With the advent of the holiday season come two inevitable truths. The first: that many celebrations are on the horizon, and the second: that party dresses must be selected accordingly.

Thankfully, this season's mélange of soirée-worthy styles are more than up to the task, with modern takes on mini dresses, statement sequins and luxurious lace among 2022's leading looks for the holidays.

From work Christmas party outfits to effortless New Year's Eve dresses and styles for sophisticated outdoor affairs, keep reading for The Aje Report's edit of the best party dresses fit for every occasion.

Botanical Applique Mini Dress

Short in stature though it may be, the mini dress is hardly limited by its lack of hemline when it comes to impression-making style. Perfect for cutting a playful yet feminine figure, consider contemporary takes on the short and sweet silhouette by selecting whimsical shapes in the form of tulip sleeves, bubble hems, textural tiers and organic ruching.

Botanical Applique Mini Dress

Liza Ruched Baby Doll Mini Dress

Suzette Bubble Mini Dress

Gretta Bow Back Mini Dress

Rushes Raffia Knit Dress

Ideal for after-five events, and—as its moniker would suggest—elegant cocktail soirées, the elevated midi dress is a party season piece no festive trousseau should be without. This season, put a modern twist on the wardrobe classic and gravitate towards bold colours, carefree cutouts, raw-edged ruffles and riotous fringing that sways with you—all the better to lead the dance floor in.

Rushes Raffia Knit Midi Dress

Cosette Tie Back Midi Dress

Bonjour Asymmetric Midi Dress

Capucine Puff Sleeve Midi Dress

Expressive Pleated Maxi Dress

If a black-tie affair is on the cards this holiday season, only a floor-length gown can heed the call. Whether it is a grand work gala or a formal event with friends, this is the time to revel in a full-length look crafted from sumptuous fabrics. For a failsafe approach, turn to the likes of textural taffeta and opulent organza, with deconstructed draping, sculptural silhouettes and sensuous plays on asymmetry to keep your look au courant.

Manifestation Gown

Expressive Pleated Maxi Dress

Statuesque Tiered Gown

Laurier Wave Maxi Dress

The Patina Lace Top and Skirt.

There is something to be said about the effortless appeal of lace when it comes to the realm of party season dressing. Inherently ornate and long beloved for its delicate motifs, the festive months make for a fitting time to embrace its luxurious aura. This season's iterations, however, are far from traditional. Banish any visions of the lace of yore and veer towards voluminous pieces bedecked with undulating appliqué, interwoven metalwork and cornelli spirals juxtaposed against sensuous flashes of skin.

Patina Lace Midi Dress

Patina Lace Top

Patina Lace Midi Skirt

Patina Lace Midi Dress

Evelyn Sequin Top with the Mirabelle Tulip Maxi Skirt

For minimal effort with maximal impact, look no further than a shimmering sequin look to light up the night. Designed to catch the light and steal the scene, make a statement with high-shine separates finished with allover beading, or keep your look understated via matte metallics and embellished accents.

Mirage Beaded Mini Dress

New Catara Sequin Midi Dress

Evelyn Sequin Top

New Catara Sequin Mini Skirt

Botanical Tiered Midi Dress

The embodiment of al fresco elegance, an elevated sundress is a sartorial saviour when outdoor affairs come to the fore. When in doubt, rely on cascading dresses that insist on comfort, looking to gathered tiers, hand-painted prints and playful hints of volume for effortless elevation. Simply add sunglasses and sandals, then step forth in style.

Maya Tiered Mini Dress

Sartre Tiered Maxi Dress

Inspiration Mini Dress

Botanical Tiered Midi Dress

Joan Puff Sleeve Mini Dress

A chic piece with a perennial appeal, no party season wardrobe would be complete without the enduring presence of the little black dress. While its more understated variations will always be de rigueur, the modern LBD's statement-making capacity is no less than its vibrant counterparts. For an ensemble worth a grand entrance, consider rapturous layers of organza, artful ruched accents and curving cut-outs that capture the eye.

Amour Ruffle Mini Dress

Joan Puff Sleeve Mini Dress

Jolie Abstract Cut Out Midi Dress

Sylvette Knit Midi Dress

New Weave Micro Frame Bag

Quinn Metal Ribbon Heel

Shima Crystal Rope Clutch

Tami Drop Pearl Earring