It’s fair to say that, for 10 months of the year, I’m a pretty reserved dresser. I tend to stick to a neutral colour palette which is splashed upon classic wardrobe staples including, but not limited to, camel coats, pleated midi skirts and button-down blouses. But boy does that change come November and December.
Party season provides me with a safe space to unleash my inner magpie. I find myself gravitating towards anything that sparkles and shines instead of the muted pieces I usually favour. After all, sequins don’t seem quite so daunting when everyone else is giving them a whirl, do they?
Eni wears a polka-dot party dress from Other Stories.
I relish the time when I can dress as frivolously as I please, but, knowing that I’ll fall back into the arms of my timeless wares come January, I never allow myself to spend large sums on sparkle. Instead, I turn to the high street, and for 2019 it has some of the best party dresses I’ve ever come across.
Everywhere from Topshop to Other Stories has sprung into party mode in the last week with so many excellent dress options to choose from. Personally, I’ve found my favourite in Warehouse (the silver lurex midi with the coordinating belt is perfection as far as I’m concerned) but, with stellar offerings also coming through from New Look, River Island and Mango, I’ll be RSVPing to every night out and party going to afford me the chance to wear them all.
Keep scrolling to see and shop my edit of the best high-street party dresses 2019 had to offer. I promise that office Christmas party won’t seem like such an effort.
SHOP THE HIGH-STREET PARTY DRESSES I LOVE
This dress looks so expensive.
Alexa Chung would wear this with ballet pumps and a red lip. We suggest you do the same.
Layer over a metallic roll-neck and finish with Mary Jane shoes.
Cheongsam dresses will never go out of style.
This yellow hue will look amazing set against dark tresses.
This sequin dress also comes in on-trend khaki.
So much '80s goodness.
This is calling out to be worn with your failsafe strappy sandals.
Fringing has never looked better, and yes—we'll be investing in the matching bag to boot.
If in doubt, go for metallics.
No one will believe this contrast lace creation came from the high street.
So much sequin for your money.
Dark blooms were a big deal on the winter runways.
Pair this midi with a tuxedo jacket and classic black courts.
Velvet always looks elegant in high necks with long sleeves.
Because sometimes less is more.
You'll definitely want to pair this dress with the jewel-buckle belt it's photographed with.
Tired skirts are proving popular for 2019.
This is calling out to be worn with statement earrings.
If your ideal party dress is Cinderella's ballgown, this satin number is for you.
Minimalists will love the cut of this midi.
This looks so sleek on.
The subtle ruche detail will flatter a fuller bust.
We have a feeling this Warehouse dress will sell out fast.
The cut of this dress will hang from your frame perfectly.
This has been on our wish lists for ages.
Up next: I know good shoes, and these party-ready pairs are everything.
