The holiday season is here, and that means celebratory gatherings worth dressing up for. Finding the perfect look that says I tried but not too hard or hey, look at me can be tough. Whether you feel at home in shapewear-required styles, or if you prefer to wear something a bit comfier, we’ve got perfect party picks to make you sparkle and shine.
1. Slay Ride
Photo via Free People
Make a killer entrance. This party-ready Rachel Zoe Mauve dress, available at Free People, is a guaranteed showstopper for any soirée. And though it’s pricey, the enviable looks you’ll gather will make it worth every cent. Glimmer in all-over platinum-hued metallic fringe. A gown like this doesn’t need accessories.
2. O Christmas Tree
Photo via Anthropologie
Show off your lovely limbs in this holly-hued Jackie Jumpsuit from Anthropologie. If a gown isn’t your bag, a sleek one piece is the perfect solution. Featuring a high neck, peekaboo keyholes in the front and back, and a tie waist, this outfit proves that sophistication is sexy.
3. You’d Better Not Pout!
Photo via H&M
Basic black gets upgraded when donned with a sequin-embroidered striped skirt in shades of blue, black, peach and copper. At under $100, you’ll get a lot of bang for your buck with this ensemble—especially the draped satin blouse, easily worn in innumerous ways for tons of occasions.
4. Christmas Cutie
Photo via Halston
The lustrous lines of this structured A-line dress by Halston Heritage ensures that your Christmas won’t be blue. This cotton/silk stunner features a high neck, a racerback and a playful tulip skirt. This gown can be worn again and again to cocktail parties, weddings, holiday celebrations and the like.
5. Meet Me Under the Mistletoe
Photo via ModCloth
Enjoy the party! It’s easy to fall in love with this flowy, neutral shift dress from ModCloth, available in sizes up to 2X. Adding a belt at the waist can change up the entire look, as can a glam hair accessory or the right pair of shoes. The bow detail perfectly frames the face, giving off an angelic look, regardless of whether you’re playing naughty or nice.
6. Joy to the World
Photo via Sisters of Nature
The new Sisters of Nature label gives cause for celebration. The brand’s modern boho style is easily wearable and consciously made. Outfitted with burgundy rose lace, the Run Away with Me Maxi gives off a romantic, cool-for-yule vibe that’s effortlessly chic and infinitely versatile in its ability to be dressed up or down.
7. All Wrapped Up
Photo via Kohl’s
The Simply Vera Vera Wang line at Kohl’s features heaps of little-black-dress options at affordable prices in a range of sizes—including plus sizes and petites. Styles like this high-low shirtdress allow for showcasing skin in one area at a time. Add a red lip and a great piece of jewelry, and you’ll be party-ready in a pinch!
8. ‘Tis the Season
Photo via Tracy Reese
This is the little red dress that could—perfect for the holidays, date night, Valentine’s Day and beyond. Flared sleeves and a zig-zag hemline make for a unique cut on the lace dress from Plenty by Tracy Reese. It’s easy to be holiday-ready when you adorn yourself in such a festive hue.
9. Glitzy Glam
Photo via The Reformation
This season, crank up the heavy metal in the Adeline dress in Virgo by Reformation, a brand that makes “killer clothes that don’t kill the environment.” You’ll be comfortable and glam in this easy-fit, super sexy, ankle-length gown that’s guaranteed to make jaws drop and heads turn.
10. All I Want for Christmas
Photo via Free People
Romantic, plush and extra femme—Free People’s Medusa Midi Dress has it all. Patterned velvet, vented sleeves and a plunging neckline exude confidence. Embrace your inner gold-dust woman as you tinsel up that tree.
Emily Davidson Nemoy is a freelance writer based in Nashville, Tenn. When she’s not at her computer or on her yoga mat, she can be found at live music venues happily spending her excess cash on concert tickets.