The Best Party Dresses To Buy Now and Wear Forever
Whether you’re heading to a cocktail party or a black-tie wedding, discover the ultimate occasion dresses to see you through the season in style
The arrival of the fall/winter season feels like a reset – it’s a chance, each year, to recalibrate ourselves and our wardrobes ahead of the busy period ahead. And with plenty of parties and after-dark soirées to attend, there’s the opportunity to plunder our eveningwear choices and play dress-up. Nothing feels quite so festive as preparing our party looks and carefully planning our complementing accessories.
By day, our wardrobes might constitute cozy knits and plenty of layers to ward off the incoming chill, but our night-time looks prove to be the refreshing switch-up we crave at this point in the annual calendar – it’s a chance to dial up the glamour and indulge in pretty, polished gowns. And whether you’re heading to a cocktail party, a sit-down meal or a refined wedding this forthcoming fall/winter period, there’s an array of sumptuous eveningwear that will see you through the event, and the entire season, in style.
And this fall/winter, designers prove that after-dark dressing doesn’t have to align with the season’s typically muted shades. Be bold, bright and beautiful by bringing statement-making, spring-like tones into your festive-events fold – not only will they enliven even the grayest of days, but they have the added trans-seasonal benefit of being appropriate for warm-weather events, too, to give you extra wardrobe mileage.
“This fall/winter, designers prove that after-dark dressing doesn’t have to align with the season’s typically muted shades. Be bold, bright and beautiful by bringing statement-making, spring-like tones into your festive-events fold
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Pastel tones make for an unexpected palette at festive parties, bringing a cool edge to any event. Erdem’s exquisite maxi dress in a sorbet yellow is just the ticket. With its high neckline and flouncing frills on the skirt, it needs little to no accessorizing, making it the perfect go-to for last-minute parties, or to take on your commute for an after-work event.
Meanwhile, Markarian and Carolina Herrera both provide an opportunity to channel your inner debutante this season. Offering contemporary takes on timeless, 1950s-style silhouettes, these midi-length gowns with sumptuously full skirts will add femininity to any formal occasion. Pair with barely-there sandals and a contrasting clutch to tap into the retro mood, while a cropped leather jacket will add just the right amount of rebelliousness.
For those looking to update their LBD arsenal, look no further than Staud this fall. With a sculpted silhouette and cutout detailing at the back, this sweeping gown in black silk is a modern classic that’s sure to become a wardrobe ally for years to come. Heading to a black-tie event? Pair with elegant gloves and scintillating statement earrings for a look that is effortlessly put-together and ultimately polished.
“Of course, no events-season wardrobe is complete without an array of trinkets to bring a hint of sparkle to each and every look
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Of course, no events-season wardrobe is complete without an array of trinkets to bring a hint of sparkle to each and every look, so consider adorning yourself with gemstones, diamonds and pearls from Mateo. The brand’s minimalist, architectural take on fine jewelry – inspired by the works of sculptor and mobile-maker Alexander Calder – gives each piece a day-to-dark sensibility that won’t detract from the drama of your dress. Perfect for the party season, and beyond.