The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Dresses to Buy Now

A classic black cocktail dress goes a long way. Far from a boring LBD, the following selection of cocktail dresses promise to be the life of the party. Stallone wears an Erdem dress; David Yurman earrings and ring (left hand, far left). Jimmy Choo boots. Photo by Matthew Priestley for W Magazine. Styled by Caroline Grosso. Hair by DJ Quintero at Statement Artists. Makeup by Stoj at Streeters using Dior. Photo Assistant: Ryan Miller. Special thanks to Cecconi’s DUMBO.

For a classic cocktail dress, Brandon Maxwell’s off-the-shoulder stretch knit dress is always a great choice. Wear with party pumps or second-skin boots. Brandon Maxwell dress, $1,137, [modaoperandi.com](https://www.modaoperandi.com/brandon-maxwell– fw17/off-the- shoulder-stretch- knit- dress).

One can always count on Alexander Wang for a true party, and a true party dress. Alexander Wang sleeveless structured dress, with round neck and featuring silver-tone metal ball detailing, $724, italist.com.

Want to dress like an it-girl this season? Alexa Chung took inspiration from her own closet with this mesh, cinched waist maxi dress. $345, alexachung.com.

If you’re looking for more shape, look to this Jacquemus black party dress, with voluminous sleeves and figure-hugging silhouette, $492, farfetch.com.

If you want a sexier party dress, try this Gucci lace-trimmed dress with a deep v-neck, featuring pearl and sequin detailing. Gucci dress, $3,200, farfetch.com.

No one does a party dress like Saint Laurent. A great cocktail dress for this season is this crystal ruffle bandeau velvet mini dress, $3,990, farfetch.com.

A great easy party dress is this Prada pleated frill bib dress with a belted waist, $1,963, [farfetch.com](https://www.farfetch.com/shopping/women/prada-pleated– frill-bib- dress-item- 12547754.aspx?storeid=9681&from=1).

For an off-beat alternative to the classic cocktail dress look to Simone Rocha and this black and feather-trimmed tulle wrap midi dress. Simone Rocha dress, $1,519, [netaporter.com](https://www.net-a– porter.com/us/en/product/930679/Simone_Rocha/feather- trimmed-tulle- wrap-midi- dress).

Lace is always a chic option in a holiday outfit. Lace pants, lace dress, or a high lace blouse can all do the trick. Photo by Matthew Priestley for W Magazine. Stallone wears an Off-White c/o Virgil Abloh dress and pants; David Yurman ring; Celine shoes. Styled by Caroline Grosso. Hair by DJ Quintero at Statement Artists. Makeup by Stoj at Streeters using Dior. Photo Assistant: Ryan Miller. Special thanks to Cecconi’s DUMBO.

A lace party dress is a classic and alutra feminine choice for a cocktail event. Choose this blue Alessandra Rich lace dress with collar-button detailing for your next event. $2,075, [farfetch.com](https://www.farfetch.com/shopping/women/alessandra-rich– long-laced- dress-item-12386976.aspx?storeid=9401&from=search).

This Alexis black embroidered lace midi dress with an exposed mid-drift detail and white lace appliques is a great way to incorporate some skin this winter, $595, [modaoperandi.com](https://www.modaoperandi.com/alexis-fw17/helina– lace-embroidered-dress).

If you want to add a bit of color to your cocktail attire look to this lace No. 21 red dress with a satin bow detail and key-hole back silhouette, $1,761, [farfetch.com](https://www.farfetch.com/shopping/women/n-21– chantilly-lace- dress-item-12408509.aspx?storeid=9523&from=search​).

For a darker lace dress, try this Maje open-back embroidered lace midi dress with a transparent bottom and black slip, $288, netaporter.com.

Cover your arms in the most delicate way with this blue SEA long sleeved lace mini dress with a lace collar, v-neck detail and ruffled sleeve, $545, [fwrd.com](http://www.fwrd.com/product-lace– embroidered-dress/SEAW- WD46/?d=Womens&list=plp- list-6).

Dance the night away in this red Jonathan Simkhai lace dress with a high collar, ruffled bottom and cinched waist, $537, saksfifthavenue.com.

Be a true millennial in this youthful pink Valentino lace embroidered mini dress with a round neck, flared skirt and ribbon detailing, $2,700, farfetch.com.

Dance the night away in this red Jonathan Simkhai lace dress with a high collar, ruffled bottom and cinched waist, $537, saksfifthavenue.com.

Nothing says holiday dressing like a solid dose of feathers, sequins, paillettes, and embroidery. Photo by Matthew Priestley for W Magazine. Stallone wears a Prada dress, slip, and top; Roger Vivier shoes. Styled by Caroline Grosso. Hair by DJ Quintero at Statement Artists. Makeup by Stoj at Streeters using Dior. Photo Assistant: Ryan Miller. Special thanks to Cecconi’s DUMBO.

Embrace color and embellishment this holiday season. If you want to dress on the more eccentric side, try this Miu Miu Embellished yellow silk-georgette party dress, $6,845, [netaporter.com](https://www.net-a– porter.com/us/en/product/945321/miu_miu/embellished-silk-).

This Altuzarra Lisabetta embellished and embroidered velvet dress with a satin bow adds a sultry vibe to your cocktail attire, $4,995, [netaporter.com](https://www.net-a– porter.com/us/en/product/936957/Altuzarra/lisabetta-embellished- embroidered- velvet-dress).

Diane Von Furstenberg is known for her nights at Studio 54. For a disco-esque party dress take this DVF embellished silk-satin maxi dress with mulit-color pailettes, $1,700, [netaporter.com](https://www.net-a– porter.com/us/en/product/932387/Diane_von_Furstenberg/embellished-silk- satin-maxi-dress).

A bit of transparency goes a long way when it comes to party dressing. Try this Attico sequin embroidered mesh dress with a v-neck and sequin details, $1,738, [farfetch.com](https://www.farfetch.com/shopping/women/attico-sequin– embroidered-mesh- dress-item- 12494561.aspx?storeid=10011&from=search).

The perfect dancing-dress this season is this pink Nina Ricci sequin embellished midi dress with a cinched waist, $4,460, [farfetch.com](https://www.farfetch.com/shopping/women/nina-ricci– sequin-embellished- dress-item- 12285788.aspx?storeid=10327&from=search).

Add a bit of color to your party-wardrobe with this Ashish striped sequined silk-georgette dress with long sleeves, $2,025, [netaporter.com](https://www.netaporter.com/us/en/product/941496/ashish/striped-sequined– silk-georgette- dress).

This Ganni sequined heart mini dress with a satin bow detail adds a sweet touch to your cocktail attire. Ganni dress, $920, [farfetch.com](https://www.farfetch.com/shopping/women/ganni-sequinned– heart-mini- dress-item-12325384.aspx?storeid=9359&from=search).

Show a bit of skin this party season in this tailored, multi-color, strapless Saint Laurent embroidered mini dress, $2,690, [farfetch.com](https://www.farfetch.com/shopping/women/saint-laurent– embroidered-fitted- dress-item-12357307.aspx?storeid=9541&from=listing&tglmdl=1).

Trade in the cocktail dress this season for a chic velvet suit, or a fun jumpsuit. Party pants are always in style. Photo by Matthew Priestley for W Magazine. Stallone wears a Nili Lotan jacket and pants; Roger Vivier shoes. Styled by Caroline Grosso. Hair by DJ Quintero at Statement Artists. Makeup by Stoj at Streeters using Dior. Photo Assistant: Ryan Miller. Special thanks to Cecconi’s DUMBO.

Take your party tuxedo to the next level by adding a bit of shine. Try this Zadig et Voltaire sequin-embellished deluxe jacket, $698, [zadig-et-voltaire.com](https://us.zadig-et– voltaire.com/jacket-women- virginie-sequins- deluxe-jacket- black.html). Pair your party jacket with these Zadig et Voltaire sequin-embellished slacks, $498, [zadig-et-voltaire.com](https://us.zadig-et– voltaire.com/pants-woman- posh-sequins- deluxe-slacks- silver.html).

A great party dress alternative is this black Giorgio Armani silk-satin bustier top that you can pair with a coordinating sleek tailored silk-crepe straight-leg pant, Giorgio Armani bustier, $2,095, [netaporter.com](https://www.net-a– porter.com/us/en/product/972849/Giorgio_Armani/silk-satin- bustier-top) and pant, $1,495, [netaporter.com](https://www.net-a– porter.com/us/en/product/972846/Giorgio_Armani/silk-crepe- straight-leg-pants).

The rust-colored Ulla Johnson Sabine Velvet Jumpsuit is a great substitute for the classic party dress. Priced at $620, [modaoperandi.com](https://www.modaoperandi.com/ulla-johnson– fw17/sabine-velvet- jumpsuit?size=undefined).

Self Portrait cape-sleeve lace and cady jumpsuit with a cinched waist and satin belt detail, $580, [matchesfashion.com](https://www.matchesfashion.com/us/products/Self-portrait– Cape-sleeve- lace-and- cady-jumpsuit- 1185935).

This Iro black v-neck jumpsuit with side-pockets and lace detailing is a great outfit for any holiday cocktail, $375, [farfetch.com](https://www.farfetch.com/shopping/women/iro-fairfew– jumpsuit-item- 12233946.aspx?storeid=10181&from=search_listing&tglmdl=1).

Want to show a bit of skin this party season? This Alberta Ferretti black strapless jumpsuit with hip button details is a great option, $1,990, [farfetch.com](https://www.farfetch.com/shopping/women/alberta-ferretti– strapless-jumpsuit- item-12449368.aspx?storeid=9921&from=search_listing&tglmdl=1).

Dresses are not the only sexy ensemble you can wear to a party. Look to this La Perla lace- trimmed plunged-neckline jumpsuit as an option. La Perla jumpsuit, $3,336, [farfetch.com](https://www.farfetch.com/shopping/women/la-perla– lace-plunge- jumpsuit-item- 12451664.aspx?storeid=9329&from=listing&tglmdl=1).

This party season, masculinity is the new femininity. Try this sleek black Victoria Beckham Fluid Black Jacket, $2125, victoriabeckham.com. Be sure to pair the tuxedo blazer with these great black Victoria Beckham masculine trousers, $950, victoriabeckham.com.