The Best Party Dresses for New Year’s and Other Winter Celebrations

Whether you're hitting the end-of-year event circuit or heading to casual(ish) cocktail parties, we've rounded up the most stylish options for all sizes, styles and budgets.

By Marie Lodi, Danielle Directo-Meston

December 15, 2023 5:48pm

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Best Women's Cocktail Dresses and Gowns for Winter Parties

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Chillier seasons don’t always mean fewer occasions for social events — and many winter fêtes call for a party dress. Whether it’s for Christmas, New Year’s, a wedding or any other year-end celebration, why not opt for a garment that you can show off to the world and feel fashionable and comfortable?

The great thing is, there are no rules for finding the best party dresses for winter — they come in all sorts of styles, silhouettes and textures. Though colder weather tends to call for more covered-up or longer looks, many winter gatherings take place indoors — so you can still sport mini and midi dresses under longer jackets (thank goodness for coat check) or wear them to warmer winter getaways (hello, Mexico City!) And if you’re ever short on style inspiration, look no further than the streets of Cannes and the red carpets of the Met Gala and the Grammys, to name a few ideas.

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Ahead, we’ve found some of the best dresses and gowns for New Year’s parties, end-of-year gatherings and other occasions on your winter calendar. Unless you’re headed to a tropical destination, we’re assuming you won’t need to spend too much time outdoors, so most of our top picks are all ideal for wearing underneath your winter coat, too.

From versatile slip dresses and embellished minis, to Beyoncé-inspired metallic gowns and even a comfortable bodycon, see our favorite winter dresses for women below, all organized by price range (under $100, $300, $500, $1,000 and beyond) and available in a range of sizes.

The Best Party Dresses Under $100

Vince Camuto Tie-Neck A-Line Dress

$83.20 $128 35% off

Save $45 at Nordstrom

Look ravishing in red in Vince Camuto’s classic tie-neck A-line shift dress, which comes in other cocktail party-ready colors.

Banana Republic Velvet Knee-Length Dress

$60 $120 50% off

Save $60 at Banana Republic

Prefer to keep your arms warm? This winter-ready V-neck velvet dress in a stunning dark juniper shade (also available in black) is super comfy and flattering on everyone, thanks to the wrap-front style and back waist darts.

Showpo Shook Dress

$70 at SHowpo

If you’re looking for something with some sparkle, you can’t go wrong with this sequin mini from Showpo that gives luxe 1920s vibes without looking too flapper costume-y.

UO Stella Sequin Strapless Midi Dress

$99 at URban Outfitters

This strapless gold sequin midi dress is finished with a ruffled asymmetrical hem for a mermaid-like look.

Chelsea28 Flutter Sleeve High-Low Satin Midi Dress

$99 at Nordstrom

We love the 1930s-inspired elevated silhouette of this Chelsea28 black satin midi dress. It features flutter sleeves and a high-low hem that looks great on everyone.

Akira Take a Bow Satin Midi Dress

$70 at Akira

Whether you’re going for a Barbie-inspired look or just can’t resist classic powder pink, Akira’s curve-hugging satin midi dress with black bows will fit like a glove, thanks to the stretchy fabric and back slit hem for moving around with ease.

The Best Party Dresses Under $300

Quince 100% Washable Silk Square Neck Midi Dress

$129 at Quince

Put a bow on it! (Just like Karlie Kloss, Sydney Sweeney, Aubrey Plaza and Camila Morrone at the 2023 Met Gala.) Available in sizes XS to XL, Quince’s effortless square-neck midi dress is made of 100 percent washable silk, so it’s easy to wear and care for. Style it your way with the detachable shoulder bows and waist tie. Available in other colors.

White House Black Market Long Sleeve Crystal Mesh Mini Dress

$165 $220 25% off

Save $65 at WHBM

Take a cue from Beyoncé’s Rennaissance tour (where concertgoers were encouraged to come in mirrorball-inspired looks) and sparkle all season in this mesh mini dress.

Mara Hoffman Sasha Piped Ribbed Organic Cotton-Blend Midi Dress

$294.52 $495 41% off

Save $201 at Net-a-Porter

Kim Kardashian, Mindy Kaling, Chrissy Teigen have all sported this cult-favorite designer Mara Hoffman, and one of her most popular designs the Sasha ribbed organic cotton-blend midi dress, which goes up to size XL. Made from lightweight fabric, this dress features contrasting white piping with a bustier-style design for an eye-catching take on the classic LBD, and is equal parts comfortable and stylish. It’s the type of garment you’ll keep in your closet for years to come.

Selkie the Puff Dress

$295 at Revolve

Size-inclusive label Selkie’s signature ruffled organza Puff Dress comes in a festive deep raid plaid print that’ll be sure to get you noticed under the mistletoe.

Dress the Population Kai Strapless Gown

$198 at Nordstrom

Channel Marilyn Monroe’s iconic Gentlemen Prefer Blondes look at your next holiday party with Dress the Population’s Kai strapless gown — just add elbow-length gloves and jewelry dripping in diamonds.

The Best Party Dresses and Gowns Under $500

Rabanne x H&M Sequin-Disc Mini Dress

$449 at H&M

With the brand’s iconic dangling pallette sequins, you won’t be able to resist the urge to hit the dance floor while wearing this Rabanne x H&M mini dress (from the legendary design house’s affordable collaboration), which makes the most stylish case for mixing your metals.

DANNIJO Women’s Midi Slip Dress

$325 at Amazon

A brand worn by celebs like Dakota Johnson and Addison Rae, Dannijo is known for its glam yet easy-to-wear slip dresses. This stunning bronze midi dress is perfect for winter soirées — pair it with knee-high boots and a cozy faux fur jacket (we like this cruelty-free one from Apparis).

Retrofête Dara Gown

$495 $645 23% off

Save $150 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Get everyone caught in a lavender gaze with this red carpet-ready Dara gown by Retrofête. Fitting, as it’s a Hollywood stylist-loved brand that’s been spotted on Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez and countless other stars. Plus, save $150 off when you use the code DECGETSF (which gets you $50 off every $200 you spend) through Dec. 16.

Ulla Johnson Amiko Pleated Maxi Dress

$414 $690 40% off

Save $276 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Plissé pleats, please! Free your waistline with Ulla Johnson’s Amiko pleated maxi dress, which is made of metallic mahogany satin and ties at the waist with a removable belt. (That’s why it’s a great holiday maternity dress, too.)

Cleobella Odessa Midi Dress

$328 at Cleobella

Make a luxurious statement in this duchess satin midi dress by Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt-approved label Cleobella. Hands-free ladies will especially appreciate the pockets on this beauty which features a V-neckline and ruffled sleeves and hem.

ML Monique Lhuiller Leaha Floral Lace Midi-Dress

$445 $545 18% off

Save $100 at Saks Fifth Avenue

A brand worn by everyone from Reese Witherspoon to Michelle Obama, Monique Lhuillier is known for her stunning bridal dresses and red carpet gowns, like this halter-neck floral lace midi dress (From the designer’s ML Monique Lhuillier line) that lets you show a little bit of shoulder. Plus, save $150 off when you use the code DECGETSF (which gets you $50 off every $200 you spend) through Dec. 16.

The Best Party Dresses and Gowns Under $1,000

Mac Duggal Floral Brocade Cocktail Midi Dress

$698 at Nordstrom

Mac Duggal’s brocade fit-and-flare midi cocktail dress in a festive floral print makes for a great party look, whether it’s a formal winter wedding or a gala. Pair it with silver platform heels and sparkly chandelier earrings and you’ll be ready to go.

Sergio Hudson Multi-Seamed Trumpet Front Mini Dress

$1,004 $1,395.00 28% off

Save $391 at Amazon

Technically, this is over the $1K budget, but Amazon’s 10 percent off promo (for first-time Luxury Stores shoppers) brings the price down on this already-on-sale Sergio Hudson trumpet mini dress. Even if there’s lots of snow and ice, look chic and cool in this winter blue trumpet front mini dress by Sergio Hudson, who has been worn by Michelle Obama, Ashley Graham and many other stars.

The Best Party Dresses and Gowns Over $1,000

Oscar de la Renta Hollyhocks Cotton Poplin Mini Dress

$1,990 $2,190.00 9% off

Save $200 at Amazon

Who says playful florals are only for spring? Oscar de la Renta’s Hollyhocks cotton poplin mini dress is midcentury-meets-modern, and the pale pink and blue hues also make it ideal for spring and summer celebrations. If you’re the type to imbibe, bubbly (or an Aperol Spritz in sunnier days) makes a complementary accessory.

Alex Perry Drape-Back Satin-Crepe Midi Dress

$1,985 at Moda Operandi

From Alex Perry, a designer worn by Lupita Nyong’o, Olivia Culpo, and Adriana Lima, this raspberry-hued midi dress is made from luxurious satin-crepe that moves like a dream. The cape-like sleeves might be more fit for fancier occasions, but will no doubt be a head-turner wherever you go.

Zimmermann Matchmaker Daisy Slip Gown

$2,950 at Saks Fifth aVenue

From Zimmerman, a label seen on a slew of celebrities (including Beyoncé, Kendall Jenner, Margot Robbie and Laura Dern), this V-neck lace-trimmed slip gown brings moody romance with its slip silhouette and floral appliqués.

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