36 Best Party Dresses You Need in Your Wardrobe

No matter the occasion!
Composite for Teen Vogue's best party dresses lists showing three different models wearing a dress from ASOS a dress...
Composite. Original images courtesy of ASOS, Zara, and Reformation.

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‘Tis the season to dress up and the best party dresses can be a lifesaver. Whether you are planning your NYE outfit, looking for a last-minute holiday 'fit, or simply want a quick fix for a night out, you never know when having the right arsenal of dresses in your wardrobe will come in handy.

While it is true that most of us rely on party dressing towards the end of the year — meaning sequins, rhinestones and embellishments take center stage — party dresses don't always have to be so luxe. Just like prom dresses, a simple cutout or ruched detailing, an asymmetric neckline and a ruffle or two can transform even the most minimalist of dresses into a cocktail dress if you know how to accessorize well enough.

Looking for a business casual look? Why not pair a strappy slip dress with a blazer? Want to dress to impress? Go for an open-back dress, a plunging V-neck or a stunning wrap dress. Want to be cozy? Consider a cowl neck knit dress or a high neck, and leave the sweaters and pleated skirts at home. Whatever the vibes are, you also can never go wrong with a good shirt dress, and if you prioritize textures, faux leather, tulle, chiffon and crepe will always be best sellers in the night dress department, as will a good sequin mini dress.

That's all to say that though they might be trending right now, party dresses are an essential part of any wardrobe at any time. You might already have a go-to or two at the ready in your closet (LBDs, we are looking at you), but you can never have too much inspiration.

Whether you are looking to update that little black dress, are in the market for a sleeveless dress, or want to surprise with a puff sleeve moment, we have rounded up some of the best party dresses on the market that we guarantee you'll want to wear for your next soirée.

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Best Mini Dresses
Best Sequin & Beaded Dresses
Best Maxi Dresses
Best Satin Dresses
Best Halter Neck Dresses
Best Bodycon & Fitted Dresses
Best Midi Dresses
Best Long-Sleeve Asymmetric Dresses
Best Off-the-shoulder Dresses
Best Strapless Dresses
Best Backless Dresses
Best Corset Dresses
Best Velvet Dresses
Best Plus Size Party Dresses


Best Mini Dresses

Zara

Balloon Sleeve Mini Dress

Zara

Gathered Short Dress

Best Sequin & Beaded Dresses

Zara

Fringed Sequin Mini Shift Dress

BP.

Night Out Sequin Camisole Dress

Best Maxi Dresses

Zara

Sheath Dress ZW Collection

SKIMS

Black Soft Lounge Long Sleeve Keyhole Maxi Dress

Best Satin Dresses

Zara

Satin Slip Dress

Zara

Satin Effect Slip Dress

Best Halter Neck Dresses

Zara

Metallic Rhinestone Strappy Halter Dress

Mango

Sequined Halter Neck Dress

Zara

Sequin Halter Dress

Zara

Tie Dye Ramie Halter Dress

Best Bodycon & Fitted Dresses

SKIMS

Fits Everybody Sleeveless Mock Neck Dress

Zara

Fitted Strapless Dress

Best Midi Dresses

ASOS Design

All Over Disc Embellished Midi Shift Dress In Black

Zara

Printed Knit Dress

Zara

Shimmer Midi Dress

ASOS Design

Pleated Shoulder Pencil Dress In Black

Best Long-Sleeve Asymmetric Dresses

Zara

Asymmetric Polyamide Dress

Zara

Tie-dye Print Tulle Dress

Best Off-the-shoulder Dresses

SKIMS

Cozy Knit Off The Shoulder Dress

Zara

Draped Knitwear Dress

Best Strapless Dresses

Zara

Strapless Printed Tulle Dress

Zara

Rhinestone Strapless Dress

Zara

Faux Leather Draped Dress

Zara

Feather Satin Effect Dress

Best Backless Dresses

Zara

Long Open Back Dress

House of CB

Zanab Open Back Satin Maxi Cocktail Dress

Best Corset Dresses

House of CB

Carmina Fluted Corset Minidress

House of CB

Carmen Bustier Sundress

Best Velvet Dresses

Zara

Velvet Slip Dress ZW Collection Viscose and Silk Blend

Reformation

Frankie Velvet Dress

Best Plus Size Party Dresses

ASOS Design

Curve Cowl Neck Corset Midi Pencil Dress In Black

ASOS Design

Curve Plunge Sheer Maxi Dress With Cowl Back In Purple Snake Print

ASOS Design

Curve One Shoulder Cotton Dress With Corset Detail And Ruffles In Black

ASOS Design

Curve Sheer Sequin Mesh Maxi Dress With Drape Bodice And Bodysuit In Black