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 playful mini
The vibe for mini dresses this season swings between ultra-feminine and ultra-sexy. Never one to shy away from micro territory, Saint Laurent’s creative director Anthony Vaccarello sticks to his winning formula with this ruched tulle mini – balance the prettiness of the floral print with lacquered black stilettos and a chainmail clutch. Elsewhere, Stella McCartney’s crystal-embellished velvet style from NET-A-PORTER’s exclusive edit is sure to make an impact the minute you walk into a room. Wear yours to festive gatherings with sparkly drop earrings and matching navy pumps.
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. Khaite’s mini design is cut from plush velvet in a loose column shape and has an elegant square neckline.
A NET-A-PORTER exclusive, Victoria Beckham’s mini design is cut from slinky satin-crepe with pleated chiffon and delicate lace trims. Style it for your office party with an oversized blazer and open-toe mules. Elsewhere, Calvin Klein’s ’90s-inspired ‘Lynn’ slip is cut on the bias, so it skims your figure in the most flattering way. Whichever design you choose, keep your look current by pairing it with an embellished ballet flat or kitten-heeled, vintage-inspired slingbacks.
The monochrome dress
One of the most defining moments of fall/winter ’25 was Haider Ackermann’s debut for Tom Ford, where he introduced several looks in vivid colors that illuminated the low-lit runway. A favorite among the NET-A-PORTER team, this lemon-yellow gown is cut from languid crepe-jersey in a flowing asymmetric silhouette and has a daring side slit that calls for razor-sharp heels. If you’d rather paint the town a different color, power up your palette with Alaïa’s turquoise midi dress, complete with a heart-shaped cutout at the back, or Another Tomorrow’s draped open-back midi dress from our NET SUSTAIN edit in a head-turning shade of red.
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. Worn on the fall/winter ’25 runway, Emilia Wickstead’s elegant ‘Conlan’ gown glistens with glossy black sequins that are sure to captivate at your next festive gathering. Elsewhere, party looks don’t get more fun than Rabanne’s mini dress, which is made from the brand’s signature chainmail that slinks and shimmies as you move. Wear your favorite with a pair of glamorous heels from Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo or Amina Muaddi
The lingerie dress
There’s something so sensual and romantic about a lingerie dress – and brands agree, with everyone from Ferragamo to Saint Laurent and Chloé sending slinky slips down the runway this season. Epitomizing evening elegance, Chloé’s exquisite gown from our NET SUSTAIN edit is cut from figure-skimming silk-jacquard with a plunging, lace-trimmed neckline. Alternatively, Ferragamo’s ’20s-inspired dress is crafted from draped satin and wispy silk-chiffon, featuring pretty guipure lace panels. Echo the styling from the runway by wearing yours with a faux-fur jacket and peep-toe heels.
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 fall/winter ’25 shows. Epitomizing vintage glamour, Alessandra Rich’s velvet gown has a lace-trimmed sweetheart neckline topped with a bow and ruching through the front to accentuate your frame. From our NET SUSTAIN edit, Galvan’s ‘Sienna’ gown comes in gorgeous copper-toned satin with languid neck ties, while Alex Perry shows us how to do cutouts the elegant way with its exquisite chartreuse design.
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.
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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