23 Chic Holiday Party Dresses

Don’t pout, procrastinators: It’s not too late to find the perfect cocktail dress for the holidays. There are still plenty of covetable frocks at stores like Bloomingdale’s and Pixie Market and sites like Net-a-Porter, which offers same-day delivery in New York.  We found 23 of the best party dresses across key trends like sequined boho glam, the LBD, and bright colors. And with several dresses ringing in at under $200, it’ll be hard to buy just one.

Color is key from resort going into spring, but there’s no reason you can’t start wearing it now. This one-shoulder teal dress from Thread Social ($495) at Net-a-Porter stands out from the crowd.

Laila Azhar has several flattering, colorful party dresses out this season, like this square ruffle neck dress ($207 on sale) at Tobi.

This DKNY Sequined Strapless Satin Dress ($445) is a subtle shade of navy, not black, and the sweetheart neckline and bow are adorable.

Bring a sexy ’60s cocktail vibe to the party with this DKNYC Animal Print Sequin Dress ($199).

A boho, glam rock vibe à la Marianne Faithful is what you want to be channeling right now. This Yoana Baraschi “Rocker” Sequined Caftan ($398) sums up the nighttime mood perfectly.

A French Connection Serpent Striped Dress ($268) keeps the loose silhouette and adds a mod, striped twist to the sequined mini dress.

This BCBG Max Azria Black and Gold Sequin Dress ($338) could be something out of the 60s London late night scene.

If you want a little sparkle but want to tone it down, this Antik Batik Embellished Dress ($460) is stylishly boho but practical – it’s made of lightweight, drapey wool for those cold December nights.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Tibi’s Zig Zag Sequin Dress ($470) is a wonderfully loud, colorful take on Studio 54 garb.

Another body-con sequin dress is made by Hawk ($264), available at Pixie Market.

The other silhouette in sequin dresses is this drapey, t-shirt style, best exemplified by this 3.1 Phillip Lim Silk Sequined T-Shirt Dress ($895), above and on a guest at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, below.

The same shape appears at a lower price point with this Liquorish Navy Beaded Dress ($117).

Another sequined number spotted on a guest at the Victoria’s Secret show was this Juicy Couture Sequined Silk-Chiffon Dress ($350) which has a sexy racer back.

Silvery colors evoke classic Hollywood glamor for the holidays, as with this Adam Metallic Tweed Dress ($395).

This Rebecca Taylor “The Socialite” Satin Dress ($295) would be the perfect escort for all those Christmas deb parties.

Speaking of Hollywood glamour, it’s easy to imagine Chloe Sevigny wearing this Opening Ceremony Short Sleeved Pleat Dress ($425).

And of course, it wouldn’t be a party without a little black dress in the house. There are a number of good ones for holiday that should last you for a while to come, like this cool, sculptural Acne Whisper Asymmetric Dress ($400).

Nanette Lepore’s “Flores Sea” Satin Dress ($378) is cinched at the waist with a black satin rosette.

Rosettes also come into play on Marc by Marc Jacobs’ Rosette Mini Dress ($600).

Black lace, as seen on Carine Roitfeld at the Victoria’s Secret fashion show, is also big for fall/winter 2009. The swingy babydoll cut of this Marc by Marc Jacobs Floral Lace Dress ($278) keeps black lace looking young and chic.

Anna Sui embellishes black lace with gold thread in this super-feminine Embroidered Lace Dress ($470)

Another label on everyone’s lips these days is New York-based indie brand Haute Hippie, whose Sequined Drop-Shoulder Dress ($395) is drop-dead sexy.

Last but not least, this Elizabeth and James “Estelle” Jumpsuit ($465) conjures up ’70s cocktail-party glamour. Key party, anyone?