With all of the holiday parties, weddings, events, and just the festive atmosphere in general, I find fall and winter to be the "fanciest" time of year. I think we can all agree that year's end is when it makes the most sense to wear all of the sequined, appliqued, embellished, and tulle-covered dresses your heart desires. Wondering where to begin, though? That's on my shoulders.
I spent a good part of the day scrolling through the many fancy cocktail dresses that retailers have added recently and narrowed my list down to 29 particularly chic options. Any one of these stunning dresses will pretty much ensure that you'll be the best dressed person at the event. My best advice is to shop early before the best dresses are picked over so you're not scrambling to find something at the last minute.
Scroll on for my edit of the best fancy cocktail dresses of the season.
"Siri, play 'Mirrorball' by Taylor Swift."
I love that this is chocolate brown.
The corset details on this are so pretty.
Now that's a party dress.
You'll wear this one year after year.
Since fashion is currently in an '80s time warp, this dress makes perfect sense.
In case you haven't heard, lace is making a comeback.
This is one of the best red dresses I've seen.
This one's a Who What Wear editor favorite.
I'm so obsessed with this print.
There are a million different ways to style this.
The cool girl's party dress.
This is the perfect little red dress, if you ask me.
It doesn't get more festive than sequins and fringe.
This would be great to wear to your birthday party.
This material is so interesting.
If it has bows on it, I want it.
The neckline on this is so chic.
A dream dress.
For the fancy minimalist.
This would look so chic with silver shoes.
No one does party dresses better than 16Arlington.
This one speaks for itself.
This calls for a pair of pointed-toe heels.
This looks designer.
This looks especially cool with flats.
Just add sheer black tights.
Yes, another Reformation dress.
-
Jenna Lyons's World: Her Go-To Red Lipstick, Her Latest Eyewear Collab, and the J.Crew Pieces She Still Wears TodayA true fashion icon.
-
Not Into Trends? Renée Zellweger's Winter Outfit Combo Is 100% ClassicJust as you are.
-
Emma Chamberlain's World: Her Warby Parker Collab, Two-Phone Rule, and Spiciest Fashion Takes"I just want to bring the most joy to people."
-
4 Anti-Trend Outfits I Spot Every Time I'm in EuropeClassic looks that are always in style.
-
3 Non-Holiday Ways to Wear Velvet This WinterYou're welcome.
-
Hailey Bieber Just Used the TikTok Styling Hack That Will Actually Go the DistanceI'm going to use it this weekend.
-
The 35 Revolve Items in My Cart Ahead of Holiday Party SeasonI have every event on my cal covered.
-
After 15 Years as a Fashion Writer, I Know These Free Style Tweaks Will Make a Big ImpactHow to give your wardrobe a new lease on life.
