Ask Belle: Holiday Cocktail Dresses

Hi Belle!

Can you suggest some dresses for holiday parties?  I bought one that you recommended last year, and it was perfect.  Since I’ll only be wearing the dress a few times, I need to spend less than $150.  I’d prefer to spend less than $100.

Thank you. Love your blog!  J

The end of year party season celebrates the accomplishments of the past and the hope for the future.  It gives us all a chance to look beyond the humdrum and inject a bit of fun and glamour back into our lives.  So let’s don our best apparel, spend a little extra time perfecting our eyeliner, and make lasting memories.

AQUA Metallic Crinkle Dress ($98) // Savannah Cut-Out Dress ($71) // Vince Camuto Lace Inset Sheath ($138) 

Party Dresses.  If you’re looking for a fun, flirty party dress, then you have come to the right place.  This crinkled dress from Bloomingdale’s is lovely.  It also comes in a metallic black.

I also love this fit-and-flare dress in a bright holiday red for that “all-in on the holiday” feel.  This metallic strapless dress would look lovely under a white tuxedo jacket.  And if you’re looking for something modern, this sheath dress with sculpted straps is awesome.

And if you’re looking for a dress that epitomizes Audrey Hepburn, this blush and black frock from Limited is it (also in petites).

Plus-size? I love this sparkling, silver Bettie Page dress.  Petite?  This open back dress with a cheeky bow is a lot of fun.

Relaxed Dresses. Not every holiday get-together is a glamorous event.  What do you wear to a non-cocktail, but not casual dinner?  I love this long-sleeve dress with small cut-outs in the back.  This Gabby Skye geo-print dress is another good choice.  This Adrianna Papell dotted short sleeve dress is lovely, as is this white Calvin Klein dress with a puff-sleeve and black belt.

Want a little glamour?  The deep plunge neckline on this long sleeve sheath can definitely give you that.

Plus-size? This fit and flare dress in midnight blue is a great choice.

Work-Event Dresses.  I like the long, lace sleeves on this Vince Camuto dress for a work event with a conservative clientele.  But I get so tired of black, so I also found this ABS lace dress in emerald-green and this navy VLabel tulip skirt dress has such glamour to it.  This sleeveless berry-colored dress from ASOS also caught my eye.

Prefer neutrals?  Try this midi-length dove grey dress from ASOS, or this navy, open-back dress with black sequins from Kay Unger.

Plus-size?  This BB Dakota dress with a scalloped lace sleeve is great.  Petite? This emerald-green surplice dress from Ralph Lauren is awesome.