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The 14 Best Party Dresses On Amazon

Shake and shimmy in style.

by Annabel Graham
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
Bustle/Amazon
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After a good amount of time spent indoors, behind screens, and in sweats, this year saw the reemergence of The Party Dress. Maybe you jumped at the chance to look put-together again — or maybe you no longer even entertain the idea of high heels or non-elastic clothes. In either case, chances are you may need to dress up for something (even if it’s just entertaining at home) in the near future — so you’ll thank yourself for having one of the best party dresses on hand.

These days, the best party dresses strike that oh-so-delicate balance between stylish and comfortable, and fit and function are queen. A shift-style, brightly colored mini dress is a great option for dancing the night away, while an upscale wrap dress with retro-glam details is the perfect choice as a wedding guest or for a cocktail event. And remember that “comfortable” doesn’t have to mean “unkempt” — a casual party dress, like a relaxed sweater dress, can effortlessly carry you from day to night with a simple shoe change and the addition of some statement jewelry. Beyond cut, consider what materials you’re most taken with. Velvet and satin are classic choices for festive occasions, especially in black or jewel tones, but maybe this year you’d like to branch out with something a little bolder like mesh, lace, embroidery, or even head-turning sequins.

Whether the prospect of pulling on your going-out clothes excites you or fills you with dread (or maybe a bit of both), you’re sure to find something that suits your needs on this list. Scroll on to shop 14 of the best party dresses — all available on Amazon — in a range of lengths, fits, styles, materials, and colors.

1The Little Bodycon Dress That Could

This sultry spaghetti-strap, bodycon mini dress with a sweetheart neckline is “perfect for any event,” as one reviewer reported, but it feels particularly well-suited for drinks and dancing. Ruching and an asymmetrical hemline provide interest and structure. With 29 colors to choose from, you’d be hard-pressed to find a version you don’t love.

Enthusiastic review: “I have never kept a dress I've ordered online. I've returned 3 dresses Ive bought off Amazon just recently. I bought this dress fully intending on having to return it but I was hopeful. This dress is amazing! It has a little stretch to it which I like but hugs and fits like a glove in all the right places. I am super happy with this purchase, I also ordered it in green.”

Sizes: X-Small — XX-Large | Colors: 29 | Material: 95% Polyester, 5% Spandex

2A Best-Selling Lace Cocktail Dress That’s Classically Elegant

This tailored, high-necked lace dress hits at the knee, with a scalloped lace hem that mirrors the pretty cap sleeves. Boasting nearly 13,000 five-star ratings and reviews, it’s a classically elegant option for a wedding or holiday party. Brides-to-be, take note: Reviewers love it in white for bridal showers and rehearsal dinners.

Enthusiastic review: “This dress is adorable! It is great quality looks high-end with an inexpensive price tag. I will definitely wear it at a holiday party and other special occasions as it is comfortable and elegant.”

Sizes: Small — X-Large | Colors: 19 | Material: 65% Rayon, 35% Polyester

3Editor’s Pick: A Slinky, Shirred Mini Dress By An Iconic Designer

Made of a shiny, ready-to-party gold shirred lame, this mini dress is such a cult-favorite piece — and no wonder, as it was designed by Norma Kamali. An asymmetrical, above-the-knee hemline is subtly mirrored by the one-shoulder design, and reviewers rave about the stretchy, body-hugging fabric — and it even comes with a stretchy, built-in bodysuit. After all, you’ve got to be comfortable if you’re going to dance the night away.

Editor praise: “I wore the Diana dress to my cousin’s rehearsal dinner in Miami, and it couldn’t have been more perfect for the occasion — it’s beyond comfortable and has tons of stretch for dancing, and since it has a built-in bodysuit, I didn’t need to fuss with any special undergarments. The curve-creating silhouette and flashy shades on offer (I opted for ‘Starfuit’) feel a little clubby in the best possible way, while still remaining cool and elegant.” — Bustle editor Caroline Goldstein

Sizes: XX-Small — X-Large | Colors: 6 | Material: 95% Polyester, 5% Spandex

4The Crushed Velvet Skater Dress of Your ‘90s Dreams

If — like me — you were a child of the ‘90s, chances are you had a version (or two) of this crushed velvet skater dress hanging in your closet at some point. With thin cross-over shoulder straps, a plunging V-neck, a form-fitting bodice, and a swing skirt, this playful, stretchy update is all grown up. Throw it on with sheer tights and your favorite heels for an easy cocktail look — or layer a turtleneck underneath for extra coverage, warmth, and ‘90s flair.

Enthusiastic review: “This dress is beautiful!!! The fabric is so soft, sewing is clean and straight, the color is magnificent. I expected a thin cheap dress for the amount I paid but I was pleasantly surprised.”

Sizes: Small — XX-Large | Colors: 12 | Material: Crushed Velvet

5A Versatile, Ultra-Chic Asymmetrical Sweater Dress

Made from a luxe, medium-weight viscose knit blend, this chic sweater dress is so easy to dress up or down. Its midi length is balanced out by an asymmetrical neckline that shows off one shoulder for a look that exudes understated elegance. Pair it with strappy heels for a holiday party, or throw on your favorite knee-high boots for brunch with friends.

Enthusiastic review: “The fit was perfect, not too fitted at all. [...] The material is so soft and amooth. This can be dressed up for a night out or also great for a casual day out running errands.”

Sizes: XX-Small — 5X | Colors: 6 | Material: 65% Viscose, 35% Nylon

6This Winter Floral Mini Dress That’s So On-Trend

If you’re anything like me, you probably associate florals with spring and summer. This unique embroidered mesh mini dress is here to change that. Available in two classically winter-friendly hues (black and navy), it features the mesh overlay that’s everywhere this season, plus a pattern of distinctive, colorful embroidered florals. Reviewers confirm that it looks and feels much more expensive than its price tag would suggest — as one reviewer wrote, “the threadwork is genuinely beautiful.”

Enthusiastic review: “Adorable! Fit perfect and I received non stop compliments all night long!”

Sizes: Small — XX-Large | Colors: 2 | Material: 100% Polyester

7An Off-The-Shoulder Ruched Mini Dress That’s Oh So Glam

For an ultra-glam look that screams “va-va-voom,” look no further than this off-the-shoulder mini dress, which boasts a graceful sweetheart neckline and an asymmetrical ruched hem that’s guaranteed to turn a few heads. Reviewers rave about the “perfect” fit and how comfortable and non-constricting it feels, despite its form-fitting silhouette. Snap it up in black if you’re in need of (another) LBD — or for even more glam, choose the glitzy black glitter.

Enthusiastic review: “I really liked the dress. You can adjust the length as well, which makes it perfect for any type of occasion. Would definitely recommend.”

Sizes: Large Plus — 5X-Large Plus | Colors: 4 | Material: Not Listed

8This Satin Halter Dress That Channels The Disco Era

Pay homage to the disco era in this satin halter dress. It comes in chic chocolate brown, a groovy marble print, and the eye-catching blue pictured that would’ve undoubtedly turned heads at Studio 54. Its free-flowing shape is made for shimmying — throw it on for an impromptu dance party or a night of cocktails at home.

Enthusiastic review: “I love this dress so much and received so many compliments when I wore it to a fall wedding. The fit is flowy but the dress still has structure to it. The slit makes this perfect for moving around (or dancing) and did not hit the floor [...] This could be dressed up or down.”

Sizes: XX-Small — 5X | Colors: 3 | Material: 95% Polyester, 5% Satin

9An Old Hollywood-Inspired Velvet Maxi Dress With A Sky-High Slit

Few materials set the mood for a holiday party quite like jewel-toned velvet. This buttery-soft spaghetti-strap gown comes in three luscious shades — black, burgundy, and evergreen, all ideal for the holiday-party circuit. Pair it with stilettos and high-wattage jewelry for a look that’s undeniably glam.

Enthusiastic review: “I got this as a backup dress when I did not know if my primary dress would arrive in time for a ball. Ended up loving this dress more. It looks so luxurious, is very comfortable, and has great stretch [...] Wore it all night between sitting, walking about, taking photos, and dancing and did not have to adjust it at all.”

Sizes: Small — X-Large | Colors: 3 | Material: Velvet

10This Classic Pencil Dress With Elegant Poet Sleeves

Between its elegant, sleek silhouette, romantic sheer poet sleeves, and cinched high waist, this stretchy knee-length pencil dress is sure to have you feeling like you’ve just walked off the set of Mad Men. A tie belt means the waist is easily adjustable, and 3D floral appliqué adds a cheeky, mod-inspired touch to its mesh flounce sleeves. Pair with a chunky heel, chandelier earrings, and a bold lip to channel Joan Holloway.

Enthusiastic review: “The dress was absolutely stunning. I was so delighted and couldn't wait for my event. The dress had the perfect fit and was not so thin that you could see everything through it. Only the sleeves were sheer. Loved it! RECOMMEND IT!!!”

Sizes: 0X-Large — 4X-Large Plus | Colors: 7 | Material: 95% Polyester, 5% Spandex

11A ‘90s-Inspired Bodycon Dress With A Trendy Cutout Detail

For an ensemble that’s minimal, sleek, and ‘90’s-inspired, look no further than this bodycon sheath dress, which hits just below the knee and comes in a wide array of colors — from neutrals to leopard print to Christmas plaid. The cut-out style pictured is especially on-trend, but if you’re in the mood for something toastier, there’s a turtleneck version in the same listing. Try it in coffee for a look that’s Kardashian-esque, or in white to channel Sharon Stone’s iconic Basic Instinct interrogation scene.

Enthusiastic review: “This dress is exactly what the picture represents. It's not sheer, it's stretchy, the cutout hits at the perfect spot, even for me with a very long torso. It fits perfect, great length, very comfortable, I love it.”

Sizes: Small — XX-Large | Colors: 26 | Material: 60% Cotton, 35% Polyester, 5% Spandex

12This Satin Cowl Neck Midi Dress With A Drawstring Hem

This unequivocally sultry cowl-neck fishtail dress is made of the softest satin and comes in a whopping 32 colors. It boasts an asymmetrical bevel-cut hemline with a drawstring on the side that can be adjusted to show as much or as little leg as you like. One reviewer wrote: “This dress feels like sleeping in silk sheets [...] I wore it to a wedding and received so many compliments.”

Enthusiastic review: “If you have any doubt on buying this product, DON'T! I was skeptical when ordering it as well until I seen my sister in law in it and it looked amazing! The quality of it is good and its soft. You can adjust how high or low you want the ruched side to be depending on the occasion and style you are going for. Gotten many compliments on it. It looks expensive once you put it on and add your accessories to it. [...] It is simply beautiful and they have so many colors you can chose from.”

Sizes: X-Small — X-Large | Colors: 32 | Material: Satin

13A Sequined Mini Dress That’s Perfect For Dancing The Night Away

Nothing says “celebration” quite like sequins. If you’re on the hunt for a throw-on-and-go evening ensemble that’s eye-catching, fun, and disco-inspired, this glittery, fully-lined mini dress just might be the one. It’s short but loose-fitting, making it easy to move (read: dance) in — and for those who want to coordinate with friends for a Vegas trip or bachelorette weekend, it comes in 25 festive colors (including Rainbow and Mermaid!).

Enthusiastic review: “I wore this for my ‘Dolly Disco’ bachelorette party and it was perfect! [...] The lining is thick, not see-through at all, and my sequins stayed on all night. Definitely a bang for your buck! I’ll be purchasing in other colors as well!”

Sizes: X-Small — X-Large | Colors: 25 | Material: 100% Polyester

14This Flouncy Faux-Wrap Dress With Romantic Lace Detail

This timeless faux-wrap dress boasts a V-neck lace bodice and a fit-and-flare midi chiffon skirt that’s perfect for twirling. A hidden button-loop closure at the bust means you can easily adjust coverage, depending on how much skin you want to show, while an empire waist with the sweetest grosgrain ribbon tie adds cheeky party-dress flair.

Enthusiastic review: “I bought this beautiful dress for my husbands holiday party this year and I absolutely loved it! It’s comfortable,fit me perfect ! I highly recommend this dress!!!”

Sizes: 14 Plus — 26 Plus | Colors: 12 | Material: 90% Polyester, 10% Spandex

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