This year's must-have Christmas party dresses – and how to wear them

I am so ready to say yes to any invite this Christmas and can’t wait to pull my favourite party dress out of the cupboard and dust it off for a good dance. I think we have absolute carte blanche to go all out this year, no wallflowers allowed. You only really need one ‘wow’ party dress as the season is quite short and this Mary Benson velvet number is a brilliant investment piece.

What I'm wearing to a party this Christmas

Celeste velvet dress, £495, Mary Benson. Boots, £1,125, Jimmy Choo

You only really need one ‘wow’ party dress as the season is quite short and this green Mary Benson velvet number is a brilliant investment piece. Each is hand made with luxurious cotton velvet and adorned with Mary’s signature celestial glitter and metallic appliqués. I love the flattering cut with the puff sleeves and the ruffle details on the hemline and cuffs for maximum drama.

LK Bennett

Lamé dress, £299, LK Bennett

This is the dress for all those magpies out there (me!) who love wearing metallics and it feels particularly perfect for the run up to Christmas. This warm bronze tone also flatters so many skin colours and just needs a dash of red lipstick to be party-ready.

Isabel Manns

Printed dress, £420, Isabel Manns

I love the pink and red colour clash in this printed silk shirt dress by small British brand Isabel Manns. It will look perfectly seasonal now with sparkly heels and also very wearable when the sun comes back out.

Brora

Velvet dress, £295, Brora

I am a complete sucker for velvet, it just feels so wonderful to wear. This Brora style will look just as good in the day with a pair of flat boots as it will in the evening. It is that classic dress you will return to every year and throw on with ease.

And what to accessorise with your party outfit...

Gold-plated hoops, £69, Astrid & Miyu; Crochet satin bag, £95, Isla Risa; Leather shoes, £165, Camilla Elphick