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 [1], 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 [2] of all the best, most festive cocktail dresses [3] 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 [4] your friends will be envious of, trust me. Let's shop!
Festive Fluff: Nasty Gal Feather Hem Double Breasted Blazer Dress
This fun Nasty Gal Feather Hem Double Breasted Blazer Dress [6] ($85, originally $189) would look great with strappy heels and lots of gold jewelry. It's definitely worth of an Instagram snap.
Holiday Vibes: Ivy City Co. Holly Plaid Dress
The puff sleeves and classic print on this Ivy City Co. Holly Plaid Dress [7] ($130) make it a quintessential holiday piece. I love how it's styled with booties.
Classic Red: Zara Pleated Midi Dress
For a splash of red, this Zara Pleated Midi Dress [8] ($70) is so versatile. You can easily style this many different ways.
Pockets Included: Hutch Colorblocked Bow-Tie Maxi Dress
How cute is this Hutch Colorblocked Bow-Tie Maxi Dress [9] ($180)? And yes, it does have pockets!
Downright Royal: Ivy City Co. Sugar Plum Fairy Dress
I have major heart eyes for this magical Ivy City Co. Sugar Plum Fairy Dress [10] ($198). Everything about it screams "buy me!"
Shimmer and Shine: Misa Winona Dress
The Misa Winona Dress [11] ($450) is the definition of the perfect party piece. The shimmery dots make it stand out in a crowd.
Luxurious Velvet: Free People Gum Drop Mini Dress
This Free People Gum Drop Mini Dress [12] ($168) is comfy enough to wear all day on Thanksgiving. We have heart eyes for the rich color.
Perfect Puff-Sleeves: Ganni Printed Cotton Poplin Mini Dress
Serve up a vintage vibe in this Ganni Printed Cotton Poplin Mini Dress [13] ($265). I'd style it with black tights.
Mad For Plaid: Tanya Taylor Emmaline Dress
The plaid print on this Tanya Taylor Emmaline Dress [14] ($475) is perfect for the holidays. Wear it with a black leather jacket.
Pop of Pink: Eloquii Surplice Bodice Pleated Dress
Pink can be festive too! This Eloquii Surplice Bodice Pleated Dress [15] ($130) would look pretty with silver heels.
A Gorgeous LBD: Modcloth Gliding Back In Time Midi Dress
This Modcloth Gliding Back In Time Midi Dress [16] ($129) is so much more than a LBD — the dotted fabric is amazing.
A December Dream: Ivy City Co. Anastasia Dress
The embroidery and sequin embellishments on this Ivy City Co. Anastasia Dress [17] ($192) make it a top pick for me — it's December perfection! Keep the rest of your look simple.
A Bestseller: Free People Shayla Velvet Mini Dress
Customers rave about the flattering cut of this Free People Shayla Velvet Mini Dress [18] ($128). You can easily wear it with sneakers or heels.
Totally Timeless: ELLIATT Nerida Dress
The sparkly tulle on this ELLIATT Nerida Dress [19] ($180) is lovely. Style it with simple black heels.
Something Comfy: Anthropologie Somerset Velvet Maxi Dress
Not only is this Anthropologie Somerset Velvet Maxi Dress [20] ($180) stylish, it's also very comfortable. It comes in three different colors.
Victorian Romance: Batsheva Ella Dress
This Batsheva Ella Dress [21] ($475) has cute details like little buttons and ruffled hems. So dreamy!
A Holiday Classic: Kate Spade New York Silk Twill Matinee Dress
This Kate Spade New York Silk Twill Matinee Dress [22] ($378) is a great investment because you'll wear it for years to come. The tie will perfectly accentuate your waist.
Silver Splash: Misa Edie Dress
Whether you're going out to dinner or celebrating New Year's Eve, this Misa Edie Dress [23] ($480) will dazzle all your friends. Wear it with sheer black tights.
A Party Confection: Self Portrait Red Taffeta Mini Dress
From the frothy sleeves to the sparkly belt, it's safe to say that this Self Portrait Red Taffeta Mini Dress [24] ($455) is holiday perfection. No accessories needed.
Unexpected Teal: Hutch Floral Jacquard Cut-Out Mini Dress
If you're sick of classic red and green, slip into this Hutch Floral Jacquard Cut-Out Mini Dress [25] ($190). I like how it's styled in the photo with a black turtleneck.
Go Strapless: Selkie Seamed Tulle Mini Dress
For something with volume, opt for this Selkie Seamed Tulle Mini Dress [26] ($280). The molded bust provides great support.
A Pretty Print: Hope For Flowers by Tracy Reese Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress
The print on this Hope For Flowers by Tracy Reese Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress [27] ($588) looks like artwork. It comes in a few different colors.
The Perfect LBD: The Drop @shopdandy Belted Silky Stretch Dress
You'll find yourself wearing this The Drop @shopdandy Belted Silky Stretch Dress [28] ($55) all the time. The fabric is actually stretchy, so it's easy to move in.
Go For Gold: Watters Watters Meringue Silk Mini Dress
This Watters Watters Meringue Silk Mini Dress [29] ($425) has been getting tons of attention online for its flattering cut. Get it while you still can!
A Classic Wrap: Tanya Taylor Lida Dress
You'll feel beautiful in this Tanya Taylor Lida Dress [30] ($545) complete with metallic accents. The wrap style is an editor favorite.
Pretty in Pink: Free People Selena Sequin Shirtdress
Not only is this Free People Selena Sequin Shirtdress [31] ($350) fabulous, the loose fit also makes it easy to move in.
Red With a Twist: Eloquii Knot Front Pleated Skirt Dress
The a-line cut of this Eloquii Knot Front Pleated Skirt Dress [32] ($100) is both comfortable and flattering. Wear this piece with gold heels.
Topped With a Bow: Lurelly Lily Dress
This poofy Lurelly Lily Dress [33] ($500) would be so great for a holiday party. Pair it with black heels and you're set.
A Customer Favorite: Ted Baker Knitted Frill Full Skirt Dress
This Ted Baker Knitted Frill Full Skirt Dress [34] ($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.
Something Sexy: Nicholas Simone Dress
This incredible Nicholas Simone Dress [35] ($395) comes complete with a leg slit and belt. Keep the heels strappy!
Holiday Grunge: UO Waldorf Plaid Pleated Midi Dress
This '90s-inspired UO Waldorf Plaid Pleated Midi Dress [36] ($89) pairs well with black boots. Who doesn't love a hint of holiday grunge?
Sleek and Chic: Zara Faux Leather Wrap Dress
If you're a LBD person, this Zara Faux Leather Wrap Dress [37] ($50) will be your new staple. The leather finish is extra cool.
Ruby Jewel Tone: Cider Velvet Tie Front Midi Dress
If you have an office party, this Cider Velvet Tie Front Midi Dress [38] ($28) is the perfect pick. The rich color is compliment-worthy.
Glitz and Glam: ModCloth x Collectif Haute Holiday Party Swing Dress
This ModCloth x Collectif Haute Holiday Party Swing Dress [39] ($160, originally $199) instantly makes me smile, it's just so fun! It's already selling out fast.
Forest Green: Retrofete Andrea Maxi Dress
For a more formal affair, slip into this Retrofete Andrea Maxi Dress [40] ($620). The shiny fabric is dazzling.
Date-Night Outfit: Zara Floral Print Dress
This cute little Zara Floral Print Dress [41] ($50) has flattering ruching in all the right places. Wear it with black boots.
Festive and Sparkly: Free People Fly Me Away Sleeveless Minidress
On colder nights, wear this Free People Fly Me Away Sleeveless Minidress [42] ($298) with black tights and boots. The butterfly pattern is amazing.
Big Sequins: Motel Finn Mini Dress
Party all night long in this Motel Finn Mini Dress [43] ($79). Wait until you see the sexy back!
Beautifully Embellished: Alice + Olivia Laurena Empire Party Dress
The pearl accents on this Alice + Olivia Laurena Empire Party Dress [44] ($595) are gorgeous. This design is so special.
An Unexpected Color: & Other Stories Sequin Wrap Mini Dress
The purple shade of this & Other Stories Sequin Wrap Mini Dress [45] ($179) is so fun and equally as festive. You'll stand out!
Something (Navy) Blue: & Other Stories Velvet Wrap Midi Dress
The great thing about this & Other Stories Velvet Wrap Midi Dress [46] ($119) is that you can wear it in the wintertime as well.