Pictured: Helsa Serafina Silk Dress ($498)
Party season has officially arrived. With a calendar full of various holiday events—from glamorous fashion parties to intimate gatherings with friends—this month is set to be a never-ending roller coaster of social soirées and the only thing to consider after sending in your RSVP is, of course, what to wear. It takes a lot of shopping and outfit coordination to step out each time with a thrilling look, but I also get a little help from my collection of dresses.
It's been said before, but a dress is the definition of a sartorial shortcut. Sure, you need to find the right heels and accessories to complement it, but that certainly beats dreaming up an entire outfit from scratch. My holiday wardrobe leans heavily on a rotation of cocktail dresses that I lean on as a one-and-done outfit. Ahead, see my Rolodex of compliment-inducing dresses, from elevated LBDs to luxe velvet and embellished numbers.
It should come as no surprise that the most elegant LBD of the season comes designed (and expertly styled) by Elsa Hosk herself.
Party season is the perfect opportunity to tap into 2024's biggest color trend.
My personal dream dress, in case anyone was wondering.
I'm extremely picky about wearing holiday dressing clichés velvet, but this is a chic way to do it.
All the It girls are wearing these sheer maxi dresses right now.
You're guaranteed to be the best-dressed in attendance.
Good luck snagging this if you wait too long—it's selling especially quickly.
Just wait until you see the back.
The feathers are detachable for an even longer shelf life.
All eyes on you.
This silhouette feels very Bella Hadid-coded.
Okay, Abercrombie, you win with this one.
Sheer done so right.
I actually gasped.
I swooned immediately.
Lace is such a stealth way to do festive dressing without going overboard.
Keep scrolling if you hate compliments.
If it comes from Kate Moss' closet, calling it iconic would be an understatement.
Whoever said LBDs were boring obviously never saw this neckline.
Just yes.
Style with a pair of '80s earrings if you know what you're doing.
Simple but still festive.
Sheer tights and a pair of pumps would complete this understated-cool look.
Can you tell I have a thing for scarves at the moment?
The emerging British label you're definitely going to want on your radar.
One of very few sequin dresses I actually like.
Turn heads.
Pro tip: Silk is one of those fabrics that photographs extremely well. Plus, you'll wear this little '90s number far beyond the holidays.
Comfortable and cute.
A way to tap into the sheer trend without all the strategic layering.