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The must-have Christmas party dress that's taking over the high street

Numerous high street stores have released versions of this chic dress.

This is the dress to have this Christmas party season. (John Lewis / Yahoo Life UK)
This is the dress to have this Christmas party season. (John Lewis / Yahoo Life UK)

Asking yourself what you should wear this Christmas party season? We've discovered the one dress style that's a must-have this year (and surprisingly, it's not a sequin number).

It all started when we spotted John Lewis's Ruffle Maxi Dress a few weeks ago. Costing just £65, it looks much more expensive and is ideal if you love a super chic, flowy silhouette that is sure to turn heads.

Available in pale pink and a deep berry shade, the elegant waterfall silhouette with ruffle detailing is similar to designer options, which retail for up to an eye-watering £3,780.

This ruffled dress design is very on-trend this Christmas. 

£65 at John Lewis

The luxury-looking design features a romantic silhouette with flattering asymmetric ruffle detailing and dramatic fluted sleeves that perfectly finish off the elegant dress. It's most definitely a show-stopper and John Lewis isn't the only retailer to champion this dress style for the festive season.

Last week, when Marks & Spencer dropped its Christmas advert, we got a glimpse at the high street store's range of stylish partywear for 2024. Front and centre was a very similar design, a deep red V-Neck Frill Detail Midaxi Smock Dress that had comparable features, but cost slightly less at £59.

(John Lewis)
The deep red shade is perfect for the festive season. (John Lewis)
(Marks & Spencer)
Great for an occasion, this floaty dress comes with gorgeous ruffle detailing and blouson sleeves. (Marks & Spencer)

Shop the John Lewis dress Shop the Marks & Spencer dress

Both dresses come in a gorgeous deep red hue, with a floaty smock style that is sure to be flattering and will ensure you look and feel great no matter the occasion.

The flouncy design also means the dress will be super comfortable to wear, as it isn't restrictive. Plus, just imagine how good it will look swishing around on the dance floor.

As both high street stores have proven, there are also several ways to style it. We love how M&S pair the dress with a cropped faux fur jacket and knee-high boots for a more contemporary look. But we're also big fans of how John Lewis let the dress do all the talking with some understated, pointy boots.

This floaty midaxi smock dress from Marks & Spencer was featured in the brand's Christmas advert. 

£59 at Marks & Spencer

We've had a little hunt around the high street and found tons of other variations to suit all budgets. Tu Clothing, in particular, has a number of options for just £35. From animal print options to those with a pop of metallic, here's further proof that this is the dress style to have this Christmas.

This affordable pink chiffon number features a tiered silhouette and is elevated by a foil print throughout.

£35 at Tu Clothing

John Lewis has also released the dress in a dusty pink hue.

£65 at John Lewis

The affordable £35 Tu Clothing dress also comes in black for a more classic look. 

£35 at Tu Clothing

New Look has also released a similar ruffled design in a more subtle black style.

£46 at New Look

If you love a pop of animal print, this number is a great option. 

£35 at Tu Clothing

While the maxi dress is a true style statement, if you're after a more smart-casual ensemble, John Lewis has brought out the same floaty, ruffled style in a blouse.

The John Lewis Long Sleeve Ruffle Blouse retails for £45 and would look fab with black jeans and boots for a more low-key dress code.

This floaty blouse is the ideal 'nice top' to pair with jeans this festive period.

£45 at John Lewis