It's my favorite time of year because it's our moment to go all out with our outfits. To me, the holidays equate to sparkles, embellishments, and bold colors. If you're headed to a party or celebration in the next couple of months, you are in the right place. I have curated an ultimate shopping guide of all the best, most festive cocktail dresses that should be on your radar.
All these designs were released in the past week, so they're fresh and brand-new. I have a feeling they will sell out in November, so invest in a fabulous frock now so you're ready for all the fun times ahead. These are the dresses your friends will be envious of, trust me. Let's shop!
This fun Nasty Gal Feather Hem Double Breasted Blazer Dress ($85, originally $189) would look great with strappy heels and lots of gold jewelry. It's definitely worth of an Instagram snap.
The puff sleeves and classic print on this Ivy City Co. Holly Plaid Dress ($130) make it a quintessential holiday piece. I love how it's styled with booties.
For a splash of red, this Zara Pleated Midi Dress ($70) is so versatile. You can easily style this many different ways.
How cute is this Hutch Colorblocked Bow-Tie Maxi Dress ($180)? And yes, it does have pockets!
I have major heart eyes for this magical Ivy City Co. Sugar Plum Fairy Dress ($198). Everything about it screams "buy me!"
The Misa Winona Dress ($450) is the definition of the perfect party piece. The shimmery dots make it stand out in a crowd.
This Free People Gum Drop Mini Dress ($168) is comfy enough to wear all day on Thanksgiving. We have heart eyes for the rich color.
Serve up a vintage vibe in this Ganni Printed Cotton Poplin Mini Dress ($265). I'd style it with black tights.
The plaid print on this Tanya Taylor Emmaline Dress ($475) is perfect for the holidays. Wear it with a black leather jacket.
Pink can be festive too! This Eloquii Surplice Bodice Pleated Dress ($130) would look pretty with silver heels.
This Modcloth Gliding Back In Time Midi Dress ($129) is so much more than a LBD — the dotted fabric is amazing.
The embroidery and sequin embellishments on this Ivy City Co. Anastasia Dress ($192) make it a top pick for me — it's December perfection! Keep the rest of your look simple.
Customers rave about the flattering cut of this Free People Shayla Velvet Mini Dress ($128). You can easily wear it with sneakers or heels.
The sparkly tulle on this ELLIATT Nerida Dress ($180) is lovely. Style it with simple black heels.
Not only is this Anthropologie Somerset Velvet Maxi Dress ($180) stylish, it's also very comfortable. It comes in three different colors.
This Batsheva Ella Dress ($475) has cute details like little buttons and ruffled hems. So dreamy!
This Kate Spade New York Silk Twill Matinee Dress ($378) is a great investment because you'll wear it for years to come. The tie will perfectly accentuate your waist.
Whether you're going out to dinner or celebrating New Year's Eve, this Misa Edie Dress ($480) will dazzle all your friends. Wear it with sheer black tights.
From the frothy sleeves to the sparkly belt, it's safe to say that this Self Portrait Red Taffeta Mini Dress ($455) is holiday perfection. No accessories needed.
If you're sick of classic red and green, slip into this Hutch Floral Jacquard Cut-Out Mini Dress ($190). I like how it's styled in the photo with a black turtleneck.
For something with volume, opt for this Selkie Seamed Tulle Mini Dress ($280). The molded bust provides great support.
The print on this Hope For Flowers by Tracy Reese Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress ($588) looks like artwork. It comes in a few different colors.
You'll find yourself wearing this The Drop @shopdandy Belted Silky Stretch Dress ($55) all the time. The fabric is actually stretchy, so it's easy to move in.
This Watters Watters Meringue Silk Mini Dress ($425) has been getting tons of attention online for its flattering cut. Get it while you still can!
You'll feel beautiful in this Tanya Taylor Lida Dress ($545) complete with metallic accents. The wrap style is an editor favorite.
Not only is this Free People Selena Sequin Shirtdress ($350) fabulous, the loose fit also makes it easy to move in.
The a-line cut of this Eloquii Knot Front Pleated Skirt Dress ($100) is both comfortable and flattering. Wear this piece with gold heels.
This poofy Lurelly Lily Dress ($500) would be so great for a holiday party. Pair it with black heels and you're set.
This Ted Baker Knitted Frill Full Skirt Dress ($340) has been a years-long bestseller for a reason — the fit is excellent and the jewel tone colors are perfect for the months ahead. This is another great option with pockets.
This incredible Nicholas Simone Dress ($395) comes complete with a leg slit and belt. Keep the heels strappy!
This '90s-inspired UO Waldorf Plaid Pleated Midi Dress ($89) pairs well with black boots. Who doesn't love a hint of holiday grunge?
If you're a LBD person, this Zara Faux Leather Wrap Dress ($50) will be your new staple. The leather finish is extra cool.
If you have an office party, this Cider Velvet Tie Front Midi Dress ($28) is the perfect pick. The rich color is compliment-worthy.
This ModCloth x Collectif Haute Holiday Party Swing Dress ($160, originally $199) instantly makes me smile, it's just so fun! It's already selling out fast.
For a more formal affair, slip into this Retrofete Andrea Maxi Dress ($620). The shiny fabric is dazzling.
This cute little Zara Floral Print Dress ($50) has flattering ruching in all the right places. Wear it with black boots.
On colder nights, wear this Free People Fly Me Away Sleeveless Minidress ($298) with black tights and boots. The butterfly pattern is amazing.
Party all night long in this Motel Finn Mini Dress ($79). Wait until you see the sexy back!
The pearl accents on this Alice + Olivia Laurena Empire Party Dress ($595) are gorgeous. This design is so special.
The purple shade of this & Other Stories Sequin Wrap Mini Dress ($179) is so fun and equally as festive. You'll stand out!
The great thing about this & Other Stories Velvet Wrap Midi Dress ($119) is that you can wear it in the wintertime as well.