December is a month full of dress-up parties and family gatherings, a month where it seems like every girl has an excuse to either break out those fancy dresses and high heels that she just knew some day would come in handy or hit the shops to find the perfect holiday outfit. To make sure you stand out no matter the occasion, you have to wear the right dress to the right function, and we’ve got some tips on how to do it.
First, answer these three questions:
1. Where are you going?
2. Family dinner
3. Friend’s party
4. What’s your style?
- classic
- daring
- girly
3. What’s your budget?
- Don’t have one!
- The cheaper the better!
Now, all you have to do is use your answers to find the perfect dress for you, and if you don’t see anything you like, the websites where the dresses are from have tons of other options that make it easy to find a dress no matter your style.
SPLURGE: FAMILY DINNER
If you’re going to splurge at a family dinner, you want to make sure you are getting a dress you can wear again, because we all know outfits can be repeated if you only wore them around your family. You want to make sure to go for a less revealing and more conventional dress that is still cute, fun and most importantly, your style. Here are some classic, daring and girly options…
1. Classic
What: Autumn Velvet Print Dress
By: Alice & Olivia
Cost: $396
Where: Saks Fifth Avenue
http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374306418048&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446431613&R=885130340185&P_name=Alice+and+Olivia&N=306418048+4294909785+399545540&bmUID=jg4cdWV
2. Daring
What: Wild Spike Dress
By: Keepsake
Cost: $150
Where: Nasty Gal
http://www.nastygal.com/clothes%2Ddresses/wild%2Dspike%2Ddress
3. Girly
What: Dancing Pretty Velvet Dress
By: Free People
Cost: $128
Where: Free People
http://www.freepeople.com/clothes-dresses/dancing-pretty-velvet-dress/productOptionIDS/7F23D21C-4541-42F8-ABB9-FC59F8846481/
SAVE-FAMILY DINNER
One of the best things about the holidays is that there are so many dresses to chose from, and for those of us who would rather spend our money on holiday gifts than dresses, have no fear, stores like Forever21, H&M and Nasty Gal are here to help. So for family-appropriate holiday dresses on a budget, here’s three looks under $50.
1. Classic
What: Taffeta Party Dress
By: Forever21
Cost: $15
Where: Forever21
http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=Promo_Holiday_Specials&ProductID=2087534072&VariantID=054
2. Daring
What: Lace Maxi Dress
By: Forever21
Cost: $27.80
Where: Forever21
http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=dress&ProductID=2000023500&VariantID=
3. Girly
What: Petals at Your Pleat Dress
By: ModCloth
Cost: $47.99
Where: www.ModCloth.com
http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/petals-at-your-pleat-dress
SPLURGE: FRIEND’S PARTY
When you’re going out to a friend’s party, the dress code becomes a lot more fun and carefree. Of course you want to look your best, but when you’re not attending a formal family function, you can break out the body conscious mini dresses and the cut out looks. This season’s holiday dresses are all about unique angles and fun patterns, so don’t be afraid to make a statement.
1. Classic
What: Sequin Sway Dress
By: Free People
Cost: $258
Where: Free People
http://www.freepeople.com/clothes-dresses/sequin-sway-dress/productOptionIDS/B075318A-4CE8-403C-90AB-69F77886252D/
2. Daring
What: Gold Leaf Dress
By: Nasty Gal
Cost: $78
Where: www.nastygal.com
http://www.nastygal.com/clothes%2Ddresses/gold%2Dleaf%2Ddress
3. Girly
What: Aren’t You Precious Dress
By: ModCloth
Cost: $84.99
Where: www.ModCloth.com
http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/aren-t-you-precious-dress-in-ruby
SAVE: FRIEND’S PARTY
For ladies who have jammed their calendars full with holiday parties this season and don’t want to be labeled an “outfit repeater,” the best way to go is to get several dresses for reasonable prices. The same rule applies even on a budget: Friend’s parties are the best times to rock sequin, body conscious and mini dresses that you wouldn’t normally wear during other seasons.
1. Classic
What: Pleated Corset Dress
By: American Eagle
Cost: $49.50
Where: American Eagle
http://www.ae.com/web/browse/product.jsp?productId=0394_9602_634&catId=cat1320034
2. Daring
What: Right Angles Dress
By: Nasty Gal
Cost: $48
Where: www.nastygal.com
http://www.nastygal.com/clothes%2Ddresses/right%2Dangles%2Ddress%2D%2Dblack%2Dlace
3. Girly
What: Lace Overlay Dress
By: Forever21
Cost: $28.90
Where: Forever21
http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=dress&ProductID=2000030327&VariantID=