This time of year, fashion followers are often divided into two camps. Those who run a mile from the dreaded ‘C’ word and those who are already planning their outfits for festive nights out. We admit we relate to both, however an amazing party dress can always sway us from the former to the latter, with a swish. 

What’s festive dressing about now? Hemlines are exaggerated – it’s all about ultra high or floor-skimming lengths (it’s no longer so much about the midi), knitted dresses now count as party wear, particularly if they boast body-con fits, asymmetric sleeves or keyhole cut outs, and corsetry details and frou-frou finishes (think XL corsages and OTT ruffles) are going big. Plus, there’s a to-be-expected all-out attitude to sequins; something we always welcome. Shop our pick of decadent dresses below.

Main image: & Other Stories.

Ruffled V-neck dress, €199, at & Other Stories. 

Feather trimmed sequinned tulle mini-dress, 16 Arlington, €1,715; www.net-a-porter.com. 

Moon and star maxi-dress, €208; www.kitristudio.com. 

Daisy navy sequinned dress, €470; www.rixo.co.uk. 

Fringe hem sequinned dress, €49.99, at H&M. 

Lou midi-dress, Stella Nova, €269, at Arnotts. 

Green sparkle wrap dress, €450, at LK Bennett.

Draped wool-blend dress, €89.95, at Zara.