FASHION
THE MOST UNFORGETTABLE PARTYWEAR LOOKS FROM THE ARCHIVES
By Ayis Stephen-Diver, 24 November 2025
Party season has always been about making an entrance. While the after-dark glamour of 90s supermodels like Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell remains legendary, more recent moments in fashion history have added equally unforgettable chapters to the story. From shimmering dresses to bias-cut satins and delicate lace, our latest partywear edit proves the sparkle is alive and well – just in time to take a trip down memory lane to spotlight 10 of our favourite celebrity party looks from the 90s to today.
1990: NAOMI CAMPBELL
Aged just 18, the queen was already making major moves in the partywear realm. Years ahead of her iconic night-out with Kate Moss, she warmed up her sequin muscles in a slinky white cami and fringe-clad miniskirt. Dresses get all the positive PR come party season, but a good co-ord (or duo that mimics one) can be just as effective.
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Similar: River Island racer tank top, £35
Similar: Princess Polly mini skirt, £35
1997: SARAH JESSICA PARKER
S1E6 of Sex and the City sees Carrie overthinking her date outfit with the elusive Mr. Big, but she eventually settles for a skin-toned DKNY slip. SJP furthered her icon status by donning the exact same dress to the VH1 Awards – cementing it firmly in sartorial history. If sequins aren’t your style, this look proves that making a statement doesn’t require them.
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Similar: Miss Selfridge mini dress, £32.99
2005: JENNIFER LOPEZ
JLo’s 00s ‘fits are the topic of conversation again, and this silver look is a great example as to why. The colour drenching is a clever way to avoid giving 'The Tin Man' from The Wizard of Oz. Not to say head-to-toe silver can’t be chic – but more dimension is always welcome.
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Similar: ASOS DESIGN roll neck jumper, £26
Similar: Topshop metallic midi skirt, £45
2012: ALEXA CHUNG
You can take the girl out of boho, but you can’t take the boho out of the girl. Alexa temporarily shelved her signature Glasto-girl aesthetic for a gilded moment – but her boho roots remain in the form of her barely-there makeup and evil-eye nails.
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Similar: ARRANGE mini dress in gold, £180
2014: RIHANNA
Give it some time, and fashion history students will be dissecting Rihanna’s Swarovski dress, the same way we study JLo’s green Versace dress (you know the one). Her dazzling gown is one of those looks that defines an era – rebellious and instantly influential. Many of today's red-carpet moments can probably be traced back to Rih.
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Similar: TFNC cowl neck maxi dress, £78
2019: ZOË KRAVITZ
While she’s now synonymous with minimalism (thanks to her fabulous collection of basics), Zoë Kravitz knows how to turn up the luxe when the occasion calls for it. Just look to this dazzling mini for proof.
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Similar: Kaiia bandeau mini dress, £55
2022: SABRINA CARPENTER
Years before Sabrina dominated the internet with a new bedazzled tour bodysuit, she was making a statement in chainmail. She might be a pocket-sized pop princess, but this chainmail mini makes her impossible to ignore. Chainmail doesn't do subtle, does it?
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Similar: ARRANGE shift mini dress, £160
2023: MAYA HAWKE
When your mother is Uma Thurman, it’s no surprise your style would be defined by trench coats, sleek boots and other elevated basics. Maya taught us a lesson in glamour with this Brigitte Bardot-inspired hairstyle and sequinned dress.
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Similar: Vero Moda trench coat, £58
Similar: ARRANGE cami mini dress, £160
2024: PAMELA ANDERSON
Silver and neutrals is an underrated party-season palette, and one we can foresee getting its flowers soon. Pamela Anderson setting trends again? Who would’ve thought?
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Similar: Amy Lynn mini skirt, £55
Pictures: Getty
2025: MIKEY MADISON
Celebrating your BAFTA for Best Actress while looking this good is something only Hollywood’s Darling could do. While we love silver, gold injects some warmth into sub-zero party-season weather.
GET THE LOOK:
Similar: Collective The Label mini dress, £60
