgeous dress. I got so many compliments. Everyone kept asking me about the dress. The color is beautiful, and I'm a blonde so I think it stood out more. For best fit, go one size up.
3 of 30 Image Credits: Bloomingdales
Best Floral
Velvet by Graham & Spencer Smocked Waist Dress
What Reviewers Are Saying:
I just bought this dress. I wore it to filth, and the compliments just kept coming. It’s so comfortable and feminine. I’m looking for another one in a different color.
4 of 30 Image Credits: Rebecca Minkoff
Most Versatile
Rebecca Minkoff Juno Dress
What Reviewers Are Saying:
This dress is the perfect complete outfit. It can be dressed up or down and layered as needed for the weather.
5 of 30 Image Credits: Free People
Best Velvet
CP Shades Jacey Mini Dress
What Reviewers Are Saying:
I love this dress. I’m short so the length is perfect. It can be dressed up or dressed down, and the plunging neckline is sexy.
6 of 30 Image Credits: Nordstrom
Best Knit Style
Topshop Turtleneck Sweater Dress
What Reviewers Are Saying:
This dress runs big so I would recommend going down a size or two. It’s very comfortable, cute and flattering.
7 of 30 Image Credits: Bloomingdale's
Best Black Cocktail
AQUA Beaded-Sleeve Dress
What Reviewers Are Saying:
Ladies, this dress is just as it appears in the web photo. I ordered a size larger than usual because I’m very conscious of how I look in fitted garments. It’s stretchy and hugs your curves. You will definitely have to wear proper undergarments for smoothness or do your sit-ups before wearing. You won’t regret it. You're sure to get compliments. I plan to wear this dress to weddings, church and upcoming holiday parties with a pair of classy earrings. I love it!
8 of 30 Image Credits: Nordstrom
Best Affordable Option
Leith Metallic Wrap Dress
What Reviewers Are Saying:
This dress fits so well! It’s true to size and actually longer than it shows in the picture, which I personally like. I definitely would not consider the dress mini, and I’m 5' 7". You could probably get the dress hemmed if you want a true mini. I love it and can’t wait to wear it during the holiday season. It’s totally worth buying! I have a size small.
9 of 30 Image Credits: Nordstrom
Best Winter Formal Style
Logan Plunging V-Neck Velvet Gown
What Reviewers Are Saying:
Wow! This dress is stunning, perfect and gorgeous. I love it. I need not say more.
10 of 30 Image Credits: Bloomingdale's
Best Sequin Option
Adrianna Papell Sequined Scoop-Back Gown
What Reviewers Are Saying:
I wore this dress for my son's black-tie wedding held at a beautiful mansion. I felt amazing in this dress. I needed it hemmed just an inch to make it the perfect length. I am 5' 4" and wore a low-heeled shoe in pewter. The train looked magnificent walking down the long church aisle. I received so many compliments, not just from wedding guests, but also from complete strangers in the hotel where the wedding party stayed!
11 of 30 Image Credits: Rebecca Minkoff
Best Animal Print
Rebecca Minkoff Aston Dress
What Reviewers Are Saying:
The dress is so beautiful, and the fit is perfect. I wear a size zero and ordered an XXS, and it fit very nice. You can dress it up or down. It’s just very versatile.
12 of 30 Image Credits: Saks Fifth Avenue
Best Faux Wrap Style
Alice + Olivia Polly Leopard Mini Dress
What Reviewers Are Saying:
This dress is adorable. The shoulder pads are a bit large, but they look removable. It’s a great fit and cut.
13 of 30 Image Credits: Free People
Best Ruched Style
Intimately All Night Bodycon Slip
What Reviewers Are Saying:
Usually I'm a size XS or S. I got the S, and it's perfect. The dress is super flattering and comfortable. With the adjustable ruching, it’s like two dresses in one. I’m planning to wear the dress long for business events and short for date nights.
14 of 30 Image Credits: Rebecca Minkoff
Most Work Appropriate
Rebecca Minkoff Cassandra Dress
What Reviewers Are Saying:
This dress is super comfortable, and it looks amazing.
15 of 30 Image Credits: Nordstrom
Best Satin Option
PAIGE Giovanna Leopard Print Slipdress
What Reviewers Are Saying:
I bought this dress in a size S and XS. It's very flowy so the XS is perfect. I can’t wait to wear this!
16 of 30 Image Credits: Nordstrom Rack
Best Plus-Size Black Cocktail Style
Eliza J Ruffled Cap Dress
What Reviewers Are Saying:
I wore this dress to a party last night, and it fit like a glove and showed off all my curves while still being classy. I got so many compliments on it as well. On me, it shows more cleavage, but I’m okay with that. It’s comfortable and stretchy, too, with nice fabric.
17 of 30 Image Credits: Free People
Best Silk Option
Fame and Partners Cara One-Shoulder Micro Mini Dress
What Reviewers Are Saying:
I got this dress for my friend’s wedding, and it is amazing! The fabric is shiny and soft, and the length is good. The dress runs a little small, but luckily it still fits!
18 of 30 Image Credits: Saks Fifth Avenue
Best Splurge
Chiara Boni La Petite Robe Aleece One-Shoulder Ruffle Sheath
What Reviewers Are Saying:
This classic and sexy dress is a great fit. I love it.
19 of 30 Image Credits: Nordstrom Rack
Best Lace Look
NSR Vivi Mini Dress
What Reviewers Are Saying:
I really like this dress! It’s super cute and fits great.
20 of 30 Image Credits: Saks Fifth Avenue
Best Gold Option
Aidan by Aidan Mattox Asymmetric Cocktail Dress
What Reviewers Are Saying:
This dress looks perfect on me. I thought the color looked too bright, but it’s not. The dress looks classic. Plus, the dress matches my shoes, which makes me so happy.
21 of 30 Image Credits: Nordstrom Rack
Best Chiffon Option
SL Fashions Tulip Tier Dress
What Reviewers Are Saying:
This dress exceeded my expectations. It’s flattering, well-made and would work for different occasions depending on accessories and shoes. The dress arrived nicely packaged with a hanger and a garment bag. It fits true to size.
22 of 30 Image Credits: Bloomingdale's
Best Maxi Style
AQUA Off-the-Shoulder Fluted Velvet Gown
What Reviewers Are Saying:
I wrote this beautiful dress to a very formal wedding. It fits perfectly with my body. The dress is so elegant you do not need to wear anything else with it. It really brought out the best in me.
23 of 30 Image Credits: Bloomingdale's
Best Midi Style
Aidan by Aidan Mattox Illusion Fit-and-Flare Dress
What Reviewers Are Saying:
This is such a lovely dress. I’m 5' 1". This dress hit a few inches above my ankle on me. This was perfect as I wore the dress to a black-tie wedding. It did not have to be altered. It's super comfortable, forgiving and flattering. This dress accommodated my larger chest, and the back comes up high enough that you can wear a bra. Plus, it has pockets! I would say if you are between two sizes, size down if you don't want to wear a bra and size up if you do.
24 of 30 Image Credits: Free People
Best Mini Style
Azealia Embellished Slip
What Reviewers Are Saying:
I love this dress. It has enough bling to dress it up for a night out with friends or a date. I purchased it in the 'Athena' color, and it looks great on my brown skin. I chose the color because I can wear it year round. This is exactly what I was looking for. It does run a little big. I purchased it in my normal size, and then had to return it for the next size down. I will be debuting it this evening when my friends and I go out to dinner and a movie.
25 of 30 Image Credits: Bloomingdale's
Best Purple
Lauren Ralph Lauren Crossover V-Neck Dress
What Reviewers Are Saying:
The color and fabric were as shown. The fit and length were perfect.
26 of 30 Image Credits: Nordstrom Rack
Best Sparkle
Dress the Population Mini Dress
What Reviewers Are Saying:
This is a great-looking dress. The fabric is high-quality with lining and sequin embellishments. I am 5' 2" and 130 lbs, and a size small was a perfect fit. The length is good for those of us who are shorter girls.
27 of 30 Image Credits: Nordstrom Rack
Best Swing Style
Ali & Jay Doing Big Things Velvet Dress
What Reviewers Are Saying:
I wore this dress for a holiday party, and I received lots of compliments. The color of the dress is exactly as in the picture, and the material is really nice. I am petite, and I ordered the small, which it is fine. But I think extra small would have been better on me.
28 of 30 Image Credits: Bloomingdale's
Favorite Fit-and-Flare
Lauren Ralph Lauren Sleeveless Dress
What Reviewers Are Saying:
This is a beautiful dress. It’s outstanding quality and very pretty. It's true to size. Sometimes I have to go up to an eight, but in this dress a size six is perfection. I’ve got the dress hanging on my door and I look at it all the time, so obviously I’m looking forward to actually wearing it. Maybe I’ll wear the dress for New Year’s Eve. Happy holidays, everyone.
29 of 30 Image Credits: Bloomingdale's
Best Sweetheart Neck Style
French Connection Whisper A-Line Dress
What Reviewers Are Saying:
The color is vibrant, and the fit is nice. The dress can easily be dressed up or down.
30 of 30 Image Credits: Bloomingdale's
Best Print
AQUA Luxe Puff-Sleeve Feather Dress
What Reviewers Are Saying:
This dress is very flattering. The puff sleeves and V-neck are a plus.
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