Holiday party season is here, and boy do we need some extra cheer as we emotionally prepare for what the new year may bring. When it comes to occasion wear, it’s worth seeing if you can thrift a killer holiday party dress (whether locally or though one of these apps), or maybe find that dream piece on Etsy. And I’m sure you’ll turn heads in something it’s unlikely anyone else is wearing, too! I’m personally not having the best luck with secondhand at the moment, so I’ve been saving dresses I love from my favorite sustainable fashion brands and smaller boutiques. If this is you too, perhaps you’ll find that one gem to wear for your next party and all throughout the season (and seasons) to come. Find our favorite holiday dresses for 2024 below!
Nobody’s Child is a London-based sustainable fashion brand known for timeless yet trending women’s clothing with flattering silhouettes and feminine details – the type of clothing you will wear for many occasions, not just one party. We’ll share more than a few favorites from them in this post, starting with this black velvet midi dress featuring white bows.
They make use of a lot of innovative fabrics as well as recycled polyester in their designs. This red satin bow-front scoop neck dress is made entirely of recycled polyester, in both the main and lining. Don’t forget the velvet shoes!
Most clothing by Nobody’s Child is in the $75 – $150 range, with outwear and special occasion pieces like this organza balloon sleeve dress (which also comes in red, green, and a gorgeous painterly blue) made of LENZING™ ECOVERO™ Viscose and recycled polyester. If you shop there, be sure to check out their outlet section and if you happen to be in London, they are piloting a clothing rental program.
Okay, enough about the brand, let’s get to more dresses! I have to wear velvet every fall (why did velvet go missing from like 2005 to 2015?), it’s just the prettiest material. But it’s not something that can really be made from sustainable materials (that I know of) so if you love velvet too, opt for recycled polyester like this holiday-red dress.
Pink, my favorite holiday party dress hue! This watercolor midi dress has dramatic sleeves and a beautiful shape. I’m considering the mini version for my own party look. Bonus, it’s obviously perfect for Valentine’s Day too.
Another sustainable fashion brand with perfect picks for the season, OMNES is designed and made in London. The Blyde red holiday dress is made from deadstock fabric in a fully audited factory. Pleats and cutouts and a cape? Yes please!
If you love the slip dress trend, this pink dress with red lace, also from OMNES, is made from recycled fabric.
Another slip dress option, this time from Whimsy + Row which comes in three shades.
I also love their sparkly holiday sweater dress made from LENZING Modal. You can’t go wrong with a sweater dress!
A perfectly classic red tartan plaid holiday dress from Dynasty George that’s available in XS-XXL and made from 100% deadstock fabric.
WRAY’s shimmer pants and top make the perfect holiday party set, made in a fair trade factory, and is available in XXS to 4XL.
This Christy Dawn velvet holiday party dress is the only one on our list that is, um, way out of the $200 range, but it’s so beautiful and one of the few that come in 8 different sizes (I was hoping for short lengths, too, but ya can’t have everything…). A showstopper at any holiday party for seasons to come!
If it’s shiny fabric and oversized bows you’re after, these custom made-to-order dresses (here and here) by Madeline Marie are it. I’m not sure if the fabric has any recycled or eco-friendly fibers in it, but I wanted to include it as custom sizing is so important in fashion and there aren’t enough size-inclusive brands that are also ethical and sustainable for me to share in this post! But small batch and made-to-order is always a more conscious alternative.
Tamara Malas is another small-batch custom clothing brand with a larger size offering than most. Their Penelope dress (which I’ve shared in a different colorway before) is thoughtfully designed and crafted. Full transparency this is a poly blend fabric.
Happy holiday season!
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