29 Party Dresses That Might Actually Make You Want To Go Out
Because the only thing that could possibly talk me out of a Netflix and pizza delivery night is a chance to wear a killer outfit.
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1. A bold sequined slipdress that'll look fabulous on its own or layered under a cool coat or moto jacket to stay warm on the way to the event.
2. A gorgeous lace cocktail number, which may actually inspire you to throw your own party just so you can wear it. Seriously, I wouldn't blame you.
Check out BuzzFeed's full write-up on this dress, which has over 2,000 positive reviews!
Promising review: "This dress is killer. The fabric is high quality and the lace isn't delicate enough to rip. I can't tell you how amazing I felt in this. It's so beautiful. Underneath the lace, there's a layer of fabric to shield you from any see-through mishaps. There are also rubber straps in the shoulder area so that the dress doesn't slip off, which is so ingenious! I wore it for over 10 hours at a wedding and I had no problems. I just love this dress to death! Buy it!" —Jennifer
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in sizes XS-XXL and in seven colors).
3. A sparkly double-breasted halter dress that looks like if your favorite blazer decided to pour some champagne and let its hair — er, seams — down.
Get it from Boohoo for $25 (available in sizes 4-12 and in two colors).
4. A club-ready sequined mini with detailing reminiscent of a mermaid tail that'll make even the biggest introverts wanna be where the people are.
You wanna see, wanna seem 'em dancing.
Promising review: "LOVE this!!! Got it for Vegas. I'm impressed with the quality and comfort! It's breathable and relaxed fit for being a going-out dress! Would buy again 100%." —Felicia
Get it from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in sizes XS-XL and in eight colors).
5. A '20s-inspired beaded cocktail dress that'll have you looking and feeling greater than Gatsby.
Promising review: "I cannot write enough praise about this dress! I ordered it on Thursday for a '20s-themed wedding I had on Sunday and was STRESSED the whole time about it fitting because I had no backup plan! It arrived in time and FIT PERFECTLY! It's absolutely gorgeous. The beading and detail truly exceeded my expectations for the price. I got so many compliments all night. Highly recommend!!!" —Alexandria Segura
Get it from Amazon for $33.99+ (available in sizes XS-XL and in eight colors).
6. A sultry leopard mini to make sure you won't even ~paws~ before texting your BFF "We're going out tonight!"
Get it from Forever 21 for $18 (available in sizes S-L).
7. A classic bandage dress that's the perfect first aid for your intense craving for fancy designer dresses.
Promising review: "This dress is KILLER! I am 6 feet tall and a 36DD. I ordered a large (I'm usually a US 8 or medium) and it's perfect! Tight, of course — took a minute to zip it up the first time haha. The mid-calf length is great for tall girls — it comes up to about two inches above my knees which is exactly what I predicted and wanted. I searched Amazon for a good Hervé Leger bandage dress knockoff. I will definitely be ordering more styles from this brand. Fantastic quality!" —Alexa
Get it from Amazon for $49+ (available in sizes XS-XL and in eight colors).
8. A sultry, strappy party dress over 1,500 reviewers have fallen head over heels for. Probably because everyone else is as sick of impractical, uncomfy special occasion outfits as you are.
Promising review: "I purchased this dress for a wedding. I was a little nervous about the low back; I can’t/won’t go without a bra and pasties don’t work for me. I was happy to see that the straps were adjustable, so my strapless bra worked perfectly with it. I got tons of compliments all night, and who doesn’t love a dress with pockets? The fabric is stretchy so you have a little wiggle room on the size. I’m 5’4 and 200 lbs, and I typically wear a size L in tops and 16 in bottoms. I ordered a size L and was happy with the fit." —Mandee
Get it from Amazon for $20.99+ (available in sizes XS-XXL and in 33 colors and prints).
9. A sexy Alice and Olivia mixed-material mini that understands your wish to show off your fab lingerie at a cocktail party while still looking appropriate.
Get it from Shopbop for $495 (available in sizes 0-14).
10. A knockout lace midi here to ensure you won't have to worry about what kind of small talk to make — by the time everyone's done complimenting your dress, the party will be over. Phew.
11. A drop-dead gorgeous pleated off-the-shoulder dress that'll make you feel so glam, you'll cry tiers of joy.
Promising review: "OMG! Awesome!!!!! I'm 5’4” and 145 lbs. I bought a medium and it drapes beautifully. I plan to wear it on my shoulders, and the elastic seems strong enough to hold. I bought the white and it’s light and airy — not see though at all. I'm so thrilled. I will buy it in black ASAP!" —LB
Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in sizes S-XL and in six colors).
12. A voluminous-sleeved sequined cocktail dress sure to have you ~teal~-ing hot hot hot.
Get it from Asos for $222 (available in sizes 0-14).
13. A twirl-ready fringed beauty that is ridiculously reminiscent of the dress Taylor Swift wears in the "Delicate" music video and is sure to earn you a ~repuation~ for great style.
And yes, it's chill that this dress is in your head.
Promising review: "I loved this dress!! I got it for a Taylor Swift concert. It’s a great material and it fits well. The dress is so much fun to dance in!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $33.99+ (available in sizes XS-3X and in four colors).
14. And speaking of Taylor, a fancy strapless stunner so fabulous, you won't even want to find a getaway car from your next event where the ties are black, the lies are white.
*Insert long rant about 'Getaway Car' being the most underrated Taylor Swift song of all time here.*
Get it from Eloquii for $169.95 (available in sizes 14-26).
15. A glam studded mini that screams, "Party? Bling it on."
Promising review: "I bought this dress skeptical about quality and size and let me tell you, it fit perfectly!! I wore it for New Year's Eve and I got lots of compliments on it. It was very unique in a sea of sequined dresses! I'm 5'6" and 135 lbs and I bought a medium. I went by the size chart and the dress fit like a glove." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $28.33+ (available in sizes XS-L and in two colors).
16. A ruffled floral bodycon number ready to ~shoulder~ the "What the heck do I wear???" burden of every social event.
Promising review: "I bought this dress in a size XS, and when I got it today I was blown away! I'm about 5'3" and 115 lbs, and this dress fit me perfectly without being too tight. The material is soft and silky, but not too thin, and the top part with the ruffle has enough stretch to be extremely comfortable. I absolutely love this dress, and I probably would have paid a lot more for it in a store." —2Chic
Get it from Amazon for $11.25+ (available in sizes XS-XXL and in eight prints).
17. A richly-hued, high-low, off-the-shoulder number that'll steal the scene at every soirée. Just ask the 2,000+ people who've left positive reviews.
Check out BuzzFeed's full write-up on this dress.
Promising review: "Okay, I love this dress! It's great quality and fits me like I had it tailor-made. There are so many colors, but I wanted the yellow and I'm so happy I made the purchase! When wearing a strapless bra, I'm always concerned that my girls won't sit up, but the dress fit me perfectly in the bust area, so much so it helped keep me up. 😍😍 I felt beautiful in this dress and I'll purchase another color soon." —DaughterOfaKing7
Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in sizes S-XXL and in eight colors).
18. A strappy embroidered beauty, which may cause the spontaneous urge to twirl.
Get it from ModCloth for $129 (available in sizes XXS-4X).
19. A bell-sleeved wonder that'll work for more conservative or business events but still bring plenty of pizzazz.
Promising review: "Perfect party dress. This dress is absolutely beautiful. I purchased it in pink for my daughter's baby shower and I received so many compliments — even women I didn’t know stopped to ask me where I got it! 💕" —Yolanda Mayo
Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in sizes XS-3X and in 36 designs).
20. A velvet pencil dress sure to have you looking ~sharp~.
Promising review: "This dress is absolutely amazing. It’s the perfect velvet dress and I love the length. I love how The top drapes around my shoulders. I’m 5’4”, 135 lbs, and wearing a medium and its perfect. I’ll be wearing this to my future sister-in-law's bridal shower!" —lfcostello
Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in sizes S-XL and in six colors).
21. A metallic maxi that'll help you get up and get ~glowing~ even on those nights when you're tempted to tell your friends you're probably coming down with a cold or something.
Get it from Forever 21 for $38 (available in sizes 1X-3X).
22. A seductive velvet faux-wrap number you should buy ~now~ to get you hype for holiday parties ~later~.
Promising review: "There are few words to describe this dress. It's absolutely gorgeous! The inside is silky, so it's super comfortable, and it comes to a good length. I'd recommend this dress to everyone." —Amanda Barnes
Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in sizes 14W-22W and in seven colors).
23. A knockout pencil dress that would also slay at the office so you get more bang for you buck. Plus it looks like it could easily cost quadruple the price!!!
Check out BuzzFeed's full write-up on this beauty.
Promising review: "You will turn heads in this dress! I wore this to my dance studio's ballet and received so many compliments. People were still talking about it days later. This dress fit perfectly, like a glove! I am 5'5" and 115 lbs and I bought a small. It cups my curves and the yellow color is so vibrant! It stands out in a great way. It's perfect for special occasions, weddings, cocktail parties or even work. It's my new favorite dress!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in sizes S-3X and in 17 colors).
24. A lace-up denim bodycon number (be it budget-friendly or splurge-worthy) for anyone who wishes they could just be in their fave jeans right now, tbh.
25. A satin mini that must have been designed by someone who has peered into my brain and seen that my style is best described as "purple leopard print."
It's got a comfy smocked back and is machine washable!
Get it from Urban Outfitters for $79 (available in sizes XS-XL).
26. A metallic shirtdress bedecked with the emoji you usually send to your friends when they suggest you go out. Not anymore — you gotta go show this baby off.
Get it from ModCloth for $99 (available in sizes 00-28 and in two prints).
27. A stunning, embellished, geometric-pattern dress to ~shape~ up your party wardrobe.
Get it from Express for $108 (available in sizes XXS-XL).
28. A sequined, bow-embellished, zebra-print mini sure to stand out from the rest of the herd.
Get it from Shopbop for $385 (available in sizes 0-10).
29. And a super glam embellished wonder that'll make you look and feel like Rihanna on a red carpet. And if anyone makes you feel like anything less than a queen? Forget it, they're just being a ~tulle~.
Get it from Asos for $83 (available in sizes 2-12).
You in these dresses:
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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