15 Party Dresses To Get You Through The Season (And Beyond) In Style

Best for: Wear-again whimsy

Playful but still chic, this bright yellow style from Alemais captures a fun-loving spirit that is perfect for cocktail dressing. Add a pair of the brand’s statement earrings to complete your look. You can also style this silhouette with a chunky cardigan across your shoulders for a more casual look.

Sizes: AU6–14.

Colour: Yellow.

Materials: 56% Linen, 44% Viscose.

Also available at:

• $1395 from Mytheresa

Best for: Embellished elegance

Statement cut-outs and gemstone finishes have become signature of Sydney brand Christopher Esber. This maxi style fits with a tank silhouette in a lightweight ribbed fabric that is comfortable and easy to wear.

Sizes: AU4–14.

Colour: Lavender.

Materials: 96% Polyester, 4% Spandex.

Also available at:

• $750 from The New Trend

Best for: Luxe (faux) leather

Take a risk with texture and try on this leather-look mini from Ganni. The fabric gives the T-shirt fit structure that elevates it to evening territory. Style with embellished accessories for an on-brand finishing touch.

Sizes: DE32–42.

Colour: Black.

Material: 65% Polyurethane, 23% Recycled Polyester, 7% Cotton, 5% Viscose.

Best for: Bold colour

A slinky satin mini is the perfect way to dial up party fever. The fabric drapes across the body to give a relaxed, flattering look. Lean into Kiwi brand Paris Georgia’s signature styling with a pair of statement sandals to finish.

Sizes: XS–XL.

Colours: Bold Blue, Butter, Clay and White.

Material: 100% Rayon.

Also available at:

• $660 from David Jones

Best for: A red-hot winner

Sydney brand Sir masters cool-girl cocktail with its well-executed styles. This mini design is finished with draping details, offering a more demure finish when you stand to one side. Go all in with matching shoes for a red-hot look.

Sizes: OP–4.

Colour: Tangerine.

Materials: 75% Cotton, 22% Nylon, 3% Spandex.

Best for: Structured and striking

Shona Joy balances a plunging neckline and artful cut-out detailing with flattering ruching through the body to create this striking maxi. Opt for silver-tone jewellery to add a ’90s touch to your outfit.

Sizes: 6–14.

Colour: Aqua and Sky.

Materials: 49% Cotton, 48% Nylon, 3% Spandex.

Also available at:

• $380 from The Iconic

Best for: Two-piece takeover

Acler proves that sometimes two is better than one with this matching skirt and top. Rendered in a trending brown hue, the cropped top is finished with a statement ruffle floral detail, while the A-line skirt has minimalist appeal. Mix and match these pieces with your everyday wardrobe after the event.

Sizes: AU6–12.

Colour: Dark Coffee.

Material: 100% Polyester.

Also available at:

• $320 and $350 from The Iconic

Best for: Festive florals

Crochet trim details amp up the charm on this strapless silhouette. The yellow base is topped with striking floral details that will do the job for garden parties, baby showers and even Christmas season lunches.

Sizes: AU6–12.

Colour: Meadow.

Material: 100% Linen.

Best for: Low-key luxury

A simple silhouette is brought to life with a dose of nature-inspired style. Level up this pared-back look with chunky golden jewellery and a pair of ’90s-inspired wedges.

Sizes: XS–XXL.

Colour: Poplar Sage.

Material: 100% Rayon.

Best for: Pared-back pastel

Lemon yellow fuels feelings of wanderlust – Aere translates this vibe into a very wearable one-shoulder midi. The organic cotton construction can skew casual when needed but with the right accessories (think pearl-embellished earrings and kitten heel mules) it becomes a seasonal show-stopper.

Sizes: AU6–18.

Colours: Lemon.

Material: 100% Organic Cotton.

Best for: Tailored timelessness

At face value this black midi dress might not seem all that special. But the wool crepe fabric and expertly tailored fit beg to differ. Lean into refined edge with an updo and pearl finishing touches. You could also style this piece with a shirt layered over or underneath for the office.

Sizes: 1–5.

Colour: Black.

Materials: 98% Wool, 2% Elastane.

Also available at:

• $1038 from Net-A-Porter

Best for: Power print

Whether you think of leopard print as a neutral or not, there’s no denying the fabulousness of this billowing mini dress. Made from a linen and silk-blend fabric, it has the perfect amount of flounce for spinning around a dance floor.

Sizes: XS–L.

Colour: Chocolate Leopard.

Materials: 55% Linen, 45% Silk.

Best for: Girlish grace

The babydoll neckline and floral finishing touches on this pale blue style deliver girlish charm. This delicate style makes a good choice for weddings or garden parties. But silver-tone accessories and a deep red lip will bring it back into evening territory as needed.

Sizes: AU6–16.

Colours: Blue and Pastel Yellow.

Material: 100% Lyocell.

Best for: Pretty in peach

Another textured style that’s well-suited to events that take you from the afternoon into the evening. Aje is a master of cocktail dressing and the bold sleeve detail and A-line skirt seen here prove why.

Sizes: AU4–16.

Colours: Apricot, Rosewater and Black.

Material: 100% Polyester.

Also available at:

• $695 from David Jones

Best for: Bridal brunch

A white dress is a summertime classic. And this floral embroidered style would even slot effortlessly into a modern bridal wardrobe – we’re thinking of a morning-after brunch or low-key engagement party.

Sizes: 00–5.

Colour: White.

Materials: 71% Rayon, 18% Polyester, 11% Nylon.