The 7 Brands To Help You Perfect Your Party Look

Before you know it, you’ll be ringing in the new year, so to get prepared for another jam-packed party season, allow us to introduce you to the brands that will earn you best-dressed status at any event. From couture-like ateliers to contemporary cult brands, these ready-to-wear designers all have a reputation for pushing occasionwear forward. If you’re working a look as fabulous as these, you’re guaranteed to have a good time…

No one does sweeping ball gowns quite like Oscar de la Renta. The Dominican designer was mentored by the then editor-in-chief of US Vogue Diana Vreeland and, in 1965, launched his namesake label in New York City. The current creative directors Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia have ensured couture-like evening gowns remain at the heart of every collection – and this cascading pink dress from the pre-spring 2025 line is a spectacular collector’s piece.

New York-based label Carolina Herrera has always been the epitome of Park Avenue style, dressing the high society for formal luncheons, cocktail parties and charity galas. Fast-forward to 2024 and occasionwear still remains an integral part of the brand’s DNA, however creative director Wes Gordon has a more rebellious take on dress codes. This embellished blouse is the perfect example of how he is driving forward the Herrera aesthetic, and it will earn you best dressed status at any party this festive season and beyond.

Most of us invest in new sunglasses during the summer months; however Loewe Eyewear shows that frames can also be the perfect finishing touch to any festive party outfit. You’ll find disco-worthy sunglasses covered in glistening crystals or adorned in gold detailing, making them far too precious to reserve for the beach. Plus, they’ll come in handy the morning after when you want to shield your tired eyes.

When Self-Portrait’s founder Han Chong launched the label in 2013, he was one of the first to create occasionwear at a contemporary price point. Nowadays, every celebrity we can think of has had a Self-Portrait moment – from the Princess of Wales to Michelle Obama. While lace will always be a design signature, every party season, the brand delivers high-octane glamour – with dresses dripping in embellishments. This ivory shift adorned with delicate flowers is destined to sell out quickly.

London Fashion Week favourite Emilia Wickstead started as a made-to-measure atelier, where she began building a reputation for her modern spin on occasionwear. Fast-forward to 2024 and the brand is beloved by brides and red-carpet stars for its refined elegance and impeccable tailoring that exudes the glamour of a bygone era. This minidress is a playful spin on cocktail attire – the Doppio satin in a rich pine shade is the height of sophistication, while the low back and deep V-neckline stop it from looking too formal.

Elie Saab initially launched as an haute couture brand, and the ready-to-wear lines still honor this level of craftsmanship, with intricate detailing and breathtaking embellishments. It is a power player on the red carpet, which kick-started in 2002 when Halle Berry wore the red ball gown with a sheer bodice to the Oscars to accept her Best Actress award. This black evening gown is equally unforgettable and will see you through a lifetime of special events.

Aje has become a (not-so) secret fashion-insider go-to for wedding-guest dressing – however, you don’t need to wait for a ‘save the date’ to wear the Australian brand’s beautifully crafted pieces. Its design team has an eye for silhouettes, often playing with volume and structure, making it a standout among its contemporary peers. This bubble-hem mini will make you want to take a spin on any dance floor.

A definitive guide to the best party dresses

7 new brands to know now on NET-A-PORTER