12 Ways to Instantly Upgrade Your Party Wardrobe Before the End of the Decade

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Photographed by Arthur Elgort, Vogue, March 2008

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A confession: I always remember my favorite party nights not by where it was, not by the food, not even by the company, but actually by what I wore. My memory holds an extensive arsenal of all my best nights out, cataloged by my outfits and how I felt wearing them. That being said, as we head into the holiday season, there are plenty of new dresses to be worn, even as the festivities have already started kicking off. These marvelous pieces will have you ready for a merry night out from the moment you get dressed, and who knows? Maybe there are more exciting memories to be made in these looks, too.

Here, shop some of winter’s best (and most flamboyant) going-out pieces—just in time for the festive party season.

Dresses

Find yourself instantly in the holiday spirit with these embellished, celebratory dresses—all you need to add is a simple shoe and some fabulous jewelry.

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Saloni bow-embellished velvet dress

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Paco Rabanne crystal-embellished velvet midi-dress

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The Vampire’s Wife Wild Rose midi-dress

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Coach bow-neck dress

Tops

A feathered camisole is the perfect complement to an otherwise simple look. Meanwhile, for those who prefer to keep things minimal, a cardigan with crystal buttons or a chic camisole will keep things elegant but understated.

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Markarian Luisa crystal-embellished top

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Veronica Beard feather-trim cami

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Other Stories crystal flower button wool cardigan

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Haider Ackermann spaghetti-strap camisole

Skirts and Trousers

You don’t need much when wearing one of these sequined skirts or textured trousers. Let these standout pieces speak for themselves, and keep it simple with a black turtleneck or crisp white shirt.

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Marc Jacobs high-waist sequined trousers

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Dorothee Schumacher wide-leg velvet pants

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Naeem Khan sequined wide-leg pants

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Dries Van Noten sequin midiskirt