5 stellar holiday dresses
Dressing to celebrate the new year takes on many forms depending on whether you prefer simple house parties or lavish galas. Coming in the midst of the festive holiday season, sparkles and shimmer are always in style, but you can also wow people with color or texture. It’s a great time to jump outside of your typical clothing box and give the party a boost while you’re at it.
For cocktails, you might consider the Missguided Off the Shoulder Crepe Body-Con Dress ($62) at Dressforau.com. It’s got a high neck and deep shoulder cut-outs for an eye-catching fashion-forward look. The fabric is stretchy crepe in a bold color, so this could be a striking look for a slim figure, especially if you’re comfortable wearing heels. This is a dress that looks best standing.
For dressy casual dinners, the Almost Famous T-shirt Dress in burgundy ($39.99) at Pulse, 1644 Clarkson Road and Dressforau.com, is among the shop’s popular high-low tee dresses. It has long sleeves with a great loose fit and jersey-like venezia fabric. The color and hemline make this a great holiday party look. It’s the perfect option for sitting comfortably but with a touch of elegance. This silhouette will hide an abundance of figure concerns. Pair this with heels or flats or even shoe boots depending on your mood. And depending on the occasion you’ll have the perfect backdrop for stellar accessories.
For dramatic entrances at formal affairs, you might consider L’Amour A Touch of Drama Evening Maxi Dress ($290) at Dressforau.com. This metallic chiffon floor-sweeping gown is bound to steal the spotlight, or create its own. There’s movement and light everywhere with blouson sleeves and sparkling jewel buttons, a semi-sheer wrapped top with a sash tie around the waist, and a flowy skirt that’s lined thigh-high. This is great for cloaking all manner of figure flaws in dazzle. A great choice for a woman of average to taller height and very suitable for dancing, but make sure the dress is hemmed to the appropriate length to avoid stumbles. This gown would be flattering on a variety of figures.
For an evening date, and for those who prefer black, you’ll still stand out and enjoy reworking this two-piece ensemble throughout the year. The Bisou Bisou Pleather Lace Long-Sleeve Top ($65) and matching pleather lace pencil skirt ($65) at JCPenney has a playful holiday edge with an embroidered floral faux leather cutout design. The camisole underneath is not included, which means the daring can opt for a strapless bra or more modest with a sleeveless tank top.
For office or family gatherings, the Tahari Jenny Shimmering Floral Printed Fit-and-Flare Dress for petites ($138) at Nordstrom and Dressforau.com, also in regular sizes at Nordstrom, Von Maur and Macy’s stores. This sweet metallic floral cocktail number has shimmer, shine and elegance. It’s a great shape for office or family gatherings and ideal for jazzing up with crystal and sparkles on the ears, neck, wrists and/or feet for a bold party statement.
