Holiday Party Dresses by Dress Code

Match the dress to the party, not the calendar. A casual holiday party suits velvet, a cocktail party calls for a sequin or satin holiday cocktail dress at knee or midi length, and a formal party calls for a floor-length gown.

Below are holiday dresses for women grouped by how dressy the party is, with a red Christmas party dress, a floor-length option, and the tights, heels and bag that finish them. Every product here is an Amazon listing; what we say about each comes from its listing, and nothing was tried on.

Pick the dress by how dressy the party is

Casual holiday party: velvet

A house party, a neighborhood open house, a friends' gift swap. You want something festive that still looks right next to jeans, and velvet does that through texture rather than shine.

The R.Vivimos skater mini is crushed velvet with a V neck and an invisible back zipper, in sizes Small to XX-Large. A skater skirt is easy to move and sit in, and with black tights and ankle boots it's a casual party outfit.

Cocktail party: a holiday cocktail dress

A holiday cocktail dress ends somewhere between the knee and mid-calf and has some shine: sequins, glitter or satin. If the invitation spells out the dress code, our guide to festive cocktail attire explains what the words ask for.

The GRACE KARIN sequin midi is a lined, sleeveless A-line with a V neck and a concealed zipper. An A-line skirt keeps sequins from clinging, and a lining matters because sequin backing can feel scratchy on skin. Bring a wrap for the walk in; it's sleeveless.

Satin is the quieter cocktail option, smooth and a little glossy without sparkle. The KOUNAI mini is a polyester satin cocktail dress with one long sleeve, a high neck and a zipper, in sizes X-Small to X-Large. The single sleeve is the statement, so skip the necklace and add sheer tights and pointed heels. For more long-sleeve options in warm fabrics, see our winter cocktail dresses.

Formal or black-tie party: a floor-length gown

If the invitation says formal or black tie, a floor-length gown is the safe formal Christmas party dress; our guide on what to wear to a gala goes through those dress codes. The Ever-Pretty glitter gown is floor length and fully lined, with short sleeves and a double V neck, in sizes 2 to 26. The listing says the fabric has no stretch, so check the size chart against your measurements. Short sleeves in December need a wrap or a coat you're happy to check.

A red Christmas party dress, and other holiday colors

A red holiday party dress is the classic Christmas choice. The BORIFLORS midi is a square-neck, ruched bodycon cocktail dress with a ruffle hem in double-lined mesh, offered in Red and Pink, in sizes X-Small to X-Large. The card's photo shows the listing's default color, so choose Red from the listing's color options.

Red isn't the only holiday color. Emerald and burgundy feel festive without looking like a costume, gold and silver suit a party with dancing, and black in velvet or sequins works for every party on the calendar. A product photo shows one color, often not the one you want, so check each listing's color options before you decide.

• Velvet: warm and soft, and good for a long evening.
• Sequins and glitter: the most festive. Look for a lining.
• Satin: dressy and smooth. It shows creases, so hang it the night before.
• Knits: for the most casual parties. Our winter outfit ideas cover layering knits for cold nights.

Tights, heels and a bag

Buauty's sheer tights come as a two-pack of 20-denier black control-top pairs with a 1.5-inch waistband, in sizes Small to 3X-Large. Twenty denier still looks sheer but takes the edge off the cold. The listing title calls them run resistant; carry the second pair in your bag anyway.

The JOY IN LOVE pumps have a pointed toe and a 3.5-inch stiletto heel, and the listing offers many colors. A pointed toe lengthens the leg under a mini or a midi. If you'll stand for hours, a lower heel is kinder.

The BABEYOND bag is a rhinestone triangle on satin, sold in two sizes: 4.9 x 5.9 inches and 6.9 x 7.9 inches. Hold your phone up to those numbers before you choose; a bag you can't close is no fun at a party.

Other holiday parties

• Christmas with family and friends: Christmas outfit ideas has outfits for the whole family, not only party dresses.
• The office party: what to wear to a work holiday party keeps it right for coworkers.
• Plus sizes: plus size holiday dresses covers velvet, sequins and swiss dot, with one dress going up to 8X.
• New Year's Eve: New Year's Eve outfits picks up after Christmas.
• A casual party the rest of the year: casual party outfit ideas.