NES Picks Her Top 8 Dream Party Dresses

As we all know, December should really be renamed 'Month Of A Million Parties' and as such is all about the show stopping dress. So in the name of research, I've pored over countless fashion magazines and blogs and websites and random people in the street and compiled my Top 8 Dream Dresses. Y'know, the ones with the price tag that takes your breath away and makes you cry for a million pounds to magically land in your account just so you could have all of them because you can't possibly choose between them and the postman hates you because he has to deliver so many invitations to your house.

No? Just me then. Right. Well anyway, these dresses are the ones that if I could afford them, I'd have them. Even if it was only to do the housework in. I don't really get all that many invites to glitzy parties.

1. 'Carla' satin gown by Erdem




Words cannot express how much I NEED this dress. The effect of being covered up in an age when you can't move for over-tanned plastics falling out of a 3 inch scrap of cloth masquerading as a dress is phenomenal. If you swept into a party (preferably down a sweeping staircase, accompanied by nothing except a discreet diamond laden bracelet, a martini and a cigarette in a holder) wearing this, it would afford you the sheen of femme fatale not seen since the 1930s. There would be swooning and wooing. Those are Good Things.

2. Floral Maxi Dress by Just Cavalli



Now, Roberto Cavalli isn't normally a designer who makes me want things that he has to offer, especially via the Just Cavalli diffusion line. But this, this is different. It's subtle. And pretty. And versatile in that 'can be worn at any point in the year' kind of way to any kind of event. Which would mean it justified its price tag on a cost per wear basis if nothing else.

3. 'Carmina' by Diane Von Furstenberg


How cute and fun is this?! When a lot of people go for black or other darker colours, this would make you pop at any party. Best accessorised with bare tanned legs and some fabulously golden or jewel coloured heels. And a beehive.

4. Hooded Sequin Dress by Alexander McQueen



Sequins! A hood! Long sleeves! Red! Black! Glamour! This is the Cruella De Vill of all the dresses. In fact, if I don't see a picture of Glenn Close wearing it, I'll be very disappointed.

5. Red Shift Dress by Valentino



This isn't the most obvious choice for a party dress. But that's the beauty of it. Red is a damn festive colour and a shift dress in this style is pure Joan Holloway. And what is more devastatingly sexy than that?

6. Strapless Silk Chiffon Gown by Marchesa



It's because of dresses like this that Marchesa is a Hollywood star favourite. The flowingness of the silk chiffon and the beading make it incredibly romantic but the colour gives it a bit of edge. I'd expect to see Eva Longoria-Parker or La Lopez rocking this one.

7. Drape Front Jersey Gown by Roberto Cavalli



Another Cavalli dress?! I know, I could hardly believe it myself but, well, just look at it. It's like the slightly more overt cousin of the Erdem dress. The cross front is very flattering and the diamante detail at the waist completes the old school glamour cocktail. This is a dress that demands Veronica Lake waves.

8. Ruffle Halter Gown by Valentino



This dress is simple but dramatic all at the same time. The colour makes it stand out more than it would in black. Of course, it also benefits from having a touch of the Audrey about it.