Party dresses for every occasion

The black tie gown
It’s not often we get the chance to dress up to the nines, so why not take full advantage of a black tie dress code and opt for floor-sweeping glamour? Marchesa’s off-the-shoulder silk gown has red carpet written all over it, while Dolce & Gabbana’s strapless black prom dress is timelessly chic. If you’re concerned about baring so much flesh in the December chill, Erdem’s collared, long-sleeved floral gown is a smart – and snug – option. Alternatively, show your fashion stripes in Valentino’s whimsical heart, star and bird-embroidered number.

The Little Black Dress
Every woman’s failsafe wardrobe fall-back, it’s worth investing a little more in a LBD you’ll wear forever. Oscar de la Renta’s intricately embellished, full-skirted tulle gown will be worn, and adored, again and again, while lace panelling adds interest to J Mendel’s A-line option. For something more classic, Alberta Ferretti’s simple strapless dress lets statement accessories stand out; or for something a little slinkier Antonio Berardi’s black spaghetti-strapped sheath dress should do the trick.

The party-starting frock
Some dresses scream you’re here to have a good time. Emilio Pucci’s riotously-embellished mini is one of them. The detailed neckline on Christopher Kane’s Guipure lace mini dress makes for an interesting silhouette, while Saint Laurent’s flowing-sleeved, turtle-necked mini dress gives a nod to this season’s Seventies vibe and a wink to the party season with its metallic polka dots. Getting in the party mood doesn’t have to mean flashing the flesh though – see Marc Jacobs’ crystal embellished sequinned dress: long sleeves, knee length and with more festive cheer than a hotel lobby’s worth of Fortnum & Mason baubles.

The lady in red
It’s true, you don’t have to put on that red dress, but the devastatingly flattering cut of Saint Laurent’s red silk-georgette gown means you might have a hard time taking it off again. A Christmas cliché maybe, but a little red dress like Giambattista Valli’s nipped in, A-line macramé dress will stand out amid a sea of black come party time. If you’re concerned about veering into Mrs Claus territory, take the colour palette down a notch with Burberry Prorsum’s elegant embroidered burgundy gown, or team Oscar de la Renta’s crimson sleeveless wool polo neck with simple gold jewellery for a modern take on the festive theme.

The elegantly restrained option
If you’re simply not one for all the showiness and sparkle Christmas parties inevitably bring, there’s no reason to stay away altogether. Teamed with minimal accessories, a simple, clean option like The Row’s Andries strapless sheath or Victoria Beckham’s V-neck ponte dress can make as much impact as the most frivolously embellished frock. Emilia Wickstead’s white wrap-effect gown has a touch of snow queen about it, while Atto’s sky blue, spaghetti-strapped crepe dress proves you don’t have to sacrifice your signature clean style come cocktail season.

The statement cocktail dress
The polar opposite to the restrained options above is the statement cocktail dress. Take Bottega Veneta’s standout strapless dress: a playful patchwork fuchsia, black, silk-jacquard, lace and chiffon, whoever’s wearing it won’t be waiting at the bar for long. Cocktail frocks might be romantic – Erdem’s burgundy embellished cloqué dress has a princessy air; girlie – Michael van der Ham’s high-necked silk oriental number is ideal for petite shapes; or modern – Proenza Schouler’s electric blue panelled number fuses leather and crepe for a cool, New York vibe. But most importantly, they’ll be the most talked-about dress in the room. Team with a single, standout cocktail ring.

The desk-to-drinks option
Whether December throws up surprise festive get-togethers or you simply can’t be bothered with carting around an outfit change, a dress that’s both office and party appropriate is an essential. Steer away from dark, block colours which can look morose – unless they come embellished with crystals à la Miu Miu – and instead opt for graphic prints in work-appropriate shapes such as Marni’s A-line shift dress or Roksanda’s colour-block Lea dress complete with sculptural gold belt. Plush fabrics like Victoria, Victoria Beckham’s bug-printed velvet dress work in both contexts: simply pair with opaque black tights and knee-high boots for day and your best party shoes for the evening.