A holiday party is a long night. There is dinner, then hours of standing, then dancing, and someone is taking photos the whole time. The easiest dress for a night like that is one that does the smoothing itself: a dress with built-in shapewear, so there is no second layer underneath to check, adjust or think about.
Four things to check in a party dress
- One layer. Look for a dress whose own cut holds close: ruching, gathers at the waist, a close fit from the shoulder down. Then nothing underneath has to stay in place.
- Room to move. A long dress needs a slit to walk, climb stairs and dance in. A short dress needs a hem you are happy with when you sit.
- The back. Party photos are taken from every side. A dress with a covered back is the easy choice; an open back is the statement.
- Sleeves. December nights are cold between the car and the door. Long sleeves mean you can leave the jacket on the chair.
Christmas: long sleeves and a little gold
The Buckle Wrap Maxi Dress has a mock neck and long fitted sleeves. At the waist the fabric passes through a pale gold buckle and gathers into folds, then falls into an angled wrap front that opens below the knee, with a hem just above the ankle and a fully covered back. It comes in Black, Wine and Red, a natural pick for Christmas.
The Surplice Long-Sleeve Maxi Dress crosses into a deep V that ends just above a champagne-gold buckle at the center of the waist. Gathers run from the waist to the hip, the skirt falls close to the ankle with a single side slit, and the sleeves are long. It comes in Black and Brown.
New Year's Eve: something that moves
The Cape-Shoulder Mini Dress has a one-shoulder neckline, and from that shoulder a wide panel falls free down the back to mid-calf and swings as you walk. The dress itself is ruched at both sides and fitted close through the waist and hips, ending a hand's width above the knee. It comes in Black, Red and Nude.
The Open-Back Mini Dress is plain in front, with a crew neck and long fitted sleeves. From behind, the back opens on an angle from the base of the neck down to the waist, crossed by two thin straps. It comes in Black.
The Side-Ruched Slit Maxi Dress is the long option for midnight: a close mock neck and long sleeves on top, soft folds gathered at one side from the waist to the hip, and a slit that opens from mid-thigh to the ankle-length hem. It comes in Black and Brown.
Sitting, dancing, photos: a quick test
Try the dress on at home and do the night in five minutes.
- Sit down on a dining chair. Check where the hem and the slit fall.
- Walk up a few stairs. A long dress should let your knees move without holding the skirt.
- Dance for a minute. Raise your arms. Check the neckline and the straps.
- Take a photo from behind and one from the side.
Cold nights: sheer tights
With a mini dress in December, add The Fleece-Lined Sheer Tights: sheer on the outside, brushed fleece on the inside. They have a closed toe, so wear them with boots or closed heels. Our guide to wearing fleece-lined sheer tights covers Black or Nude and what to pair them with.
Sizes
All five dresses come in S, M and L, and each product page lists the maker's garment measurements. There is no XL or plus size in these styles. If you are between sizes, email us your measurements and we will tell you which to take.
Order early
US delivery takes 7–14 days, so order early. Ordering for a specific date? Email hello@barehush.com with the date first and we will tell you honestly whether it will make it. Details are in our shipping policy.