Sorry, LBDs—This Is the Glossy Dress Colour Celebrities Are Backing for Party Season

This morning, I logged on to my laptop and started my day with a quick browse through some recent celebrity looks.

Having been inundated with Halloween outfits over the past few days, I was keen to refresh my inspiration boards with some chic outfit ideas that didn't involve any fake blood or prosthetic makeup. Luckily, my search coincided with the wash-up of images from the LACMA Art and Film Gala that took place over the weekend. With a guest list brimming with celebrity style icons, this fancy event was the perfect chance to get to grips with some of the partywear trends set to take off this winter.

Retaining a sophisticated energy whilst indulging in some playful silhouettes, this event was a treasure trove of event-dressing inspiration. Impressed by the looks seen throughout, I couldn't help but notice a glossy winter 2024 trend embraced by some of my favourite celebrities on the night.

Stepping out in a rich and lavish shade, Sofia Richie Grainge, Emily Ratajkowski and Yara Shahidi all opted for dresses in an elegant chocolate-brown colour. Wearing hers in a full-coverage, draped design, Richie Grainge let the expensive-looking nature of the colour dominate her evening ensemble. Styling her Saint Laurent gown with gold earrings, a layered gold choker necklace and a spattering of rings and bangles, her outfit is one I would more than happily replicate.

Also styling the dress trend, Ratajkowski stepped out in a vintage off-the-shoulder vintage Donna Karan dress from the brand's autumn/winter 1996 collection. Featuring a drop-waist design consisting of a satin top and a velvet skirt, the dress spoke to several major winter trends whilst appearing timeless and classy thanks to the decadent shade.

Appearing across a number of autumn/winter 2024 runway collections earlier this year, chocolate-brown dresses have been affirmed by designers as a major look for the season ahead. Seen throughout the offerings of Bottega Veneta, Dior, Courrèges, Gucci and many others, refined brown dresses have been on my radar ever since.

Styling a floor-sweeping number in an equally rich hue, actor Yara Shahidi wore a twisted-strap Gucci dress with a halterneck design for the evening occasion. Pairing hers with chic drop earrings and a small selection of rings and bangles, she employed the same less-is-more approach to brown party-dress styling as Richie Grainge and Ratajkowski.

Spotted in Sienna Miller's new Marks & Spencer edit, as well as at Reformation, Zara and & Other Stories, the trend is hard to miss this season. And why would you want to? When it looks this sophisticated, it's no wonder so many stylish people are choosing brown dresses over black this year.

If you're also inspired to shop a trend that ensures the most elegant payoff, read on to discover our edit of the best chocolate-brown party dresses on the market.

SHOP CHOCOLATE-BROWN PARTY DRESSES: