Social Pictures: The Jaeger-LeCoultre x Paul Sheeran event
Social Pictures: The Jaeger-LeCoultre x Paul Sheeran event

IMAGE

Kieran Clifford aka Fatbaby Bakes shares her life in food
Kieran Clifford aka Fatbaby Bakes shares her life in food

Sarah Gill

Meet the new dream treatment for face, eye and neck rejuvenation
Meet the new dream treatment for face, eye and neck rejuvenation

Lizzie Gore-Grimes

A retelling of the world’s greatest love story – what to watch this week
A retelling of the world’s greatest love story – what to watch this week

Edaein OConnell

Meet the sisters behind the hugely successful Nóinín in Kilkenny
Meet the sisters behind the hugely successful Nóinín in Kilkenny

Megan Burns

Social Pics: Boots No7 Future Renew™ launch at the Dylan Hotel
Social Pics: Boots No7 Future Renew™ launch at the Dylan Hotel

Edaein OConnell

This Dublin 12 home was extended to add light and flow, whilst still respecting its character
This Dublin 12 home was extended to add light and flow, whilst still respecting its...

Megan Burns

The most inspiring quotes from our IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year 2025 winners
The most inspiring quotes from our IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year 2025 winners

IMAGE

A look back at the Irish style at the Met Gala last year
A look back at the Irish style at the Met Gala last year

IMAGE

Real Weddings: Robert and Megan’s medieval castle wedding in Co. Kildare
Real Weddings: Robert and Megan’s medieval castle wedding in Co. Kildare

Sarah Finnan

Image / Fashion

16 party dresses to buy before anyone else


By Ellen Bird
14th Oct 2018
16 party dresses to buy before anyone else

Whether you’re attending an autumn wedding, throwing a big birthday bash, or well ahead of festive season outfit-planning, there’s always a requirement for sparkly cocktail attire and LBD’s. But when your gorgeous, much-loved dresses have made one too many appearances on the dance-floor (or your Instagram feed), it’s natural that you’re feeling more than ready for something new.

There’s no one way to make an entrance. Party dresses should be as individual and expressive as the woman wearing it. Searching for the most perfect party outfit can be hard. I’m all about keeping things interesting, and a simple change can do just that. If you’re someone all about sequinned minis, maybe try mixing it up and adding a solid bright colour to your wardrobe, like a neon pink or a bloodshot red. If you’re a dedicated black slip dress gal, give yourself an edge with a velvet frock instead. From high-fashion designers like Saint Laurent and Rixo London among Net-a-porter’s killer selection, to high-street brands like Mango, Topshop and Zara, you’ll be fashion sweating with choice. Some are cheekier than others, some so glam you’ll make them all stare, while others are so sophisticated you just might need pearls. Regardless, whatever the style, toned-down or super glam, there’s a dress (or three) for everyone.

Fashion is all about experimenting. From sexy ruffles, metallic styles, floral patterns and bold designs, avoid last minute panic and get yourself shopping (online) on this sluggish day. Check-out my edit on the best party dresses that will get your fashionista-self ready for party season before anyone else. Don’t forget the shoes!

Velvet ruched midi dress, €46 at Topshop

Sequin contrast-bodice dress, €99.99 at Mango

Positano strappy cocktail dress silver, €280 at Reiss

Strapless plissé-lamé mini dress, Saint Laurent, €3,490 at net-a-porter.com

Malin patchwork mini dress, €361.98 at aliceandolivia.com

Sequin dress, €39.95 at Zara

Cornela pleated velvet midi dress, €300 at Ted Baker

Little something something dress, €391.50 at freepeople.com

Mesh dress with beads, €27.99 at H&M

Golde floral-jacquard strapless mini dress, Emilio de la Morena, €762

Fringed short dress, 34.06 at Bershka

Sequined silk-chiffon midi dress, Tibi, €1,460 at net-a-porter.com

Star mesh tiered dress, €340.70 at self-portrait.com

Velvet drape button mini dress, €60 at Topshop

Ombre glitter velvet stripe midi dress, €45 at Miss Selfridge