Extraordinary InnovationsLuxury Fashion
Occasion

Holiday party dresses and New Year's Eve outfits

The holiday party edit

This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Learn more.

Holiday dressing is about texture: velvet that catches the candlelight, sequins for midnight, lace and satin for a dinner that runs late. These are the best-rated party dresses of the season, from the office party to a black-tie New Year's Eve.

Velvet

The fabric of the season.

Betsy & Adam One-Shoulder Long Sleeve Velvet Gown

Velvet for the biggest night of the year: the Betsy & Adam One-Shoulder Long Sleeve Velvet Gown, with perfectly placed pleats and gathers for a stunning drape and one bare shoulder for a little drama. Stretchy and comfortable from dinner to midnight.

Betsy & Adam one-shoulder long-sleeve velvet gown with pleated drape
Betsy & Adam One-Shoulder Long Sleeve Velvet Gown
Shop at Nordstrom

Alex Evenings Ruched Three-Quarter Sleeve Velvet Gown

Plush velvet, done elegantly: the Alex Evenings Ruched Three-Quarter Sleeve Velvet Gown, with ruching at the sides that leads to a tulip skirt. A holiday gown for formal parties that feels as good as it looks.

Alex Evenings plush velvet gown with ruched sides, a tulip skirt and three-quarter sleeves
Alex Evenings Ruched Three-Quarter Sleeve Velvet Gown
Shop at Nordstrom

Petal & Pup Sarine Cutout Long Sleeve Velvet Maxi Cocktail Dress

Make the grand entrance: the Petal & Pup Sarine Velvet Maxi Cocktail Dress, curve-hugging stretch velvet with long sleeves and a ruched side cutout that shows just a hint of skin. A Christmas party dress that photographs beautifully.

Petal & Pup Sarine long-sleeve velvet maxi dress with a ruched side cutout
Petal & Pup Sarine Cutout Long Sleeve Velvet Maxi Cocktail Dress
Shop at Nordstrom

Betsy & Adam One-Shoulder Velvet Mermaid Gown

Black-tie velvet: the Betsy & Adam One-Shoulder Velvet Mermaid Gown, with a structured one-shoulder neckline, a sleek shoulder cutout and a mermaid silhouette. For a formal holiday gala or a New Year's Eve ball.

Betsy & Adam one-shoulder velvet mermaid gown with a cutout at the shoulder
Betsy & Adam One-Shoulder Velvet Mermaid Gown
Shop at Nordstrom

Dress the Population Kailyn Velvet Floral Lace Strapless Cocktail Dress

Romantic and festive: the Dress the Population Kailyn Strapless Cocktail Dress, velvet with an intricate array of embroidered lace blooms and a strapless neckline that shows off the shoulders.

Dress the Population Kailyn strapless velvet cocktail dress with embroidered floral lace
Dress the Population Kailyn Velvet Floral Lace Strapless Cocktail Dress
Shop at Nordstrom

Belle & Bloom Current Mood Velvet Wrap Dress

Luxe stretch velvet with a vintage feel: the Belle & Bloom Current Mood Velvet Wrap Dress, a wrap silhouette that shows off the curves with glamorous edge. Perfect for a holiday party.

Belle & Bloom Current Mood stretch velvet wrap dress
Belle & Bloom Current Mood Velvet Wrap Dress
Shop at Nordstrom

Sequins and sparkle for New Year's Eve

SHO by Tadashi Shoji Plunge Neck Tiered Ruffle Cocktail Dress

Made to move at midnight: the SHO by Tadashi Shoji Plunge Neck Tiered Ruffle Cocktail Dress, decked in fringe and latticework, with a body-skimming fit and plunging front and back. A New Year's Eve dress that turns every head.

SHO by Tadashi Shoji plunge-neck cocktail dress with tiered fringe and latticework
SHO by Tadashi Shoji Plunge Neck Tiered Ruffle Cocktail Dress
Shop at Nordstrom

Petal & Pup Dame Feather Trim Midi Cocktail Dress

Feathers that float with every step: the Petal & Pup Dame Feather Trim Midi Cocktail Dress, one long sleeve, one bare shoulder and an asymmetric hem. The party dress for a holiday dinner or a New Year's Eve toast.

Petal & Pup Dame one-shoulder midi cocktail dress with feather trim and an asymmetric hem
Petal & Pup Dame Feather Trim Midi Cocktail Dress
Shop at Nordstrom

Princess Polly Serrano Shimmer Embellished Lace-Up Minidress

All the sparkle for midnight: the Princess Polly Serrano Shimmer Embellished Minidress, covered in glitzy rhinestones with a lace-up back for a figure-hugging fit. A New Year's Eve dress that does the work for you.

Princess Polly Serrano shimmer minidress covered in rhinestones with a lace-up back
Princess Polly Serrano Shimmer Embellished Lace-Up Minidress
Shop at Nordstrom

Alex Evenings Sequin Rosette Cocktail Dress

Shine from every angle: the Alex Evenings Sequin Rosette Cocktail Dress, lustrous sequin-filled blossoms on a lace backdrop with a flared skirt. Ready for every holiday RSVP.

Alex Evenings flared cocktail dress with sequin rosettes on a lace backdrop
Alex Evenings Sequin Rosette Cocktail Dress
Shop at Nordstrom

JLUXLABEL Celestina Metallic Drape Gown

Shimmer for the countdown: the JLUXLABEL Celestina Metallic Drape Gown, a corset bodice and draped details sprinkled with metallic sparkle. A curve-accentuating gown for a black-tie New Year's Eve.

JLUXLABEL Celestina metallic draped gown with a corset bodice
JLUXLABEL Celestina Metallic Drape Gown
Shop at Nordstrom

Dress the Population Iris Sequin Gown

Head-to-toe sparkle: the Dress the Population Iris Sequin Gown, dazzling sequins with a dipped neckline and a daring thigh-high slit. The gown for a New Year's Eve ball.

Dress the Population Iris sequin gown with a dipped neckline and a thigh-high slit
Dress the Population Iris Sequin Gown
Shop at Nordstrom

Lace and satin

Princess Polly Beacall Lace Minidress

Sweet with a little sparkle on the side: the Princess Polly Beacall Lace Minidress, with frilly shoulder straps, a soft flared hem and a bow at the square neckline. Pair it with tights and heels for a holiday party.

Princess Polly Beacall lace minidress with frilly straps, a square neckline and a bow
Princess Polly Beacall Lace Minidress
Shop at Nordstrom

Tadashi Shoji Lace Pintuck Long Sleeve Cocktail Dress

Every toast will be about the dress: the Tadashi Shoji Lace Pintuck Long Sleeve Cocktail Dress, lilting lace with pintucked details and a deeply dipped neckline. Elegant enough for the dressiest holiday party.

Tadashi Shoji long-sleeve lace cocktail dress with pintucked details and a deep neckline
Tadashi Shoji Lace Pintuck Long Sleeve Cocktail Dress
Shop at Nordstrom

Petal & Pup Dixie Cowl Neck Midi Cocktail Dress

Effortless cocktail-hour polish: the Petal & Pup Dixie Cowl Neck Midi Cocktail Dress, curve-skimming with cross-back spaghetti straps and a leggy side slit. Layer a faux-fur coat over it for a holiday party.

Petal & Pup Dixie cowl-neck midi cocktail dress with cross-back straps and a side slit
Petal & Pup Dixie Cowl Neck Midi Cocktail Dress
Shop at Nordstrom

JS Collections Meli Soutache Cocktail Midi Dress

Always ready for the party: the JS Collections Meli Soutache Cocktail Midi Dress, a sleeveless midi adorned with soutache detailing. Polished enough for an office party, a holiday wedding or a festive dinner.

JS Collections Meli sleeveless midi cocktail dress with soutache embroidery
JS Collections Meli Soutache Cocktail Midi Dress
Shop at Nordstrom

Princess Polly Airabella Lace Long Sleeve Minidress

Flirty and festive: the Princess Polly Airabella Lace Long Sleeve Minidress, with sheer lace panels at the sleeves and a stem-showing side vent. A date-night mini that works for holiday parties too.

Princess Polly Airabella minidress with sheer lace sleeves and a side vent
Princess Polly Airabella Lace Long Sleeve Minidress
Shop at Nordstrom

Petal & Pup Lauren Lace Overlay Dress

Delicate and special: the Petal & Pup Lauren Lace Overlay Dress, a slim-fitting dress with a lace overlay and airy cutouts. Lovely for a holiday party, a winter celebration or New Year's Eve.

Petal & Pup Lauren slim lace overlay dress with airy cutouts
Petal & Pup Lauren Lace Overlay Dress
Shop at Nordstrom

Petal & Pup Annabelle Satin Midi Dress

Smooth satin for the season: the Petal & Pup Annabelle Satin Midi Dress, a sleeveless high-neck midi with a defined waist and asymmetric cutaway shoulders. Elegant for any holiday invitation.

Petal & Pup Annabelle sleeveless high-neck satin midi dress with cutaway shoulders
Petal & Pup Annabelle Satin Midi Dress
Shop at Nordstrom

Minis and body-con

Naked Wardrobe Print Long Sleeve Body-Con Minidress

Turn heads at the party: the Naked Wardrobe Print Long Sleeve Body-Con Minidress, a skintight, stretch-enhanced mini with long sleeves and a streamlined line. Add heels and gold jewelry for New Year's Eve.

Naked Wardrobe long-sleeve body-con minidress in a leopard print
Naked Wardrobe Print Long Sleeve Body-Con Minidress
Shop at Nordstrom

Princess Polly Lukea Long Sleeve Mesh Minidress

A little daring for the holidays: the Princess Polly Lukea Long Sleeve Mesh Minidress, slinky mesh with fluted long sleeves, a large back cutout and a thigh-grazing length. Made for a New Year's Eve party.

Princess Polly Lukea long-sleeve mesh minidress with fluted sleeves and a back cutout
Princess Polly Lukea Long Sleeve Mesh Minidress
Shop at Nordstrom

Princess Polly Justina Sleeveless Bandage Minidress

Night-out perfection: the Princess Polly Justina Sleeveless Bandage Minidress, a shapely stretch bandage dress in a leggy length with a low-cut back. A classic New Year's Eve outfit with heels and a clutch.

Princess Polly Justina sleeveless bandage minidress with a low back
Princess Polly Justina Sleeveless Bandage Minidress
Shop at Nordstrom

Princess Polly Anse Sleeveless Minidress

A little black dress for every holiday party: the Princess Polly Anse Sleeveless Minidress, a stretchy mini that hugs the curves above a playful flared skirt. Add tights, heels and a sparkly bag.

Princess Polly Anse sleeveless stretch minidress with a flared skirt
Princess Polly Anse Sleeveless Minidress
Shop at Nordstrom

Midis, gowns and a jumpsuit

Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 28

The standout bag for fall and winter: the Coach Brooklyn 28 in scarlet. Natural grain leather with a soft, textured feel and brass hardware. A wide shoulder strap with a 10.5" drop, an inside snap pocket and a magnetic snap. 11" x 11" x 3.25": room for a phone, keys, a card case and an iPad. A red bag for the holidays.

Unique Vintage Lamar Swing Dress

Retro holiday glamour: the Unique Vintage Lamar Swing Dress, a 1950s-inspired silhouette in a sturdy woven with a sweetheart neckline, a wide pointed waistband, three-quarter sleeves and a pleated knee-length skirt.

Unique Vintage Lamar swing dress with a sweetheart neckline, three-quarter sleeves and a pleated skirt
Unique Vintage Lamar Swing Dress
Shop at Nordstrom

Petal & Pup Pontee Plissé One-Shoulder Midi Dress

Make the evening unforgettable: the Petal & Pup Pontee Plissé One-Shoulder Midi Dress, sleek and shoulder-baring with a single long sleeve and fine allover pleats. Easy to dress up with statement earrings.

Petal & Pup one-shoulder midi dress with a single long sleeve and fine allover pleats
Petal & Pup Pontee Plissé One-Shoulder Midi Dress
Shop at Nordstrom

Petal & Pup Chiara Maxi Cocktail Dress

Enter like you own the night: the Petal & Pup Chiara Maxi Cocktail Dress, a head-turning maxi with flowy details and ruched sides. A holiday party dress with real presence.

Petal & Pup Chiara maxi cocktail dress with flowy details and ruched sides
Petal & Pup Chiara Maxi Cocktail Dress
Shop at Nordstrom

Dress the Population Maxine Long Sleeve Midi Dress

Sleek and elegant: the Dress the Population Maxine Long Sleeve Midi Dress, figure-sculpting with gauzy sheer accents and an airy back slit for easy movement. A polished choice for a holiday dinner or New Year's Eve.

Dress the Population Maxine long-sleeve figure-sculpting midi dress with sheer accents
Dress the Population Maxine Long Sleeve Midi Dress
Shop at Nordstrom

JS Collections Stretch Crepe Jumpsuit

For the woman who wants an alternative to a dress: the JS Collections Stretch Crepe Jumpsuit, sleek and wide-legged with an illusion-mesh neckline highlighted by an elegantly twisted bow.

JS Collections wide-leg stretch crepe jumpsuit with an illusion-mesh neckline and a twisted bow
JS Collections Stretch Crepe Jumpsuit
Shop at Nordstrom

Mac Duggal Embellished Illusion High Neck Long Sleeve Fit & Flare

Timeless and festive: the Mac Duggal Embellished Illusion High Neck Fit & Flare, a tea-length cocktail dress with an illusion yoke, velvet floral beading and a tulle overlay, finished with a velvet waist and hem.

Mac Duggal tea-length fit-and-flare cocktail dress with an illusion yoke, velvet floral beading and tulle
Mac Duggal Embellished Illusion High Neck Long Sleeve Fit & Flare
Shop at Nordstrom

Mac Duggal Beaded Cap Sleeve Column Midi Dress

Intricate beading in a flattering column: the Mac Duggal Beaded Cap Sleeve Column Midi Dress, for formal holiday parties, winter weddings and New Year's Eve dinners.

Mac Duggal beaded cap-sleeve column midi dress
Mac Duggal Beaded Cap Sleeve Column Midi Dress
Shop at Nordstrom

Holiday Party Dresses & New Year's Eve Outfits

A gold sequin knit with a glass of champagne, burgundy velvet trousers with a jeweled bag, a plaid mini with a red silk bow and sheer black tights, and a black sequin set for midnight. Everything from the office party to the countdown.

Holiday Party Dresses & New Year's Eve Outfits on Pinterest

Every piece here is pinned on our Holiday Party Dresses & New Year's Eve Outfits board, where we add new ones through the season.