Aren’t the holidays amazing? Not only is there a sense of magic (mostly fostered by John Lewis ads) in the air but party season starts in force – and gives us a great excuse to get glammed up (hey, who needs one?)

This Christmas we’re in love with sparkle, beaded gowns, little black dresses, blush and nude tones and lush lace. Here are some of our favourite high-street party dresses for the 2013 festive season. Which one is your favourite?

Beaded golds and nudes

L-R Boutique Amy sequin wrap padded shoulder dress, £45, gold sequin playsuit, £35 and gold sequin shoulder dress £45, all boohoo.com

Shimmer and blush

Clockwise from top left: scoop back dress, £200 by Debut at Debenhams, lace sequin dress, £150 by Diamond by Julien MacDonald at Debenhams, nude sequin dress, £60 from Lipsy and bottom left from George at ASDA.

L-R First two dresses, House of Fraser, Sabrina lace dress, £350 at Phase Eight

Feeling peachy

Clockwise from top left: Embellished halterneck dress, £55 from Jane Norman, lace panel dress, £40 also Jane Norman,  Cassie lace mix dress, £140 from Phase Eight, and Frock and Frill diamond sequin dress, £120 from JOY

Clean whites and creams

L-R Sunny dress in pearl grey, £65 from Komodo, black and white lace pattern dress, £60 from Lipsy, lace cream dress £65 at The Vestry.

Pretty lace and pink

L-R white lace dress, £70 Lipsy, Alice metallic dress £150 from Phase Eight, Chatsworth Beth Bugle bead dress, £99 also Phase Eight.

Head-turning tunics

Clockwise from top left – Nancy tunic, £139 at Monsoon, Beatrice long sleeved dress, £139, also Monsoon, Nataiya tapework dress, £175 from Phase Eight and floral placement dress, £65 at Oliver Bonas.

Floor-length nude, blush and black showstoppers

L-R Sienna gold maxi, £199 at Monsoon, Arielle shimmering sequin full length dress, £295 at Phase Eight and Callista sequin dress, also Phase Eight, £350

L-R Charlotte, Cosette and Nina dresses, all £395 at Phase Eight.

Serene and sexy in blue

Clockwise from top left – teal dress £35 from boohoo.com, Butterfly by Matthew Williamson at Debenhams, £85, Lucy battenburg dress, £275 at Phase Eight and Frock and Frill tiered sequin dress, £125 at JOY.

The little black dress with a twist

All three dresses, £35 – £50 at boohoo.com

Midnight magic

Clockwise from top left – House of Fraser, Sandra lace gown, £350 at Monsoon, sequin fringe flapper dress £89 from M&Co and sequin bust dress from House of Fraser

Sultry lace

Clockwise from top left – lace dress, £55 at Lipsy, printed maxi, £48 at Lipsy, lace v-neck dress, £55 at M&Co and waxed lace feather dress, £115 Lipsy.