Five Holiday Party Dresses to Start the Season Off Right
Winter is fast approaching, and you know what that means – it’s almost time for holiday parties!
With all of the fun events around the corner, it’s time to start shopping for holiday party dresses. Below, I’ve found five holiday party-perfect dresses to fit any style, plus included some tips on how to wear them.
Look #1
Tights – Clutch – Dress – Necklace – Shoes
Be bold and striking in a red dress this holiday season. Red is a great go-to color if you’re bored of the typical little black dress and are looking to mix it up. Heart-print tights are another great switch-up: try these out instead of a plain black pair to instantly improve your look.
Look #2
Jacket – Shoes – Dress – Belt – Clutch – Ring
A pretty frock with a sheer, patterned overlay is absolutely perfect for a glam party look. Add a fleece-trimmed jacket to make your ensemble edgy and cold-weather appropriate. If you’re not feeling a pair of pumps, patent bow flats – like these from J.Crew – are a great alternative to heels.
Look #3
Belt – Shoes – Socks – Dress – Earrings - Bag – Headband
Looking for a little black dress? For winter, velvet is the fabric of choice – it always stands out from the crowd, and it’ll keep you from freezing all night long! Plus, the glitter spots on this Topshop dress make it even more party-appropriate. Finally, channel your inner Blair Waldorf by adding white knee socks and a headband.
Look #4
Bag – Bracelet - Dress – Necklace – Socks – Shoes
The skater dress is such a fun choice for winter – on or off the ice! This floral lace number from Free People makes a great holiday party dress for all different kinds of gatherings – its pattern is fresh and its sleeves will keep you warm. Try a vintage-inspired chain purse and lace-up ankle booties to add a unique touch to your outfit.
Look #5
Cuff – Bag – Dress – Lipstick – Shoes – Bracelets
If you’re determined to make a statement at your holiday party, a sequin dress is the way to go. This one from Topshop is super rad and so not for a wallflower – it’s gold and uber sparkly, so you’ll be sure to turn a few heads! Be even more daring with a leopard print bag and some sky-high booties.
What about you?
Do you have a go-to holiday party outfit? Any dresses or trends you’re dying to try out for holiday party season? Would you wear any of these looks? Let us know by leaving a comment!
Posted on on November 16, 2011 / Filed Under: Shopping / Tags: Clothing, Dresses, Fashion Inspiration, Holiday, Holiday Party, Holidays, Inspiration, Outfits, parties, Party, party dresses, Shopping, Tips, Winter
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Lana
Love the dress in look #4. I’ve been looking for a skater dress everywhere but I never seem to find one. :(
Aleks
I like this blog! Thanks!
Elaine
Look 2 and Look 4 are not my usual thing but I really love them! Really like the jacket in look 2 and dress for look 4!
Monica
Wow, these were all too expensive for me. How about a similar post with dresses under 50 or 100? Cos 200+ for one dress just isn’t gonna cut it… Great inspiration, though, just not at all affordable.
shaina
i like these looks, but i wish that the dresses didn’t all have such similar silhouettes…the dresses in the middle three are all basically the same, and two of the looks feature knee socks. that being said, i love look 2 and look 4–i wish i could buy all the items featured!
Mildred
All these dresses are so expensive. This is supposed to be a college fashion blog. Who in college (besides trustfund babies) has enough extra money to blow two hundred dollars on a dress that will be worn a could of times. I certainly don’t
Jenny in Jacquard
I agree with Shaina that all of the dresses have similar silhouettes. I would’ve loved to see a little more variety, but the long-sleeves are definitely weather appropriate. I’ve never been much of a long-sleeves dress kind of gal, but the dresses you selected inspire me to get out of my comfort zone and give it a whirl.
shaina
@Mildred
I agree, these dresses are expensive. However, the dresses shown are just examples–look for similar ones in f21 or h and m or something. Or, better yet, go to buffalo exchange or plato’s closet or goodwill or whatever thrift stores are in your area. Chances are you’ll find good, cheap clothes that are of the quality of the 200$ dresses above.
Caitlin
I really like these looks, especially 2 and 4, but I wish you had included a longer dress. The next holiday party I’m going to is military and it’s inappropriate to wear such short dresses (even though I’m a huge fan of long sleeved minis). Hopefully I can find some cute look alikes since these are kind of pricey!
Erica
I love every look!
Allison
I love these dresses, I’m obsessed with this kind of silhouette. But can we have some more budget friendly options, please?
Ashley
The first dress is my favorite- it looks like it could easily be dressed down and worn to class with some leggings/tights. Cute!
Shelly
Haha, I guess I must just really like your style because I was blown away by each look. Never tried long-sleeve dresses, but with my reactions to your outfits, it looks like I have to :)
Also, loved the heart-print tights idea!
Marisa
Yeah! Party dresses season has started :) I love all the looks, but especially #2 and 4. They’re edgy and sexy yet chic. Super for inspiration! Thank you!!
C
Great post! All of these dresses are so pretty and perfect for winter. But I’d have to say #2 is my favorite and #3 and #4 are tied for a close second! ;)
Cortney
#4 is easily my favorite! :) All the looks are really cute thought.
Jess
I really love #4 and #2. They are so cute!!!!!! :)
Paula*
Loving dress number four! I’ll definitely be on the look out for something similar :)
Elyse
I love look number 5. The sparkly dress and the red lipstick is perfect for the holidays! I couldn’t think of New Years any other way :)
Cara
These looks are all simultaneously very girly and very edgy. Love the mix of accessories, kneesocks, and the ever-elusive long sleeve dress!
Mai
The dress in outfit 5 is my absolute favorite! I would order it right away, if it was in my price range. . .
kelsey
NOW this is why I love the holidays! :) Just the whole atmosphere, the food, the music, the memories… and of course, the outfits! Can’t decide whether I like the first outfit or the fourth… I would wear both to a party! =)
kelsey
Now, this is why I love the holidays! :) Just the whole atmosphere, the food, the music, the memories… and of course, the outfits! Can’t decide whether I like the first outfit or the fourth… I would wear both to a party! =)
Jodie
number #1 is definitely my favorite look! but the look in number 5 seems a bit flashy for my liking, not to mention expensive. and the dress shown is out of stock now.
Adie L
Love these outfit suggestions! Especially the last sparkly Topshop dress!
Christina
I have the dress in #4! so awesome, now i know how to wear it! :) thanks cf
Hannah
i’m lovinnggg all these party outfit ideas posts! always need help with party outfits :) x
pez089
i LOVE the dress in look #2, sadly i cannot find it on the link that you provided. Any other suggestions?