Best tried and tested party dresses including River Island and PrettyLittleThing

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The Mirror team found plenty of stunning dresses at PLT (Image: PrettyLittleThing)
The Mirror team found plenty of stunning dresses at PLT (Image: PrettyLittleThing)

With the festive season in full swing, now is the perfect time to snap up the best party dresses for office shindigs, nights out and other events that December brings. And here at the Mirror, we've already started stocking up on some stunning options - because there's nothing worse than panic-buying at the last minute, right?

However, it's worth noting that you don't have to give in to glitz over the Christmas season, as we've seen several neutral and minimalist styles you can dress up or down. There are plenty of sparkles in our guide - think embellished minis and glittery numbers, but also a number of versatile pieces as well.

Into shiny fabrics? Try this season's silver trend, which is loved by style icon Frankie Bridge. Got a date? Go for an elegant LBD with some statement jewellery. If you're heading to a party, try a sparkly piece that hugs your curves. Keep reading to see our pick of the best party dresses for 2023.

1. River Island Black Velvet Asymmetric Bodycon Midi

Best tried and tested party dresses including River Island and PrettyLittleThing qhiqqkiqqiqeinvThe River Island dress flatters your shape beautifully (Bethan Shufflebotham)

When the Mirror's Bethan Shufflebotham saw this £45 River Island item she said her 'jaw dropped' hailing it 'the . "Ticking every single box, this little black number offers a festive feel, flattering fit, affordable price and is perfect for injecting some glam into your winter occasion wear wardrobe," she said.

"In a midi length with short sleeves, it's suitable for a whole host of occasions. As a former shopping addict, I now ask myself to name at least three times where I can wear the piece I’m buying, and frankly I can’t think of a situation where I wouldn’t wear this

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"It’s undeniably elegant, and is a great pick for Christmas parties, theatre trips, and since I’m a December baby, I’ll definitely be making it my birthday outfit, too. My absolute favourite thing about this with elegant draping across the shoulders, to a wrap skirt that creates a ruched effect at the waist, which is very figure-flattering and accentuates curves that I don’t particularly have, giving me more shape."

2. Nobody's Child Navy Cord Starlight Mini Dress

Best tried and tested party dresses including River Island and PrettyLittleThingIt's so elegant (Tiffany Lo)

Nobody's Child is known for its wonderfully elegant yet comfy pieces, and if you're hoping to snap up a party dress from the eco-friendly label, Mirror fashion and beauty writer Tiffany Lo has found a perfectly elegant option.

"I was obsessed with the soft gathering, puff sleeves on the Starlight dress (from £69) and the panelled pattern around the waist for slimming effect. However, unlike the maxi version, the dress does not come with any pockets," she explained.

The chic piece comes in navy, black and plum, with sizes ranging from four to 18.

3. PLT White Sequin Bandeau Bodycon Dress

Best tried and tested party dresses including River Island and PrettyLittleThingGemma Owen looks phenomenal in the PLT sequin dress (PrettyLittleThing)

If you're on a budget this festive season, look no further than PrettyLittleThing's affordable range of party outfits. Mirror fashion and beauty lead Melisha Kaur snapped up a white sequin bandeau dress from the retailer's edit with former Love Islander Gemma Owen. Taking advantage of PLT's sale, she paid only £17.25 for the short number, instead of its usual £29 price tag.

"This is a perfect piece for special occasions, no matter what season. After spotting it in a recent sale, I immediately swooned and couldn't wait to layer it with a blazer. When trying on the piece, I added a pair of peep-toe perspex heels in nude, and my legs looked endless," she raved.

"It pairs wonderfully with a white blazer for a matching look, or you can wear it with a faux-fur coat for extra glamour."

4. Peacocks Black & Grey Glittery Shift Dress

Best tried and tested party dresses including River Island and PrettyLittleThingWe love the glittery fabric (Peacocks)

An effortless piece that's cut from a sparkly material, this £18 option is part of singer and TV presenter Louise Redknapp's collection with the UK's fast-fashion favourite, Peacocks. The Mirror's Narin Flanders said after buying the Glittery Shift Dress: "I spotted this sparkly dress in the window at Peacocks while walking past a few weekends ago and it caught my eye because it looked both comfortable and stylish - according to the website it's part of the Louise Redknapp edit, so I'm taking that as a ringing endorsement too!

"Having seen that it was a budget-friendly £18 I nipped inside to try it on but my expectations at that price point were pretty low. Little did I know: this is basically my ideal party dress. The material is thick enough material to hide any lumps and bumps that might be the result of the many Baileys and sausage rolls of the festive season, while the ruche detail gives it shape and definition at the waist.

"There's a red sparkle version too, but I fell in love with the black-and-grey version and will be dressing it up and down as needed at everything from the kids' school play later this week to drinks out with friends and Christmas Day itself. It's an absolute bargain."

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5. Pretty Lavish Dahlia Cut Out Maxi Knit Dress

Best tried and tested party dresses including River Island and PrettyLittleThingThis one hugs your figure in all the right places (Pretty Lavish)

If you're after a pretty dress that can be worn year-round, this Pretty Lavish option (£65) is ideal. The brand is loved by the likes of Rochelle Humes and Frankie Bridge - and this was a good enough excuse for the Mirror's Melisha Kaur to try and find a party-ready piece from its website.

"The Dahlia maxi dress is no doubt a head-turner and will keep you both cosy and chic in the plummeting temperatures. It's made from a super-comfy knitted fabric which didn't make me feel too warm indoors, while the body-skimming fit gave me an amazing shape," she explained.

"I finished the look with some clear nude mid-heel mules and a strappy gold handbag in metallic faux leather. This look was effortlessly glamorous, plus my legs didn't freeze in the cold. Not to mention, you can dance the night away easily whilst wearing the dress. I also loved the cheeky side cut-out details."

Tiffany Lo

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