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Winter co*cktail dresses are unlike any other in that they’re either infinitely more festive, designed to offer more warmth, or, often, both. But the most significant difference this season is assuredly the fact that you’re shopping for them at all for the holiday party circuit and beyond. Think celebratory dinners, winter weddings, and birthdays. And, of course, at-home parties can just as easily warrant a fun design, whether you are taking on the role of host (which undoubtedly requires a remarkable look!) or attending a soiree with a co*cktail dress code.
Indeed, festive fashion is back in full swing, thus making an assortment of winter co*cktail dresses essential for standout style. We’re talking about everything from sequined, metallic, and embellished designs for high-octane glamour to pretty prints, lace, and satin for elegant moments. Plus understated styles with just a wink of cheer, like long-sleeve dresses with a hint of shimmer, sumptuous velvet, and versatile black silhouettes magnificently detailed so as not to snooze. Whatever your taste for festive desires this season, keep scrolling for Vogue’s edit of the best winter co*cktail dresses for women—’tis the season.
The Long-Sleeve Dress
Combat the winter chill while looking fabulous in a long-sleeve co*cktail dress—be it a ruched mini, colorfully cutout midi, or minimal satin number with a detachable cape.
Significant Other Monza cut-out bodycon midi-dress
Gia Studios caped satin dress
Rixo Elsie polka-dot midi-dress
Isabel Marant Linario ruched jersey midi-dress
Khaite the Nerissa dress in olive
Tove Asha ruched cotton dress
The Metallic Dress
While gold and silver dresses equate to megawatt style, don’t be afraid to go beyond them when taking the metallic route—think shimmering aqua, green, burgundy, and beyond.
Zimmermann Tempo glitter tulle gown
Tory Burch crinkle stripe lamé dress
Acler Kalora pleated satin one-shoulder midi-dress
The Vampire's Wife The Falconetti metallic chiffon midi-dress
Pat Bo lurex traped midi-dress
Martin Grant silk-blend metalic brocade midi sheath dress
The Printed Dress
A far cry from springy blooms and plucky summer stripes, winter prints are utterly fresh on the co*cktail scene, from florals rendered in velvet and metallic-flecked fabrics to tartan checks and deep paisley.
The Vampire's Wife the Falconetti floral silk midi-dress
J.Crew open-back metallic clip-dot dress in golden floral
Kobi Halperin Hunter printed midi dress
Autumn Adeigbo Blythe dress in red and black tartan
Brock Collection Talayah floral maxi dress
Isabel Marant Albi ruched paisley-print silk crepe de chine midi-dress
The Satin Dress
Whether you’re a minimalist or revel in the liquid-y feel of silk, a satin co*cktail dress never fails. Choose a long-sleeve style or elongated hem for cold weather, or layer up with a blazer or embellished cardigan over a slip silhouette with tights underneath.
Zimmermann silk wrap mini dress
Ciao Lucia Carolinne tie-accented satin midi-dress
Tove Gracen silk midi-dress
Tom Ford tie-neck satin midi-dress
Cinq a Sept Phyllis mock-neck long-sleeve dress
Alice + Olivia Harmony asymmetric midi-dress
The Velvet Dress
What fabric feels quintessential winter more than velvet? Bursting with elegance, it’s warm, to boot, whether you swathe yourself in a puff-sleeve midi, bow tie mini, or cozy-chic ribbed-knit-and-velvet hybrid.
Alessandra Rich velvet minidress
Reformation Minna velvet minidress
Gabriela Hearst Abbey silk maxi dress
Lanvin leopard-print velvet jaquard dress
A.L.C. Maeve velvet cut-out dress
Alessandra Rich velvet minidress
The Sequined Dress
The holidays unquestionably call for sequins—go timeless in a minimal gold or black slip or a silvery high-neck mini. But when breaking the paillette mold, embrace vibrant hues like deep purple, red, and garnet.
Michael Michael Kors sequined recycled tulle minidress
Tory Burch sequin slip dress
Halpern scoop-neck sequinned mini slip dress
J.Crew sequin V-back dress
Markarian sequined silk midi-dress
Zara limited-edition sequin dress
The Lace Dress
Synonymous with sophistication, a lace co*cktail dress is equal parts festive and feminine. For an au courant look, seek out modern touches, like a fitted bodice with sweet bow-tie straps, a drop or peplum waist, or perhaps a vibrant kelly green hue.
Prabal Gurung lace bustier midi-dress
Rime Arodaky Lui lace-trimmed crepe minidress
Self-Portrait square-neck guipure-lace midi-dress
Ganni cut-out twisted lace midi-dress
Jonathan Simkhai Bonnie lace tie-strap midi-dress
Gucci plunge-neck bi-color cordonnet lace dress
The Black Dress
Black is never to be discounted when it comes to winter co*cktail dresses. Feather trim and rhinestone detailing amount to the ultimate in merry. Look to restrained silhouettes in luxe fabrics for a more understated approach, like a draped satin midi, leather wrap, or structured wool mini.
Johanna Ortiz Cairo Nights jersey midi-dress
Proenza Schouler faux-leather midi-dress
HVN Suki belted feather-trimmed crepe and chiffon minidress
Coperni virgin wool minidress
Amsale drape one-shoulder midi co*cktail dress
Amina Muaddi x Wolford cutout jersey midi-dress
The Minidress
If you’re all about a mini, stock up for the season with options ranging from voluminous taffeta and shimmering lamé to asymmetrically ruched jersey and ruffled satin.
Fendi off-soulder jersey minidress
Bernadette Birgit gathered taffeta minidress
Khaite Carmen ruffled satin minidress
The Attico padded-shoulder lamé minidress
Mango cut-out back dress
Cinq a Sept Thea silk co*cktail dress
The Midi-Dress
Midi hemlines are always refined—to keep things festive, embrace voluminous full skirts, shimmering fabrics, and strikingly vibrant hues.
Khaite Lynette dress in Panama
Galvan Sienna satin halterneck midi-dress
Ulla Johnson Evanthe ruched satin midi halter dress
Alejandra Alonso Rojas bustier silk bustier midi-dress
Alexander McQueen taffeta fit and flare dress
Material ruched jersey midi-dress
The Bow Dress
Like a stylish gift, why not wrap yourself up in a bow on the winter co*cktail circuit? The beloved detail ranges from dramatic to sweet, whether you take the route of a train, bow ties, or glittering embellishment.
Kate Spade Beau dress
Oscar de la Renta bow-trimmed crepe minidress
Saloni Camille crystal-bow crepe midi-dress
Markarian Drusa black floral brocade one-shoulder dress with train
Giambattista Valli bow-detailed bouclé minidress
Molly Goddard Meredith bow one-shoulder taffeta minidress
The Embellished Dress
Up the ante on your LBD this season with a cheerful party dress adorned with pearls, rhinestones, beads, or sequins.
Retrofête Gabrielle velvet-trimmed beaded chiffon mini wrap dress
Rosie Assoulin knotted faux pearl dress
Self-Portrait crystal-embellished crepe minidress
Paco Rabanne off-the-shoulder crystal-embellished lace-trimmed velvet midi-dress
David Koma crystal-embellished satin gown
Rebecca Vallance Naomi ruched sequined tulle minidress