I've scoured the high street for the best Christmas party dresses - these 45 made the cut, and they're all under £100

Christmas party season is officially upon us, which means it’s time to find an outfit (or three) worthy of the occasion. Whether you’re heading to the office Christmas party, meeting friends for festive drinks or have a big New Year’s Eve celebration in the diary, finding the perfect dress needn’t mean spending a fortune. In fact, there are plenty of seriously stylish options on the high street right now. From head-turning sequins to elegant velvet styles and fashion-forward bow details, we’ve rounded up 45 of the best Christmas party dresses under £100. The hardest part? Choosing just one!Sequin sparkleIs it really Christmas party season if you aren't wearing a little sparkle? Sequins are a festive favourite for good reason, and this year’s high-street offering has something for everyone, whether you prefer a classic black mini or something a little more unexpected. For a modern take, look to rich burgundy and olive-green shades, or try a dress with playful fringe detailing for added movement on the dance floor. Keep accessories relatively simple and let your dress do the talking, finishing with barely-there heels and a sleek clutch.The party blazerFor those who prefer their partywear with a little more structure, the blazer dress is a seriously chic alternative to a traditional evening dress. With its sharp tailoring, defined waistlines and often leg-baring hemlines, it’s a brilliant option for everything from work Christmas parties to cocktails with friends. Black is always a sophisticated choice, but don’t overlook embellished buttons and rhinestone details for a festive twist. Style yours with sheer tights, pointed-toe heels and statement earrings for an effortlessly polished look.Velvet crushFew fabrics feel quite as luxurious as velvet, making it a natural choice for the festive season. Rich, tactile and wonderfully flattering, it’s one of those materials that instantly makes an outfit feel more expensive. This year’s high-street options include everything from elegant one-shoulder silhouettes to playful mini dresses, with chocolate brown, burgundy and classic black all particularly good choices. For a sophisticated evening look, pair yours with metallic accessories and strappy heels, or add a faux-fur coat when the temperature drops.Bow beautifulBows have been having a major fashion moment, and they’re showing no signs of going anywhere for party season. Whether they’re oversized and sculptural or used as a subtle finishing touch, this pretty detail is an easy way to make a simple dress feel that little bit more special. Think statement one-shoulder styles, feminine mini dresses and unexpected bow accents. The trick to styling them? Don’t overcomplicate things. A pair of classic court shoes, delicate jewellery and a small evening bag will let the details shine.Lace appealIf you’re after something a little more romantic, lace is a beautiful alternative to sequins and statement embellishment. From delicate lace trims to all-over designs, it’s a fabric that feels both timeless and particularly elegant for evening occasions. Black lace is an especially reliable choice, but don’t be afraid to experiment with different necklines and silhouettes. For a contemporary take, try layering a lace dress with a tailored blazer or oversized coat, then finish with pointed heels and a simple clutch.Satin styleSometimes, the simplest dresses make the biggest impact, and satin is proof. With its fluid drape and subtle sheen, this is a fabric that feels effortlessly elegant without needing much in the way of embellishment. A slip-style silhouette is a particularly versatile investment, while lace-trimmed designs offer a slightly more romantic take on the trend. For Christmas parties, try styling yours with barely-there heels, a statement necklace and a structured evening bag. You can also layer with a tailored jacket for a more understated look.Maxi glamourFor those occasions when you really want to make an entrance, a maxi dress is hard to beat. Floor-skimming silhouettes have an inherently glamorous feel, whether you opt for sleek satin, plush velvet or something covered in shimmering embellishment. Look out for interesting necklines, draped detailing and subtle cut-outs to give a classic long dress a more contemporary feel. When it comes to accessories, a pair of heels is essential to balance the proportions, while an elegant clutch and sparkling earrings complete the look.Wild printsWho says Christmas party dressing has to involve sequins and glitter? Animal print is a brilliant way to bring a little personality to your evening wardrobe, and leopard and zebra prints are particularly good options if you want something that feels a little different. From elegant maxi dresses to playful mini silhouettes, there’s plenty of choice on the high street. The key to making animal print feel polished is to keep the rest of your outfit relatively pared-back. Think black heels, understated jewellery and a simple bag.Standout texturesIf you’re looking for something a little more unexpected, textured dresses are a lovely way to add interest to your party wardrobe. Think three-dimensional floral appliqués, tactile jacquard fabrics and playful embellishment that gives even the simplest silhouette a statement finish.These are the dresses that do most of the styling work for you, so there’s no need to go overboard with accessories. A simple pair of heels and understated jewellery will let the details take centre stage, making them ideal for anyone who wants something a little different this Christmas.