Best chainmail dresses for a hit of party season glamour
Is it too early to begin the search for the perfect Christmas party dress?
The answer is obviously a resounding no. Getting ahead of the party season prep is always a good idea.
Lustrous sequins, shimmery lurex and glitzy textures couldn't come sooner, but this season, chainmail has captured our hearts.
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MORE: 9 Glamorous Party Season Hairstyles to Try in 2023
What is chainmail?
Created from metal or metal-like material linked together, chainmail has a mesmerising quality to it. Armour-like and dazzling, the trend is something of a party classic, and, most importantly, it looks great on the dance floor.
Spanish label Rabanne, as it's now known, is best known for its unbelievably glamorous chainmail pieces. Remember that dress worn by style icon Francoise Hardy? Paco Rabanne dressed his Parisian singer-songwriter muse in over 1,000 gold plates inlaid with diamonds, forming what was thought to be the most expensive dress in the world at the time.
How we chose:
- Style: Naturally, a dazzling effect is essential with chainmail. When combing through the internet's top fashion sites for the best styles, we made sure that each of our picks felt glitzy and standout - all party season-appropriate.
- Price: Whether you're planning on splashing out or bagging a bargain, we've got a piece in your price range. We've selected this season's most stylish chainmail dresses, ranging from affordable high street and mid-level brands to luxe designer labels.
Hello! Fashion shares the best chainmail dresses to shop this party season:
Draped-neck Side-split Chainmail Mini Dress
Amy Lynn
Wear with...
Silver mule wedges.
Crafted from 50% aluminium and 50% rhinestones, this piece by Amy Lynn fuses purple and green to create a mesmerising petrol-like effect. I love the chain detailing for a slightly edgy feel.
Verbena Midi Dress
Wear with...
Clear slingbacks with crystal adornments.
Clio Peppiatt's 'Verbena' dress is giving major mermaidcore vibes, and we're totally here for it. Studded with crystals, the effect is captivating, and I love the slim chain belt for a touch of delicacy.
Embellished Chainmail Cowl Front Maxi Dress
Simmi
Wear with...
Metallic cowboy boots.
Cut from 100% aluminium, this piece by Simmi won't break the bank, and it's seriously high drama. The plunging neckline works harmoniously alongside the midi length, and the purple shade feels playful and fresh.
Black Chainmail High-neck Sleeveless Bodycon Dress
Wear with...
Square-toe platform ankle boots.
Naomi Campbell's version of a little black dress elevates the party classic to new heights, and we are obsessed. The semi-sheer effect feels daring and glamorous, and the high neckline balances out the micro length perfectly.
Chainmail and Satin Minidress
Rabanne
Wear with...
Black strappy sandals and a scarlet red lip.
Created from metal-coated polyester, this slinky cami dress by Rabanne features a soft cowl neckline and a flattering figure-skimming silhouette. The contrast of the flashy silver against the silky black feels cool and interesting.
Mirrored Disc Side Split Maxi Dress
Wear with...
A nude thong with gold platform heels.
Categorically standout, this 100% metal piece by Karen Millen will make your presence at the party known. I love the chain detailing over the sides of the hips for an added element of daring.
Embellished Net Mini Dress
Giuseppe Di Morabito
Wear with...
A sleek cool-girl bun and a fluffy fur coat.
This piece by Giuseppe Di Morabito in a gorgeous champagne shade has a certain goddess-like appeal. The backless cut presents a fresh way of showing some skin, and would work beautifully alongside a compact updo.
Rhinestone Chainmail Midi Dress
Wear with...
Metallic lingerie.
Delicate and airy, this piece by & Other Stories proves that chainmail needn't be synonymous with a designer price tag. The fine silver mesh, dotted with pretty rhinestones, would look beautiful over a glitzy lingerie or a shimmery slip.
Blane Silver Rhinestone Dress
Wear with...
Mirrored thigh-high boots and a rhinestone choker.
This silver mini dress by Finesse is giving major Paris Hilton vibes, and we're here for the Y2K throwback. Created from 50% aluminium and 50% glass, it feels extremely daring on account of the side splits. Let's be real - no one's having a boring night in this dress.
Stephanie Mini Dress Lemon Haze
Wear with...
Fringed boots and cool-girl hair slides.
Handmade in London, Poster Girl's 'Stephanie' dress is so much fun. The belt detailing feels utterly unique, and I love the strapless approach - rare for a chainmail piece.
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