A Definitive Guide To The Best Party Dresses, From Playful Minis To Black-Tie Gowns
Whether you need a minimalist masterclass in black or want to be the ultimate glow-getter in metallics, our guide to party dresses has you covered – including shapewear for every style dilemma
The modern LBD
When it comes to style investments, fresh twists on classics are always a safe bet – and it doesn’t get more classic than the little black dress. Timelessness matters here, because great partywear deserves to be worn more than just once, but that’s not to say you can’t have a little fun with details or styling. Ultimately, an LBD should be your infallible go-to when the invites roll in and you want to look like the best version of yourself. For FW24, the options are endless. One of 63 all-black looks to appear on the Valentino Garavani runway in Paris, this appliquéd tulle mini dress was styled with matching shorts for a contemporary take and paired with a lacquered black lip by legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath. If that feels a little too directional for your office party, a deep red or plum is just as impactful with black. Elsewhere, Clio Peppiatt’s strapless ‘Night Shade’ style comes in plush velvet, which is intricately embroidered with beaded flowers and exclusive to NET-A-PORTER, while Taller Marmo’s fringed ‘Atlanta’ gown is primed for the dance floor. Whichever design you choose, keep your look current by styling with an embellished ballet flat or kitten-heeled, vintage-inspired slingbacks.
The sheer dress
Diaphanous, gossamer-light fabrics dominated the FW24 runways, begging the question: will you dare to bare in a sheer dress? Using the same filmy fabric used to make stockings, Saint Laurent presented an entire collection of skin-revealing looks on the runway in Paris in a palette ranging from burgundy to olive green. Speaking of underpinnings, Dolce&Gabbana appeared to take inspiration from vintage nightwear with pretty lace chemises and see-through slips styled over bralettes and satin shorts. Alternatively, Toteme’s jersey maxi dress offers a subtler take with its flowing sheer tulle hem – finish an understated evening look by styling yours with a tuxedo jacket, gold jewelry and heels. Another NET-A-PORTER exclusive from Clio Peppiatt, the brand’s ‘Caviar’ mini is covered in scores of shimmering beads and crystals. Underpin the sheerness with tonal underwear.
The metallic dress
Glistening metallics and high-shine fabrics are synonymous with party season, making this time of year the perfect excuse to embrace anything that sparkles. Alex Perry’s floor-pooling gown glistens with burgundy paillettes that are sure to captivate at your next festive gathering, while La Ligne’s bead-embellished midi has a glamorous ’20s-inspired shape. Party looks don’t get more fun than Rabanne’s mini dress, which is made from the brand’s signature chainmail and embellished with intricately carved metal leaves that shimmy as you move. Wear your favorite with a pair of glamorous heels from Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo or Amina Muaddi.
The monochrome dress
Given its unshakeable legacy as one of the most stylish party destinations ever, it’s no surprise that we’re still talking about Studio 54 almost 50 years later. The nightclub’s most unforgettable moment is probably Bianca Jagger astride a white horse wearing a slinky red dress. With fiery hues being hot right now, why not follow her lead in Emilia Wickstead’s midi style? Made from satin in a classic A-line shape, it has a has a pretty paillette-embellished bodice and will ensure you make an unforgettable entrance of your own. If you’d rather paint the town a different color, power up your palette with Roksanda’s electric-blue midi dress (a NET-A-PORTER exclusive) or Taller Marmo’s draped Kelly-green gown from our NET SUSTAIN edit. Alternatively, for something a little softer, try Stella McCartney’s open-back satin gown in ‘Chamomile’ yellow (another NET SUSTAIN highlight). The trick is to dress top-to-toe in just one impactful shade.
The playful mini
The vibe for mini dresses this season swings between ultra-feminine and ultra-sexy. Never one to shy away from micro territory, creative director Anthony Vaccarello sticks to his winning formula with Saint Laurent’s ruched satin-jersey mini – the high neckline and long sleeves are balanced by a dipped back, so be sure to turn around for photographs. Elsewhere, Self-Portrait’s shimmering gold cloqué mini proves that all good things really do come wrapped in a bow, while Solace London’s ‘Nori’ mini comes in the most gorgeous shade of red. Wear it to parties with a vibrant lip and matching pumps.
The black-tie gown
No matter how many events you attend over the years, soirées with black-tie dress codes can still feel a little daunting. Thankfully, there was no shortage of beautiful, event-ready gowns at the FW24 shows. “An exploration of cosmic elegance,” Rebecca Vallance’s ‘Akari’ gown is cut from figure-skimming cady and has a crystal-embellished cutout neckline for a touch of celestial shimmer. Plus, it’s exclusive to NET-A-PORTER. Epitomizing vintage glamour, Jenny Packham’s glittering tulle gown nods to designs from the ’30s, while Oscar de la Renta’s draped one-shoulder style captures the elegance of ’60s couture.
The perfect base
To feel truly confident in what you’re wearing, every look should start with well-considered lingerie – but it’s especially important when you’re navigating a sea of fitted, backless and strapless party styles that all require the right underpinnings. Born from Kim Kardashian’s need to cut up and dye existing shapewear to make it work for her skin tone and wardrobe, Skims provides ‘a solution for every body’ and every style dilemma. Said to be so comfortable that Kardashian herself wears them at home under sweats, the popular ‘Seamless Sculpt’ bodysuit provides a smooth base and has a low scooped back. For support around the tummy, choose compression shorts from Commando or Spanx.
The fun rental
If you are manifesting something eye-wateringly bold or adorned with maximum sparkle this party season, but you’re not sure you’re ready to invest, consider NET-A-PORTER’s rental offering, powered by Hurr. Our hand-picked designer edits include cult favorites by Saloni and Self-Portrait, along with runway wonders to borrow by Magda Butrym and 16Arlington.
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The models featured in this story are not associated with NET-A-PORTER and do not endorse it or the products shown