10 Holiday Dresses for Every Party on Your List
By Ingrid Schmidt
Festive frocks for every holiday soiree, from the office party to New Year's Eve.
Pretty Polka-Dots
Flirt alert! This charming little polka dot dress in the season's favorite lipstick-red shade may appear innocent, but don't be deceived. With a mini cut and coy keyhole back, it's ready to vamp it up at a cocktail soiree (simply add fierce black heels) yet looks equally cute going out to brunch with the girls. And how sweet is that velvet bow sash?
Get it now: Juicy Couture silk polka dot dress, $248 at juicycouture.com
All Laced Up
One part sweet and one part sexy, this one-shoulder frock is our pick for a magically romantic date night out with a husband, boyfriend or love interest. The season's on-trend lace looks incredible in midnight blue, with the luxury treatment of all-over beaded shimmer. P.S. If you have any holiday wedding invites, this dress is the answer.
Get it now: Jessica Simpson one-shoulder lace dress, $148 at jessicasimpsoncollection.com
Red-hot Frock
'Tis the season to revel in red. Scarlet happens to be the hottest hue around, and it looks instantly festive. This little black dress alternative is perfect for dinner with the in laws or in laws-to-be by simply throwing a cardigan over the top. The crisp tailoring is classic, yet the oversize bow makes a whimsical statement. And how much do we love the comfy, slimming two-way stretch fabric?
Get it now: Spiegel strapless red tie dress, $229 at spiegel.com
A Little Leopard
Go for all-out glitz in this standout dress at a formal holiday affair with family or a New Year's Eve dinner date. The retro-inspired, full-skirted halter silhouette is as girly as it gets, yet it's reinvented with feisty attitude in leopard-patterned metallic chiffon. Tone down the high shine with unfussy accessories.
Get it now: J.Crew metallic leopard chiffon 'Sinclair' dress, $325 at jcrew.com
Perfect Party Dress
Tall girls need holiday party dresses, too, and this softly draped frock in glowing yellowy-green satin is just waiting for invitations to wine and dine. Decorated with a glamorous beaded side panel, all it really needs are killer heels (or flats)-proportions are specially designed to fit the enviously long-legged figures of ladies 5'8" and up.
Get it now: Long Tall Sally embellished stretch satin dress, $155 at longtallsally.com
Every-Occasion Chic
You just can't go wrong in a fool-proof, perfect-for-every-last-party little black dress. We love this one's of-the-moment peplum detailing (to visually minimize the waist) and built-in bra cups that make dressing that much easier. Add holiday excitement with a ruby clutch and heels or glimmery metallic accents; for buttoned-up occasions, layer on a jacket.
Get it now: Jessica Simpson strapless peplum dress, $148 at jessicasimpsoncollection.com
Crimson Corset
This flirty satin minidress is all about a hot holiday date (and clandestine kisses under the mistletoe). You're sure to be all curves, as the corset top has strategically placed seaming, shaped cups and inner boning to give the girls an added boost. A demure, accordion-pleated skirt softens the look, so it's simultaneously naughty and nice.
Get it now: American Eagle Outfitters pleated satin corset dress, $49.50 ae.com
A Friend in Tweed…
Talk about combining business with pleasure. Just in time for the office holiday party, the tweed sheath dress gets a festive makeover, woven with metallic threads and trimmed with leather-like sequins. The touches of understated shimmer toe the line of fun, but not over-the-top. Wear it with a black jacket to work; then add crimson lipstick and heels and you're set for after-hours mingling.
Get it now: Newport News embellished tweed dress, $139 at newport-news.com
Velveteen Habit
Opulent velvet is what to wear right now, and this plush dress in rich plum (also in silver, black and cranberry) is a perfect fit for the kids' Christmas pageant, a family get-together, or any other seasonal event where comfort is key. We adore the pretty beaded tie belt and the cozy-casual cowl-neck cut. It's just so right for half the occasions on our calendar.
Get it now: American Glamour Badgley Mischka velvet cowl-neck dress, $99 at hsn.com
Chic Cobalt
Cobalt is the season's most-wanted jewel hue, and this polished one-shoulder dress with classic Grecian-inspired pleating is a brilliant choice for any number of holiday nights out. Frothy silk chiffon and a flouncy skirt practically beg for an evening of music and dancing. We suggest pairing it with tickets to The Nutcracker or a country club party that calls for waltzing.
Get it now: J. Crew one-shoulder silk chiffon " Lucienne" dress, $235 at jcrew.com
Check out iVillage.com for 10 more statement-making party dresses.
More from iVillage.com:
In Stores Right Now: Versace For H&M!
Bold Baubles, Killer Heels and More Stuff We Love
Beauty Products We Can't Wait to Try
