Sleigh Your Christmas Party Dress Game with These Festive Frock Patterns
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…. Which, for anyone old enough to be disillusioned about the existence of the Big Jolly Man, means we are entering Party Season. Work parties, friend-dos, family get-togethers and then we’re straight into New Year festivities. If you’re lucky enough, you might be staring down the barrel of a non-stop party palooza – and with nothing to wear!
You might already be looking for The Dress – the one that’s exactly the right cut and colour, that fits you like a glove and is going to make you the absolute belle of the bauble. But you don’t have to pray for the shopping gods to smile upon you if you skip the middleman and sew it yourself.
To help you kickstart your Cinderella moment, we’ve collected 14 of our favourite festive frock patterns for you to peruse to find your perfect Christmas party dress.
Have a Merry Stitchmas with some Snappy New Gear!
ABOVE L-R: STEPHANIE FROM PETITE DRESSMAKER, MEL FROM @MELT.STITCHES, PREYA AND THE PATTERNS.
Bloomfield Dress – The Petite Dressmaker
If impact is the name of the festive game, then whip up the beautiful Bloomfield by Stephanie at Petite Dressmaker. With perfect puffed sleeves and a scoop-back neckline, and with an option to create a cute cut-out feature at the front, this wonderful make sings of happy times with family and friends.
Sewing level: Intermediate / advanced
Size guide: A – L
Hallon Dress – Paradise Patterns
The Hallon Dress was the pattern of the year, especially among the Instagram sewing set – and for a good reason! The sleek simplicity of the construction contrasted with that statement open back makes an instantly iconic outfit. You can make it a breezy summer style in a light linen or a peppy gingham, or match View B’s pared back sophistication with a clinging velvet for a darkly glamorous look.
Sewing level: Confident beginner
Size guide: 0-16
Rosella Pattern – Schultz Apparel
Live out your Fleabag dinner-party dreams with the Rosella Pattern from Schultz Apparel. The deep V-neck fitted bodice comes in three variations – a dress, a romper and jumpsuit, the latter of which, made up in a neat black, will have you ready to break a man’s nose, bloody your face and fall in love with a Hot Priest this Christmas. For those of you feeling less daring, it also looks very sweet with a nice jumper or blouse layered underneath.
Skill level: 4 out of 5
Size guide: 34-52
Wilder Gown – Friday Pattern Co.
If you’re feeling frilly, flowy or flouncy, the Wilder Gown might be the look for you. Throughout the pandemic, we’ve all mastered crafting ‘pajamas-as-office-wear’ looks… now it’s time to level up to ‘pajamas-as-party-wear’. With its raglan sleeves and clever gathered tie neck, the Wilder Gown is as comfortable as being tucked up in granny’s nightie, but whip it up in a floaty, embellished, semi-sheer chiffon and you’ll look like an easy, breezy, beautiful sophisticate with no one the wiser.
Sewing level: Beginner
Size guide: 0-32
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Flor Dress – Bella Loves Patterns
Ruffle some feathers with the statement shoulder ruffles in Bella Loves Patterns’ fabulous Flor Dress. The dress is a surprisingly simple make with no zippers, linings or complex closures though, of course, it’s got pockets to help you keep your phone handy all party long. You can pick up some sweet pastel poplin and make a romantic wrap dress, or opt for a bright, pattern clashing, spunky summer look.
Sewing level: Intermediate
Size guide: 6-20
Bakerloo Dress – Nina Lee Patterns
The statement collar is so hot right now and for sheer size you can’t go past the extravagant ruffled collar of the Bakerloo Dress. The pattern from Nina Lee Patterns also features some striking balloon sleeves with elasticated ruffled cuffs to up the frill factor. The design is decidedly versatile in its styling too. Grunge it up with a short skirt and boots or drop your hems to the floor and revel in the voluptuous girliness.
Sewing level: Intermediate
Size guide: 6-28
Baby Doll Dress – Tropical Research
If it’s comfort and style you’re seeking this festive season, look no further than the dreamy Baby Doll Dress by Tropical Research. Pick a soft drape fabric like lightweight linen or cotton, seersucker, silk or rayon for maximum floatiness and perfect hot-weather wearing.
Sewing level: Confident beginner
Size guide: XS – XXXL
Aura Dress – Papercut Patterns
A wrap dress is a perfect choice for a party as the adjustable fit means you can partake in festive sweets and treats with no fear of discomfort or pinching at the waist. The Aura Dress from Papercut Patterns will have you feeling comfy while looking elegant as heck. The sleek yet simple lines of the design – with balloon sleeves and a cheeky V-neck at the back – allow your fabric choices to shine whether you opt for a striking colour-block look, or a more slinky, silky effect.
Sewing level: Intermediate
Size guide: 1-8 (NZ)
Magnolia Dress – Deer and Doe
Deer and Doe’s Magnolia Dress, with its swishing skirts – including Angelina Jolie-esque leg slit – and plunging neckline, brings serious drama for any sophisticated sexpots looking to do some dignified vamping. The pattern also offers the options of a more modest neckline, shorter skirts and some fluttery butterfly sleeves that you can mix and match at will to achieve your dream franken-dress.
Sewing level: Intermediate
Size guide: 34–62
Trapeze Dress – Merchant and Mills
Channel the swinging ’60s with Merchant and Mills’ signature A-line shift, the Trapeze Dress. Comfortable and minimalist with just enough volume in the skirt to add some serious pizzazz, the Trapeze Dress can be stitched up right quick for any last-minute invites. Make it in some sumptuously touchable velvet or go for a classic baby blue and add some white go-go boots to match. Groovy baby!
Sewing level: Beginner
Size guide: 8-18
Sicily Slip Dress – Sewing Patterns by Masin
A bias cut slip instantly evokes a little bit of Old Hollywood glamour, where the style originated in the 1930s, and the Sicily Slip Dress with its romantic cowl neck detailing, made up in some gleaming golden satin, will bestow instant alluring femme fatale feels, drawing all eyes in a crowded speakeasy. For more of a casual vibe, the pattern can be transformed with some poppy patterned rayon into a flirty daytime fit.
Sewing level: Beginner to intermediate
Size guide: A-J
Peppermint Patterns
Of course, you can always count on Peppermint’s sewing pattern archive to have something for every occasion. We have collaborated with many super-talented patternmakers to create fabulous new patterns and also have several of our very own for everyone to enjoy. Head to the Sewing School page to see our full pay-what-you-can collection, including such perfect party dress patterns as the floaty, tiered Pasadena Rara Skirt (pair with the Valentine Ruffle Top for full effect!), the showstopping Somerset Swing Dress or the sophisticated Rozelle Slip Dress!
