Last night I attended a birthday party with over two-hundred invited guests. The men were in suit and tie while the women were in gowns or short dresses. As I sat at the table observing the dresses that paraded in front of me, it made me realize that holidays are coming. The seasons for weddings, homecomings, and thanksgiving + New Year parties are fast approaching.
Last night´s grand party inspired me to create this list of stunning holiday dresses for a fabulous holiday season.
1. A lace dress
Long sleeve fitted dress by Atria
Lace dress tops my list. It can be a short fitted dress of a long floor-sweeping gown, a hint of lace on a frock speaks of romance. What I like about an above-the-knee fitted dress with lace long sleeves though, is it´s smart and not too overly dressy statement. It´s perfect for dinner dates, family gatherings, or casual-elegant evening affairs.
2. Colorblock + fit-and-flare
Color-Block Dress by Theia
Fit and flare silhouette continues to be a trend. This could be attributed to the dress` feminine look that flatters every type of figure. If you are looking for an elegant + feminine flair, opt for sleeveless fit-and-flare dresses with full skirt that hits just a couple of inches above the knee. The key features that make this color block frock by Theia elegant are its clean lines, serious and tonal colors, and fitted (a little) flare skirt that are not overly bold.
See: 12 Hottest Fit-and-Flare Dresses
3. Business to Cocktail Dress
V-Neck Cocktail Dress by NUE by Shani
Desk-to-date dresses are popular among my creative fashionista readers. These are the dresses that can navigate from the office straight to a dinner date. This holiday season, you don´t have to clear your schedule from business meetings, you can actually hit two birds at once with this cocktail dress which looks powerful for business meetings while glamourous for evening cocktail parties.
4. A hint of retro
Polka Dot Two-Piece Gown by Alchera
When there´s over a hundred dresses parading the party hall, it´s too hard to stand out. No matter how elaborate is your dress; there are just too many elaborate gowns out there. Everyone does their best. The key to making a lasting impression is choosing a dress that is one of a kind, a dress that is unlikely to be duplicated at the party.
I found this Polka Dot Two-Piece Gown by Alchera a really stunning number. The polka dot crop top, with its halter neckline, speaks of retro fashion while its red fish-tail floor-sweeping skirt mirror´s this season´s trumpet silhouette.
5. Embellished
Embellished Jersey Dress by Sticks and Stones by Mori Lee
Scrutinizing over two-hundred outfits from my table last night at the party, it´s the simple but elegant dresses that made an impression on me. Everyone goes for the bold, eye-catching details. But if everyone does it bold, it´s those who take the road less travelled that stands out from the crowd.
Go for a simple (but not too simple) little black dress such as this form fitting frock with boat neck in front and plunging V-cut at the back. The beads detailing breaks the dullness of black. Complete the look with a clean pair of pointed-toe black pumps.
6. The Back Party
Beaded Bateau Neckline Jersey Gown by Tarik Ediz
I first heard of the back-party dress idea from Ann Hathaway during a red carpet event. She wore a designer dress that looked conservative in front but which screamed party at the back. This beaded bateau neckline gown is that kind of dress. You´re fully covered in front, saved the flattering hint of curves, but once you turn your back, all eyes are on you.
7. The Chiffon.
Beaded High Neckline Silky Chiffon Gown by Alyce Jean De Lys
Although it does not top my list as a holiday dress for cold seasons, the chiffon dress will definitely not go anywhere. The long chiffon gowns are still my favorite pick for weddings or for some red-carpet-like evening parties where dramatic dresses are a must. I love how chiffon drapes, swings, or gets blown by the wind.
There are certainly plenty of choices available at MissesDressy when it comes to holiday dresses, but the best dress for you is the one that makes you feel confident and comfortable, and which color and shape flatter your skin tone, your body type, and your height.