With events and parties back on the agenda, it's time to embrace colour and sparkle for your holiday wardrobe [1]. This season's wide array of prints, textures, and silhouettes are designed to put the fun back into getting dressed. After a year spent mostly apart from our loved ones, dressing up [2] for Thanksgiving reunions or intimate gatherings with friends will feel particularly special.
To match the level of excitement, we've curated some head-turning pieces that will make you shine after dark [3]. From crystal-encrusted skirts to scintillating minidresses and lustrous midis, discover the brands mastering the art of party dressing. Some of these styles are a splurge, so feel free to add them to your wish list, too.
Lioness
The latest Australian brand fashion-lovers can't get enough of? Lioness. It creates slinky, luxe-looking pieces that typically cost under $100. When you want to feel empowered, elegant, and decidedly feminine, opt for any of its pieces.
Lioness Lions Den Midi Skirt [5] ($79)
Lioness VIP Only Mini Dress
Lioness VIP Only Mini Dress [6] ($99)
Lioness Crossing The Line Midi Dress
Lioness Crossing The Line Midi Dress [7] ($79)
Source Unknown
For minimal, flattering pieces that won't cost a fortune, look no further than multi-brand retailer Source Unknown. Its designs feel fresh yet timeless, and they'll be sure to earn a permanent spot in your closet.
Source Unknown Twist Bustier Dress [8] ($82)
Source Unknown Sweetheart Neckline Long Knit Dress
Source Unknown Sweetheart Neckline Long Knit Dress [9] ($79)
Wray
Creating ethical clothes that focus on form and function, Wray founder Wray Serna has earned a much deserved spot on our radar. You can see the influence of art and design in every piece.
Wray Dion Dress [10] ($291)
Wray Josephine Dress
Wray Josephine Dress [11] ($288)
Hanifa
Recently spotted on Bella Hadid, Hanifa is inspired by a woman's journey to a life without limits. Characterized by bold colours, rich textures, and unique silhouettes, every design feels decidedly modern and feminine.
Hanifa Lola Gown [12] ($289)
Hanifa Soraya II Maxi
Hanifa Soraya II Maxi [13] ($269)
Andrea Iyamah
Owned by Nigerian fashion designer Andrea Dumebi Iyamah, Andrea Iyamah is a clothing line that is rooted in the ethnic cultures and elements of nature. Founded in 2011 and inspired by bold colours, modern femininity, travel, and nature, every piece is designed for the adventurous fashion-lover who will stand out wherever they go.
Andrea Iyamah Reni Dress [14] ($225)
Pixie Market
For affordable pieces that are designed to make an impression, pay attention to Pixie Market. The retailer constantly puts out desirable items that won't break the bank.
Pixie Market Rhea Black Choker Knit Top [15] ($85)
Rahi
As a major destination for super polished dresses, Rahi has earned its place in our evening wardrobe. Launched in 2016, all the brand's designs are sustainably made, perfect for the conscious fashion consumers.
Rahi Bondi Jacie Midi Dress [16] ($150)
Rahi Cierra Cut Out Midi Dress
Rahi Cierra Cut Out Midi Dress [17] ($180)
Amanda Uprichard
Inspired by the fast-paced Manhattan lifestyle, Amanda Uprichard captures the ease and effortless elegance of a trendy fashion-lover who's often on the go. Its pieces are fierce, bold, and exciting.
Amanda Uprichard Samba Dress [18] ($194)
Amanda Uprichard Tia Dress
Amanda Uprichard Tia Dress [19] ($224)
Amanda Uprichard Jax Dress
Amanda Uprichard Jax Dress [20] ($194)
LIKELY
Designing clothes for the people who want to win best-dressed in any room they step in, LIKELY creates beautiful dresses that pair well with most occasions.
LIKELY Clover Dress [21] ($248)
LIKELY Marullo Dress
LIKELY Marullo Dress [22] ($298)
For Love & Lemons
For sexy, compliment-worthy evening dresses, begin your search with For Love & Lemons. Influencers and celebrities alike can't get enough of its pieces, which is why we turn to it season after season to find something that'll turn heads at holiday parties.
For Love & Lemons Gabrielle Mini Dress [23] ($198)
For Love & Lemons Kiara Mini Dress
For Love & Lemons Kiara Mini Dress [24] ($198)
For Love & Lemons Carey Midi Dress
For Love & Lemons Carey Midi Dress [25] ($259)
For Love & Lemons Marie Blazer Mini Dress
For Love & Lemons Marie Blazer Mini Dress [26] ($243)
Oséree
Although its primary focus is swimwear, Oséree offers the prettiest cover-ups that ooze femininity and confidence. Each piece looks luxe, thanks to the rich choice in fabric.
Oséree Lumiere Plumage Short Dress [27] ($460)
Area
If you've watched the "Have Mercy" video, then you probably fixated on Chloé Bailey's
hot pink blazer [28]. It's the design of Area, the brand founded by Beckett Fogg and Piotrek Pansczczyk, and known for its high-end embellished pieces. From a stunning open-back dress to a crystal-encrusted skirt, every creation has je ne sais quoi that feels festive, playful, and absolutely jaw-dropping.
Area Crystal Bow T-Shirt Dress [29] ($580)
Area Crystal Crochet Cutout Miniskirt
Area Crystal Crochet Cutout Miniskirt [30] ($695)
Retrofête
Each Retrofête piece is infused with dynamic energy, which is exactly what designers Ohad Seroya and Aviad Klin were going for when they founded the brand in 2018. Every piece is marked by its intricate detail, bold character, and sparkling silhouette. So when you think of party season, Retrofête will inevitably come to mind.
Retrofête Mich Dress [31] ($485)
Retrofête Yael Dress
Retrofête Yael Dress [32] ($995)
Retrofête Lulu Dress
Retrofête Lulu Dress [33] ($845)
Cinq à Sept
When it comes to refined looks that will absolutely stand out, Cinq à Sept immediately comes to mind. Inspired by the hours between 5 and 7 p.m., the brand creates sophisticated day-to-night pieces, but we're crushing hard on its evening selection, which packs a lot of easy elegance.
Cinq à Sept Normy Gathered Minidress [34] ($495)
Cinq à Sept Veera Embellished Blazer
Cinq à Sept Veera Embellished Blazer [35] ($695)
Macgraw
Designers Beth and Tessa MacGraw launched their eponymous label in April 2012, making it easier to invest in compliment-worthy and, quite frankly, jaw-dropping dresses. The founding sister duo have rightfully earned their place among talented evening wear designers.
Macgraw Sorbet Pink Dress [36] ($239, originally $795)
Rotate
Any Rotate dress will make you feel nostalgic yet fully in the moment. Tapping into the past, the brand creates modern silhouettes that pack a lot of drama, yet are undeniably elegant.
Rotate Theresa Printed Cady Midi Dress [37] ($400)