The Late Show

No matter who you are--or even how much you go out--there really is no better thing to shop for than a party dress. A breed all their own, the perfect party dress is always a stunner, but it also has to push the party girl into slightly more daring fashion territory. You're not wearing it every day, so why not take a little chance, right? In our own pursuit of perfect party dresses, we found 15 that fit our list of must-haves: We've got satin, peplums, sequins, ruffles, metallics, and some bold color to contrast all that black you'll be seeing milling around the champagne fountain. Nope...no wallflowers at this season's parties.

Above, from left: Acne Baroque DF Dress, $969, available at Acne; Miu Miu Zip-Front Bustier Dress, $1,475, available at Net-A-Porter; Kate Moss for TopShop Bandeua Frill Dress, $135, available at TopShop.

Above, from left: Banana Republic Lace Lady Dress, $175, available at Banana Republic; Lark & Wolff by Steven Alan Bow Party Dress, $98, available at Urban Outfitters; Acne Amazon Dress, $899, available at Acne.

Above, from left: 3.1 Phillip Lim Trailing Ruffle-front Shift Dress, $695, available at Net-A-Porter; French Connection Tudor Silk Dress, $149.99, available at French Connection; Arynk Strapless Dress, $80, available at Pixie Market.

Above, from left: Bensoni Flapper Layered, $586, available at La Garçonne; Rendez-Vous by Paul & Joe Sister Flamme Dress, $118, available at Urban Outfitters; Andrea Buzyn Ruffled Collar Dress, $318, available at Oak.

Above, from left: BCBG V-Neck Drawstring Dress, $278, available at BCBG; Bebe Organza Multi-Layer Dress, $169, available at Bebe; Alexander Wang Best Dress, $375.50 (was $695), available at Shop Bop.

Above, from left: Marc by Marc Jacobs Trampoline Satin Dress, $460, available at Net-A-Porter; Moschino Cheap & Chic Bow-Front Bustier Dress, $555, available at Net-A-Porter; Play by C. Ronson Jacquard Tunic Dress, $128, available at Urban Outfitters.

Above, from left: Banana Republic Taffeta Animal-Print Dress, $175, available at Banana Republic; Express Tiered Tube Dress, $98, available at Express; BCBG Max Azria Ruched Cocktail Dress, $199, available at BCBG; DKNY Silk Tank Tiered Dress, $425, available at Net-A-Porter.

Above, from left: Vintage La Rosa Fringe Dress, $118, available at Nasty Gal; Vintage Velvet Pagoda Sleeve Mini Dress, starting bid $17, available at Thriftwares; Vintage Black Velvet Party Dress, starting bid $69, available at Time's Up Vintage.

Our 25 perfect party dress picks, starting at just $80.