Whether a job promotion or simply a good hair day, there’s no shortage of reasons to celebrate, so keeping a chic party dress in the closet is a must. Elle.com can help you choose from modern styles in shimmering fabrics and playful accents, which are sure to make you the life of the party.

Los Angeles celebrity stylist Ali Marie Khan encourages clients to take chances when purchasing the perfect party dress. “Go bold, for instance, with details like ruffles, off the shoulder, one shoulder, or backless,” Khan says. Take color cues from Sarah Jessica Parker’s hot pink strapless dress or Drew Barrymore’s bright purple dress. Bows are big too, as Gossip Girl’s Leighton Meester proved in a blue silk Prabal Gurung dress.

Parties are the ideal time to show off the art of the designer dress. Sumptuous fabrics and creative cuts combine for a stunning entrance, with design details adding a sophisticated wow factor. Designers take different approaches to their carefully crafted looks. Carolina Herrera adds sequins and embroidery to a basic v-neck dress, while Christian Dior’s dresses feature free-flowing pleats and bows. A designer dress can also be daring, with styles by Lanvin incorporating unconventional details such as draw-strings, gold lame’ and gathered satin. Dramatic draping worked for Hilary Swank at the premiere of Amelia Earhart. She slipped into a green gown from Vionnet’s resort 2010 collection.

A girl needs options and Khan suggests women have at least three party dresses ready for any occasion.

“There’s nothing worse than having an incredible event to go to, and having to go buy a dress last minute and in a hurry. Chances are you will not love the dress, and you will still have paid a fortune for it because you needed one pronto,” Khan said.

So when that Evite lands in your inbox or a gilded invitation arrives at your door, simply go to your closet where your party dress awaits.