Get Dressed for the Holidays - In Lace, Sparkles, You Name It

One of my favorite times of year is upon us – the one that grants us permission to throw our arms down in dramatic despair and shriek: “I have absolutely nothing to wear to this holiday party! I hate everything in this closet!”

And then, miraculously, this season allows us to justify the purchase of several holiday party dresses as “investments.”

"My boss will be there."

"I have to impress that guy I like."

"I will not give my mother-in-law a reason to criticize the way I’m dressed like she did last year."

And on and on.

So with a festive, alcohol fueled, “It’s so depressing outside anyway I deserve this,” spirit, I took myself shopping for holiday party dresses – work parties, house parties, caroling parties, Christmas eve parties, New Years parties, you name it.

*** 

243 Smith Street

I found some very glamorous dresses at Lucia - sexy, sparkly, lacy dresses that are perfect for a fancy cocktail party. These dresses are made to impress, to show off a little, to vamp it up. They would also serve you well on New Years Eve with their celebratory kind of flash.

Ark & Co. black sparkle mini, $95

Perfect for New Years Eve or a fun cocktail party, this little black dress is covered in glittery sparkles. Strapless, it has a nice twisted knot detail under the bust.

Ark and Co. black dress with lace draped top, $118

Elegant and simple, this dress has a “blouse and skirt” kind of look, which is a great way to be dressed up without looking like you’re going to a ball. The keyhole back is a tasteful way to show some skin.

Ark and Co. Midnight drape dress, $108

This is a beautiful midnight blue/purple dress that feels a bit satiny. There are lovely subtle waves in the fabric. This is a nice way to wear a little color. I love the very large and open armholes.

Plum black lace dress with ruching, $168

I think my favorite is this black lace dress with nude shell and ruched sides made by Plum. The folded scoop neck is classically sexy. This dress is seductive without being too overt. It’s old Hollywood glam, especially with waved hair and red lipstick.

*** 

216 Court Street

I always see things I want at Teddy, even though at first glance I would assume their clothing is too conservative for me. But in fact, Teddy carries really stylish and unique pieces for very reasonable prices. I found a wide range of possible party frocks during my visit to the store, from bandage bodycon little black dresses to more casual (but very festive) swing coats and velvet blazers with tails.

See You Monday black lace dress, $68

I am crazy about this dress. It is one of my favorite cuts – full short skirt, cinched waist, long sleeves. The skirt is overlayed with triangles of alternating lace and sheer black. I saw a photo of a French actress recently who was wearing a Chanel dress just like this. In my book there is nothing sexier than black lace sleeves. Nothing.

BB Dakota black velvet blazer, $98

This is an amazing blazer – supple velvet in a black that is so complex it almost looks blue, with fantastic conductor tails in the back. This jacket would look great over dresses and pants alike. When the holidays are over you can even wear it with jeans, though I love the idea of it over the See You Monday black lace dress. Unique, yet classic.

Luii cheetah half sleeve swing coat, $148

Channeling The Factory circa the 1960s….this swing coat is awesome. Wear it over anything and you’ve got yourself a holiday outfit.

Ark and Co. knee length pleat skirt, $88

I love the idea of these two pieces together: the gold, the mustard, the buttons and pleats. It feels very David Bailey 1960s to me. I find the two yellows worn together to be very stylish, perhaps with an ivory or black blouse. The warmth of these colors is also very festive - and you won't look like a big red Christmas ornament.

BB Dakota bandage bodycon dress, $98

Bodycon dresses are great because they suck you in so tight you’ll feel like a marble statue rather than Randy’s mashed potato sculpture from A Christmas Story. The stripes of mesh on the back of this dress are a nice detail, as are the mesh cutouts at the front of the shoulders.

***

113 Smith Street

I have been getting more and more into this store (please call me, Stevie). Although Free People tends to cater to a younger crowd, I found some quite simple and classy pieces that would wear well to a holiday house party or to Christmas dinner with family. They also have a lot of winter white, which can be a lovely choice amidst so much formal black that exists out there in womenswear.

Ivory lace dress with beading, $148

Although very similar to the black See You Monday dress at Teddy, this dress is a bit more Victorian ice skater than film noir vamp. It also features beautiful white beading along the torso. I see this dress as less cocktail party than caroling party – how lovely it would be with thick stockings and lace-up boots!

Ivory cap sleeve mini, $128

This dress is like an ice sculpture – ivory ruching, a low scoop back and shimmering icicle-like delicate beading framing the shoulders and back. A very versatile dress – dress it up with a little stole and high heals, dress it down with opaque black tights.

Red short-sleeve eyelet dress, $138

I like this dress for a simple holiday get-together, or maybe a work party. It’s made out of cotton, with pretty eyelet fabric on the top, with a cumberbun and girly skirt. And let’s face it, red is always hot.

Red embellished dress, $138

This is a sexy bodycon mini dress with a bohemian flair to it. Applique embellishments and iridescent beading make it lush and interesting. The back is mesh with an exposed zipper. I think this dress is super cool – a cocktail dress with an edge.

***

At the end of the day, this truly is my favorite time of year. After all, there is nothing better than putting on a pretty dress, grabbing a glass (bottle) of wine, and surrounding yourself with the people you love.