Velvet always feels like the perfect choice for the festive season [1]. It's looks sumptuous, feels cosy (and in some cases, will actually keep you warm), and usually comes in rich jewel tones that feel appropriate during the darker nights of winter. The fabric looks even more decadent when trimmed with lace or studded with crystals and pearls, as many of this season's best velvet party dresses do.
You might have memories of wearing a velvet party dress as a child, but in the right cut, a grown-up version can bring sophistication or sex appeal to your festive ensemble. Keep reading to browse our picks for the 2021 festive season, including long slips and wraparound midi dresses, embroidered minis and bodycon options with cutouts. We've made sure to include options for all sizes and at every price point, from under £30 dresses to pricier options, so you can slip on something velvet this Christmas or Hanukkah no matter your budget.
— Additional reporting by Morgane Le Caer
Reformation Burgundy Velvet Dress
Reformation Burgundy Velvet Dress [2] (£300)
Zara Limited Edition Dress With Draped Detail
Zara Limited Edition Dress With Draped Detail [3] (£109)
Kitri Studio Mara Red Velvet Dress
Kitri Studio Mara Red Velvet Dress [4] (£165)
Zara Velvet Midi Dress
Zara Velvet Midi Dress [5] (£30)
16Arlington Blue Seymour Feather-Trim Crushed-Velvet Shirt Dress
16Arlington Blue Seymour Feather-Trim Crushed-Velvet Shirt Dress [6] (£795)
Style Cheat Velvet Drape Mini Dress
Style Cheat Velvet Drape Mini Dress [7] (£52)
Alexandre Vauthier Red High-Neck Gathered Velvet Mini Dress
Alexandre Vauthier Red High-Neck Gathered Velvet Mini Dress [8] (£1,035)
Mango Textured Short Dress
Mango Textured Short Dress [9] (£50)
In The Style Plus Velvet Tie Front Ruched Mini Dress
In The Style Plus Velvet Tie Front Ruched Mini Dress [10] (£31)
Reformation Leonie Velvet Dress
Reformation Leonie Velvet Dress [11] (£300)
Sister Jane Astro Faux-Pearl Embellished Velvet Midi Dress
Sister Jane Astro Faux-Pearl Embellished Velvet Midi Dress [12] (£205)
Ralph Lauren Velvet Surplice Dress
Ralph Lauren Velvet Surplice Dress [13] (£219)
The Vampire's Wife White The Smock Toile de Jouy Cotton-Velvet Dress
The Vampire's Wife White The Smock Toile de Jouy Cotton-Velvet Dress [14] (£1,145)
All Saints Sigrid Velvet Slip Dress
All Saints Sigrid Velvet Slip Dress [15] (£179)
Diane von Furstenberg Tulisa Devoré-Velvet Wrap Dress
Diane von Furstenberg Tulisa Devoré-Velvet Wrap Dress [16] (£575)
Zara Velvet Dress With Rhinestones
Zara Velvet Dress With Rhinestones [17] (£60)
Reformation Minna Velvet Dress
Reformation Minna Velvet Dress [18] (£248)
In The Style Plus Velvet Blazer Dress
In The Style Plus Velvet Blazer Dress [19] (£34)
Réalisation Par The Mary Jane Dress
Réalisation Par The Mary Jane Dress [20] (£205)
Zara Embroidered Velvet Dress
Zara Embroidered Velvet Dress [21] (£60)
Closet London Plus tie waist velvet mini dress in emerald green
Closet London Plus tie waist velvet mini dress in emerald green [22] ($£60)
Maje Velvet Slit Dress
Maje Velvet Slit Dress [23] (£329)
Sister Jane Zodiac Velvet Mini Dress
Sister Jane Zodiac Velvet Mini Dress [24] (£85.00)
Simply Be Wine Velour Burnout Leopard Playsuit
Simply Be Wine Velour Burnout Leopard Playsuit [25] (£55)
Reformation Symphony Velvet Dress
Reformation Symphony Velvet Dress [26] (£285)
Next Velvet Mini Dress
Next Velvet Mini Dress [27] (£40)
Rixo Roxan Dress
Rixo Roxan Dress [28] (£275)
Labelrail x Francesca Perks Halterneck Dress
Labelrail x Francesca Perks Halterneck Dress [29] (£42)
& Other Stories Glitter Velour Padded Shoulder Mini Dress
& Other Stories Glitter Velour Padded Shoulder Mini Dress [30] (£55)
Reformaton Livia Velvet Dress
Reformation Livia Velvet Dress [31] (£300)
Simply Be Black Velour Tea Dress with Lace Trim
Simply Be Black Velour Tea Dress with Lace Trim [32] (£35)