Whether you’re a social butterfly or a bit of a wallflower, you’ve likely got at least one or two parties on your social calendar this yuletide. Maybe it’s your office or work Christmas party, a festive friendsmas dinner with your besties, or New Year’s celebrations to ring in 2026. It’s all part of what makes this time of year feel so special.
But if your December is as busy as ours, working out what to wear to all your upcoming events is just one more thing you don’t have time to sort on your never-ending to-do list right now. Well, allow us to help with our roundup of the five biggest party dress trends you’re bound to see everywhere this party season.
Sequins
Buy H&M sequined mini dress
Everyone’s clicking on…
Sequins dominated the autumn/winter 2025 runways, showcased at the likes of Ashish, Erdem, Etro, Tory Burch, Michael Kors, Mithridate and more. We couldn’t be happier about the fact! After all, nothing says ‘party’ more than a sequin dress.
The sparkly standout styles have, in turn, taken over the high street and were a staple in Needle & Thread’s seasonal collection. “Sequins are the ultimate way to add sparkle to any occasion, especially during the holiday season. Effortlessly party-ready, they set the tone for a season of celebration,” the occasionwear brand’s design team told Cosmo UK.
Burgundy
Buy New Look dark purple plisse batwing midaxi dress
You don’t need us to tell you burgundy is everywhere right now. While we’ve been loving it in our day-to-day winter wardrobe, the colourway is a great option for more dressed-up formal occasions too. “Deep burgundy is festive dressing all grown up – rich, warm and so glamorous,” explains the Needle & Thread design team. “Designed to flatter, it’s a shade that deserves a place in every wardrobe this party season.”
Tactile textures
Buy Zara velvet fringed midi dress
Velvet is a fail-safe at this time of year, but this season the luxe soft-touch fabric is frequently being paired with lace, leather, fringing and ruffled trims for a fresh take. The combinations create visual interest in a more understated, elegant way. Ideal if you don’t want your ensemble to rival the disco ball.
Sheer fabrics
Buy M&S sheer lace midaxi dress
The naked dress trend isn’t going anywhere this party season. However, rather than cut-outs and barely there designs, winter 2025 has seen a focus on see-through styles. The high street has plenty of options with modest silhouettes featuring long sleeves and ankle-grazing hemlines, but constructed from semi-sheer and totally translucent fabrics like tulle and chiffon
“Sheer details give a modern edge to timeless evening glamour,” shares the Needle & Thread design team. While some sheer dresses come with built-in bodysuits, like Needle & Thread’s Scallop Sequin Sheer Bow Ankle Gown, others allow you to layer whatever you like underneath, from a slip dress to just your underwear, depending on your styling preference.
Cape additions
Buy Needle & Thread Moonlight sequin cape sleeve ankle gown
Edna Mode may have said no capes, but they definitely deserve a place in your party wardrobe this winter, IMO. From caped sleeves to dramatic shoulder situations, this is a guaranteed way to up the ante with your partywear. Or, if you don’t want to invest in a totally new dress, cheat the look! Needle & Thread’s Sequin Ribbon Hooded Cape instantly transforms your go-to LBD into an entirely new ‘fit, or check out Love & Roses’ cropped take for a more purse-friendly option.
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Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!
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