Whether you’re ready for it or not, the holiday season and all its parties are a-coming. That one time of the year – well, technically spread over two months – where our inner magpies fly free to be drawn to anything and everything that will kill it on KiraKira+. (Please, do yourself a favour and download it immediately if you haven’t. We guarantee that you’ll be using at more than three points in the next few weeks.)

The item of paramount importance that everyone should at least have one of is the party dress. Oh, the party dress. It’ll put you in the mood. It’ll distract everyone from all the mince pies, roast and mash potatoes you’re piling onto your place. It’ll make you one with the party dresses.

Because of the great purpose the party dress serves, you cannot just settle for just anything that shines. Start with your tolerance level: do you want subtle shine or just full-on blinding? Beaded embroidery, lurex and metallic fringe are milder options that will still catch the light. If homegirl is all about going big or going home, go for sequins, rhinestones and lamé in gold or silver. Think Diana Ross, Anjelica Huston at Studio 54 and Cher at basically everything.

May we also suggest the wrap dress? If you know you’re going to go a little out of control at the buffet table, wrap and robe dresses – Attico has so many, but we’re very into Wanda Nylon and Rachel Zoe – will conceal your food baby. No need to suck in, no need to worry. See some of our favourite party dresses below, or go for shiny separates that are the perfect tools for taking shine into your daytime looks.

Cushnie et Ochs Piper Beaded Cotton-mesh Midi Dress

Rachel Zoe Delilah Metallic Fringed Midi Skirt

Magda Butrym Blackpool Cold-shoulder Sequined Knitted Midi Dress

Emilia Wickstead Roma Open-back Sequin Dress

Attico Dara Sequin-embellished wrap dress

Gucci Pleated Lamé Midi Skirt

By. Bonnie Young Sequin-embellished Tie-neck Silk-Chiffon Gown

Jill Sander Silk-blend Lurex Midi Skirt

Alessandra Rich Open-back Sequined Georgette Gown

Wanda Nylon Silk-blend Lamé Wrap Dress

Attico Suzanne Embellished Satin Midi Dress

Saint Laurent Deep V-neck Velvet-lamé Gown

Christopher Kane Floral and Sequin-embellished Silk-organza Dress

Attico Grace Sequin-embellished Wrap Dress

Rachel Zoe Esmeralda Embellished Silk-chiffon Gown

MSGM Striped Sequined Tulle Top

Emilia Wickstead Striped Metallic Ribbed-knit Midi Dress