It would be an understatement to say that party dresses have been languishing in the back of our wardrobes for a considerable amount of time. Sure, we might have pulled them out for the odd birthday Zoom party or on Christmas Day when we wanted to be extra fancy, but most of the time, even when we've been outside, we've stuck to jeans, a tee and maybe a blazer. Party dresses, on the other hand, have continued to be ignored. Well, no longer, we say! It's time to embrace joyful dressing. Whether or not you have any actual parties coming up, there are plenty of pub-, restaurant- and picnic-ready frocks that are exactly what you need to lift your mood and break out of any style rut you might be experiencing.
I've gone through quite literally hundreds of dresses that are available right now and found 27 of the best that I'd describe as showstopping. I should point out that I've avoided too much sparkle or sequins, as I think for summer, most of us are after bold colours and frocks that are comfortable to walk around in if the weather is a little warmer. There's nothing chic about sweating in a party dress.
With this in mind, I've found a range of dresses from minis to maxis that will work for any occasion. If you are managing to get to a wedding, any of the below will work. But if you're just after something to wow friends for drinks, then we've also got that covered. Keep scrolling for more.
This might be a simple-looking dress, but thanks to the stunning colour, it's one to snap up.
Super cool.
Sassy.
Pair with gold jewellery for added oomph.
How great is this colour?
Want to go a bit out-there? Ganni has your back.
This is exactly what we want to wear for all upcoming parties.
One to wear with strappy heels.
This brand's take on party-wear always feels fun.
I love this colour.
One to keep for weddings and seasonal parties.
Obsessed.
Another simple dress, but it will be a knock-out with chunky accessories.
Minis are making a comeback.
The sleeves on this!
This dress was made for partying.
A classic wedding guest dress if we ever saw one.
Knee-high boots would work wonders with this dress.
How pretty is this?
Babydolls are also making a comeback.
Another vibrant colour we can't get enough of.
Square-necks always look so elegant.
Another great option for wedding guests.
Satin is such a great option.
Hands up, who loves navy right now?
A holiday party dress.
The colour of the season.
This piece was published at an earlier date and has since been updated. Next up, the autumn 2021 fashion trends you need to know.
-
Law Roach's World: His New Book, Bag of Choice, and What He Grabs on a Target Run"[Styling] has made my world so much bigger."
-
I'm in My 20s—Here Are 6 Style Lessons I Learned to Look More Polished and Grown-UpSophisticated styling 101.
-
Kacey Musgraves Just Wore This $185 Dress Onstage With Sabrina CarpenterIt's still in stock.
-
Bring On the Compliments—These 32 Mango Dresses Are on Major Sale and Ready to Turn HeadsUnder $50 and dangerously close to selling out.
-
I Ordered the $145 '90s Minidress That's Viral on TikTok, and Now I'm ObsessedYou'll understand once you buy one.
-
8 Copenhagen Street Style Trends I Plan to Replicate in New YorkPared back yet never boring.
-
Whoa, This Abercrombie Sale Is Full of Incredibly Chic Finds—25 Standouts That Have My AttentionEverything from cool jeans to sleek dresses.
-
Gwyneth Paltrow Wore the Easy Dress-and-Shoe Outfit That Says "I Summer in the Hamptons"She understood the assignment.
