Best Velvet Dresses for Women: Stylish and Luxurious Party Dresses

The holiday party season is fast approaching, and what better way to prepare for the countless fêtes on the horizon than by shopping for a fittingly fashionable frock? Holiday soirées call for fun and festive attire that tends to be a touch fancier than other times of year, and that's why the velvet dress is so perfect for this particular season.

The sumptuous fabric lends an innately special and luxurious touch to any ensemble, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a material that's better suited for festive party dressing. Aside from its polished and plush feel, velvet also tends to be both warm and comfortable, two attributes that are especially appreciated during the holidays.

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Velvet dresses are timeless and on-trend; they come in countless silhouettes and colors for every style preference. You could go formal with a black velvet maxi, try out a babydoll mini or embrace the ’90s resurgence in a lace-trimmed velvet slip dress. The minimalist may prefer a simple velvet shift dress, while those who really want to bring on the holiday aesthetic will surely look to velvet frocks with glittery embellishments or sequin accents. And while velvet dresses are a guaranteed hit for any holiday celebration, they’re also an elegant and sophisticated choice that's just as appropriate for plenty of other winter occasions.

From formal soirées and work gatherings to winter weddings and festive parties, these are the best velvet dresses to shop this season.

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An effortless silky slip dress is a staple of minimalist dressing, but for winter, try the silhouette in a luxurious and plush velvet, for an instantly festive, more formal look.

Bring on the holiday cheer in this adorable short-sleeved mini, with on-point festive sparkly bows.

If you have a fancy event or black tie wedding this season, look no further than PatBo's shimmering gold velvet maxi.

The sparkling straps and dramatic open criss-cross back add a touch of glamour to this classic black velvet slip dress.

This playful banana-print high-necked, long-sleeved mini is an ideal option you can wear day to night, depending on how you accessorize.

Hill House Home's cult-favorite nap dresses got a chic festive makeover with new velvet fabrications, including this short-sleeved navy frock that's sure to be a staple in your cold-weather wardrobe.

This vintage-inspired black midi has a ladylike ruffled collar, sleeves and hem.

You can't help but make a glamorous entrance in this slim-fitting wrap-skirt Markarian frock, which combines rich burgundy velvet with intricate beading.

This lovely cream-colored wrap dress exudes understated glamour, with a deep v-neck and billowing skirt.

A black velvet wrap dress never goes out of style.

You can't go wrong with the alluring combination of black lace and midnight blue velvet.

Don't shy away from the drama of this feathered velvet minidress, which promises to be the star of all your holiday fêtes.

This button-down black velvet mini has a polished silky collar and flattering belted waist.

This cherry red crushed velvet mini adds a fiery edge to party dressing.

Switch up your usual long dress aesthetic with this elegant strapless velvet maxi.

This short-sleeved tiered blue velvet dress is an easy, comfortable and polished everyday option.